All You Need To Know About Toners
The unknown reason behind this skincare step
Skincare | September 21, 2021
Toners are known as the second step in a simple skincare routine. For decades it was marketed to us that first, you start with a facial cleanser. After that, you follow up with a toner and end with a moisturizer.
Many of us still follow this three-step process, but most have either expanded the number of steps or completely changed the routine.
Now you will find out the real reason, why people used to use toners and why they are used now. With that information, you should know how to apply toner and what ingredients you should look out for based on your skin type.
The History of Toners
Most of us have used toners before, but those toners are not the same toners on the market today. In the past, toners had a high amount of denatured alcohol because most facial cleansers had alkaline properties, which could disrupt your skin’s pH balance.
Your skin is naturally more acidic, so the toner is supposed to bring your skin back to the correct pH level.
Note: It is best to keep your skin pH level stable because it plays a role in keeping your skin barrier function strong. A healthy skin barrier will help keep moisture in and reduce irritation.
Skincare in the past was also about getting that squeaky-clean feeling, and using a toner after your face wash will do just that. This may be gross, but have you ever wiped your skin with a cotton pad with a toner soaked into it and saw dirt on your cotton pad.
If so, you will be surprised to find out that what you saw wasn’t dirt. It was actually your skin’s natural oils that had oxidized and turned grey. So, the idea that the purpose of using a toner is to remove extra dirt from your skin is untrue.
If anything, these toners would seriously dry out your skin and, as a result, will make the skin increase oil production and cause more breakouts. This was definitely a vicious, unnecessary cycle.
What Is A Toner Today
Today toners are completely different because most of them are alcohol-free. Although many of them are alcohol-free, some of them also contain astringent properties.
Toners are not like serums, so they can’t address every skin concern, but they are not only used for treating acne and oily skin. Toners may look like water, but today they are used more as a primer for the following steps in your skincare routine.
There are mainly two types of toners today:
- Exfoliating toners – usually contains AHAs such as glycolic or lactic acid (great for oily skin)
- Hydrating toners – contains glycols, glycerin, and plant extracts (great for dry skin)
Benefits of Adding a Toner to Your Skincare Routine
There are some benefits to using a toner since most contain acids, antioxidants, glycerin, and anti-inflammatories.
Toners can also penetrate the skin quickly, which helps remove dead skin cells off the skin surface, and quick hydration causing your skin to have a glowy effect. On top of those positives, using a toner brings the skin back to its natural acidic state. This helps the skin absorb other skincare products better.
How To Use a Toner
Toners are always used after your facial cleanser, and it is used every day, twice a day. If you double cleanse (which you should), then you will use it after your second cleanse so your skin can receive any beneficial ingredients. As for timing, it is best to use it no later than a minute after cleansing.
Tip: After washing your face, apply the toner while the skin is still wet so that the molecules penetrate the skin better.
For hydrating toners like essences, softeners, or lotions, you can apply these types of toners a little later in the routine. You would use this type of toner and then apply any thick moisturizer on top of the toner to seal in the moisture.
After you applied, your toner, you can continue with other products used to treat a skin concern.
Ways To Apply a Toner
There are mainly three ways to apply a toner to your face:
- Sprinkle some toner into your hands and tap it onto your skin
- Add it onto a cotton pad and wipe it around your face working outwards
- Put the toner in a clean spray bottle and mist it over your face and pat it in
There is an out-of-the-box technique you can use if your going for maximum hydration, and it is called the “7 Skin Method”. With this technique, you apply the toner in seven small layers.
Finding the Right Toner For Your Skin Type
Acne-prone and Oily Skin
Use a toner that will help remove excess oil from your skin without drying it out. If you have large pores, then you will need a toner that will remove the dead skin cells that builds up around them to help you minimize the size of your pores.
Ingredients To Look For
- Zinc (to minimize shine and pores)
- Witch hazel
- Green tea water (to help nourish the skin)
- AHAs (to remove dead skin)
- BHAs (to remove excess oil from your skin)
Dry Skin
For dry skin, you would want a toner to help hydrate and soothe your skin.
Ingredients To Look For
- Fermented yeast (to hydrate the skin)
- Amino acids
- Green tea
- Hyaluronic acid
- Glycerin
- Aloe
- Chamomile (to soothe the skin)
- Calendula
- Cucumber
Dull Skin
You will need a toner that will brighten the skin. Keep in mind when looking for a toner, make sure you avoid any toners that have alcohol listed as one of the first five ingredients.
Ingredients To Look For
- Papaya extracts
- AHAs (to remove dead skin cells and increase cell turnover)
- Vitamin C (to brighten the skin)
Sensitive Skin
For sensitive skin, you will need a toner with calming ingredients.
Ingredients To Look For
- Green tea
- Aloe
- Chamomile (to soothe the skin)
- Calendula
- Cucumber
Mature Skin
You will want a toner that will hydrate the skin and improve its elasticity so that your skin can lock in moisture better.
Ingredients To Look For
- Antioxidants
- Glycerin
- Hyaluronic acid (to hydrate the skin)
- Rosewater
- Sodium PCA
- Lecithin
- Retinol
- Peptides (to stimulate loose or wrinkled skin)
Should You Add a Toner To Your Skincare Routine
Toners are not necessary for an effective skincare routine. You can use a serum or a chemical exfoliate if your goal is to target a specific skin concern. These products will have more of an effect compared to a toner.
With that being said, if you are currently using a toner in your routine, then continue to use it. Also, there is a chance you may find the right toner that will make a noticeable difference for your skin and/or your skincare routine.
Takeaways
It is better to know the purpose of a skincare step than to blindly add it into your routine, and that is why you need this information.
Thankfully toners are not made the way they used to be, and now they can be used by all skin types. Many toners are mainly used as a primer after washing your face, which is perfect. Now, with whatever method you use to apply your toner, make sure you buy one that has the necessary ingredients you need.
