What Does Toner Do? Here’s Why Your Skin Needs It! What Does Toner Do? Here’s Why Your Skin Needs It!

What Does Toner Do? Here’s Why Your Skin Needs It!

Did you know that 61% of UK women aged 18-59 include facial toner in their skincare routine? That is due to the beneficial effects that this simple addition to your skincare routine can make. A facial toner is a liquid product designed to be applied after cleansing and before moisturizing. It's often used to balance the skin’s pH levels, remove any leftover impurities, and prep your skin for better absorption of other skincare products.

What is a Toner?

A facial toner is a liquid skincare product designed to remove excess makeup, oil, and dirt from your skin after cleansing. Modern formulations are far more gentle and beneficial than their predecessors, offering hydration and added nutrients without the use of harsh alcohols or drying agents. Many toners now include soothing and nourishing ingredients like aloe vera, witch hazel, antioxidants, and hydrating agents to calm and balance the skin.

What Does Toner Do?

Toner is more than just a cleansing step; it replenishes the skin and minimizes gaps between skin cells, which helps reduce pore size and prevents dirt and oil from becoming trapped. This process keeps your skin clean and healthy, reducing blemishes and giving you a smoother, more radiant complexion.

Additionally, a facial toner helps restore moisture lost during cleansing, prepares the skin for other products like moisturizers and serums, and provides a burst of nutrients that rejuvenate the skin.

How to Use Toner

Incorporating toner into your daily routine is simple and effective when done in the correct order. Here’s a breakdown of how to add it into your skincare routine.

Cleanse

Always start with clean skin. Use your favorite facial cleanser to remove dirt, oil, and makeup, ensuring your skin is free of impurities before applying toner. This step is crucial as it preps your skin for the facial toner to work its magic. A gentle cleanser suitable for your skin type will effectively lift away residue without stripping your skin of its natural oils, maintaining a healthy barrier.

Toner

This is where toner comes in. After cleansing, a facial toner helps restore balance and hydration, while also prepping your skin for the next steps in your routine. Depending on the formulation, toners can provide a range of benefits, such as tightening pores, reducing oiliness, or soothing redness. Look for a toner that contains beneficial ingredients suited to your skin’s needs, like hyaluronic acid for hydration or witch hazel for oil control

How To Apply Toner

Apply a small amount of facial toner to a cotton pad or ball, then gently swipe it across your face, concentrating on areas prone to larger pores or excess oil, such as your T-zone. This gentle motion not only helps remove any lingering impurities but also promotes even distribution of the toner across your skin. Allow the toner to sit for a few minutes to fully absorb before moving on to your next skincare step.

Moisturize

After toning, apply a moisturizer to lock in hydration and keep your skin soft and supple. The toner enhances the absorption of your moisturizer, making it more effective in delivering its nourishing benefits. Choose a moisturizer that complements your skin type—whether it's a lightweight gel for oily skin or a rich cream for dry skin—to maximize hydration and support overall skin health .

When to Use Face Toner?

A facial toner can be used twice daily—both in the morning and evening—as part of your skincare routine.

Day

Using toner in the morning helps wake up your skin by removing excess oils and refreshing your complexion. This step not only invigorates your skin but also primes it for a smoother application of makeup. A morning toner can set a vibrant tone for the day, ensuring your makeup adheres better and lasts longer.

Night

At night, facial toner plays a critical role in your routine. It removes any remaining traces of makeup or impurities that might be left after cleansing, ensuring your skin is clean and ready to absorb serums and night creams. This pre-sleep ritual aids in promoting cellular repair and rejuvenation while you rest.

Is Toner Necessary?

While toner may seem like an optional step, its benefits make it an essential part of a balanced skincare routine. A well-formulated toner hydrates, nourishes, and preps your skin, making it easier for the products you apply afterward to work effectively. Plus, for those with oily or combination skin, toners help to keep pores clean and control excess oil, while those with dry skin benefit from the added hydration.

Toners for Different Skin Types

To get the most out of your facial toner, it’s important to choose a formula that suits your skin type.

Toner for Oily Skin

For oily or combination skin, look for lightweight, water-based toners that can help reduce oil production and minimize enlarged pores. Toners for oily skin typically include ingredients like salicylic acid or niacinamide, as they are great for controlling shine and preventing breakouts.

Toner for Dry Skin

Dry skin types will benefit from hydrating toners with milky or gel-like textures. Look for formulas that include ingredients like glycerin, hyaluronic acid, or ceramides to boost moisture and soothe dry patches, leaving your skin soft and smooth.

Toner for Mature Skin

If you’re concerned about aging, toners with anti-aging ingredients like antioxidants and peptides are ideal. These help to minimize the appearance of fine lines, improve skin elasticity, and give your skin a youthful, radiant glow.

Why Your Skin Deserves a Great Toner

Incorporating a facial toner into your skincare routine is an easy yet transformative step. Whether your skin is oily, dry, or mature, the right toner will cleanse, hydrate, and replenish it, leaving your complexion smoother, more radiant, and better prepared to absorb the benefits of your other skincare products. By choosing a well-formulated facial toner that suits your skin type, you’ll elevate your skincare routine and achieve healthier, glowing skin. Don't skip this essential step—your skin will thank you!

References

Statista. (2017). Facial toner usage in the UK by age. Retrieved October 17, 2024.

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