Deciding which skincare products to invest in can feel overwhelming. There are many skincare routines to choose from, some simple and others involving 10 steps.
Even the most basic skincare routine typically includes a facial cleanser, toner, serum, sunscreen, and moisturizer. While the functions of moisturizer or cleanser are obvious, toner is a bit more complicated. Toner clears your skin of any extra oil or buildup and can help with hydration, acne, and skin pH.
Toner is a light, diluted liquid applied after a facial cleanser. Its job is togently refresh your skin without stripping it of its natural moisture. It can act as a second cleansing agent while also soothing your skin.
Washing your skin with a face wash can disrupt your skin's pH balance, which can cause some irritation. Toner may contain different acids that can help balance your skin's pH—ultimately reducing that irritation.
The acids in toner can also act as chemical exfoliants, removing any extra dead skin cells or other debris that might build up. Toner also has hydrating ingredients, which makes it a good second step in a skincare routine.
Benefits of Using Toner
Although toner is not a necessary part of every skincare routine, using it can offer several benefits, especially if you deal with dry skin or other skincare concerns like acne.
Hydrates skin
Toner can help cleanse your skin without drying it out. Many toners offer the first burst of hydration your skin receives after you wash your face. One study showed that participants who used a five-step skincare routine, including toner, had much more hydrated skin after four weeks than those who followed a simpler routine.
Toners can include ingredients like glycerin and hyaluronic acid, among other hydrating ingredients. Glycerin is known to help skin retain moisture, especially in high concentrations.
Balances Your Skin's pH Balance
The skin on your face is very delicate. Washing it with soap or even just water can easily heighten its pH, which can have negative impacts. Toner can help lower your skin's pH to a healthier level, ensuring you have a brighter complexion overall.
May Help Clear Up Acne
Using a toner after washing your face can help eliminate any excess oil the face wash might not have picked up. This is especially helpful for people with oilier skin, as excess oil can cause breakouts.
Toners usually include hydroxy acids, like salicylic, glycolic, or lactic acids. These acids can act as chemical exfoliants and help purge dead skin, renewing the skin barrier, reducing acne, and preventing breakouts.
Many toners also contain anti-inflammatory ingredients, such as witch hazel. Using toner with anti-inflammatory products can help get rid of existing acne and prevent breakouts from popping up.
Anyone can use toner. To ensure you get the right toner, you should identify your specific needs when looking for a product. Toner has benefits for people dealing with a variety of skin issues.
The anti-inflammatory and exfoliating properties of toner may benefit people with oily, easily irritated skin.
It can also offer extra moisture, making it a great option for people with dry skin. In general, having a multistep skincare routine that includes toner can be helpful to anyone who's looking to improve the appearance of their skin.
How To Use Toner
You should apply toner after washing your face and before applying moisturizers, eye creams, or sunscreen. If you have a skincare routine with multiple steps, check for any interactions with ingredients in your products before application.
You can apply a thin layer of toner in the morning and night. Make sure to test out what works for you.
If you want to add a toner to your skincare routine, look for products made for your skin type, whether oily, dry, or combination. You can narrow your search even further by understanding what you're trying to achieve, whether it's hydration or acne control.
If you're looking to brighten up your complexion, try a toner that contains ingredients like licorice root or vitamin C.
Botanical ingredients are also growing more popular within the skincare industry. Products containing witch hazel may have helpful anti-inflammatory or anti-acne properties.
Potential Side Effects of Toner
People with sensitive skin or conditions like rosacea might want to avoid toner because it can potentially irritate their skin. Potential side effects due to irritation include exacerbated redness and itchiness.
Toner is a versatile product that you can implement into your skincare routine. It offers a range of benefits, from controlling your acne to brightening up your complexion.
If you choose to use toner, it's best to apply it after washing your face because it helps rebalance your skin's pH and offers a great base for any other products you choose to use.
