Join our email list
Be the first to know about special offers and new products!
By signing up, you consent to our privacy policy.
Why You Really Need A Toner in Your Skincare Routine
A toner is a solvent that is used after washing to remove any residual makeup, oil, or dirt. They used to be designed to minimise oiliness while also combating blemishes (circa the 1990s). They were, however, a little too good at reducing oil, and they developed a reputation for being astringent and drying.
Toners have become more advanced in recent years. Many of them are alcohol-free, so they aren't as drying. Each formula is unique and may include ingredients that are moisturising, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, or exfoliating.
To put it another way, skin toner looks and behaves like water. But it's not water at all. There's a lot more to it than hydrogen and oxygen. Acids, glycerin, antioxidants, and anti-inflammatories can also be present depending on the toner.
In some form of a technical sense, a toner is a fast-absorbing solvent that hydrates the skin while also assisting in the removal of dead skin cells from the surface. The end result is plump, luminous skin. According to New York-based dermatologist Arielle Kauvar, toner acts as a primer for the rest of the skin-care routine, such as serums and moisturisers.
Toner can be thought of as pore preparation. It restores the skin's normal acidic pH, removing impurities and aiding in the absorption of skincare products. Your skin resembles a dehydrated sponge. A brittle, dry sponge will not tolerate a thick cream and will not be 'prepped' for moisture. The cream will soak in more quickly if you wet the sponge.
What are the benefits of some of the best toners?
Clearly Corrective Brightening & Soothing Treatment Water has the ability to minimise the presence of pores, which is one of its benefits. It also aids in the process of restoring the overall pH balance as well, making it more purified and easier to absorb any moisture in addition to other beneficial ingredients from the creams and serums added afterwards.
Is toner really necessary? In a technical sense, no. However, the right one, when used properly, will significantly improve your skin. Here, we’ll delve into the world of skincare products which compromise toners and how you can use them.
Using toner in both the day and nighttime skincare routines is advisable. To be more precise, Cho and Chang agree that toner should be used after double cleansing and exfoliating the skin. A thoroughly good cleanse helps to 'clear away' grime, makeup, and dead skin cells so that the ingredients are also skin-beneficial, and the toner can get where they need to go.
Can you skip the toner routine?
It all depends on your expectations from the product. If you're trying to rebalance or prepare your skin, you'd be much better off investing in a low pH cleanser.
However, not all toners are bad for your skin. Many use active ingredients like glycolic acid to gently exfoliate the skin after a wash or hyaluronic acid to deeply hydrate the skin.
These, in turn, prefer to double as lighter skin remedies, if you will. Be careful about the many tough ingredients like high fragrance concentrations or witch hazel, as the aim is to strengthen, not compromise your skin.
Now, as for building a case against the general claims. Toners can be used to rebalance and replenish the skin post washing, but we've already discussed how their harsh formulations fail to do so. But don't just put your toner away because of this casual friendship. The fallacy at the root of the issue that your skin needs to be "rebalanced" after a wash must be debunked.
What is supposedly being balanced? The pH of your skin. The pH of healthy skin is acidic, and one of the main goals of skincare is to keep it that way. Any step toward an alkaline end will provide plenty of surface area for breakout-causing bacteria to wreak havoc.
What is the purpose of toning in skincare?
Toners haven't always had a good rep, with many conventional items containing alcohol, which is notorious for taking out some of the natural oils and drying it out, causing inflammation, flare-ups, and premature ageing.
Also, take into consideration that a majority of us spend our days in artificially heated or cooled conditions, don't drink enough water, and consume caffeine and alcohol. You have a recipe for severely dehydrated and dull skin!
A great toner has the quality that it restores moisture to the skin. Hydrating your skin is a vital part of your skincare routine that will help you look younger.
A good toner can also help to restore the skin's pH balance. pH levels are a measurement of your skin's acidity level and are calculated on a range of 0 to 14, with the 7 being a form of neutral reading for your skin's pH level. Toners work by balancing the pH level of the skin, making it less susceptible to oiliness and infection and giving it a more vivid and smooth appearance.
Another myth is that Herbal-Infused Micellar Cleansing Water can prep the skin for the remaining routine.
This is not technically wrong. Having moist skin (think post-shower) does help products absorb more rapidly into the skin. Water, on the other hand, works just as well. It is sufficient to have slightly damp skin and continue with the rest of your routine to promote product absorption, and fragranced waters are not needed.
Toning helps to relax and balance the skin, making it ready for the next stage, which is applying a night cream or moisturiser. After toning, add cream to seal in all of the toner's goodness and hydration. Cleanse, tone, and moisturise your skin. It will make your skin happy.
It all depends on your expectations for the product. If you're looking to rebalance or prepare your skin, skip it and instead invest in a low pH cleanser.
Toners, though, aren't all bad for your skin. Glycolic acid is used as an active ingredient to exfoliate and also properly hydrate the skin. These, in turn, serve as more gentle skin treatments. Just keep an eye out for harsh ingredients like high fragrance concentrations or witch hazel, as the aim is to strengthen, not compromise your skin.
Whether it’s the best anti-ageing night cream or best under eye cream, there are plenty of options out there for whoever wants to improve their skin condition.
To conclude:
No matter what product you choose to use - Cactus Flower Tibetan Ginseng Hydrating Mist, Oil Eliminator Refreshing Shine Control Toner, it’s important that you understand the importance of applying the cleanser over that. Once you’re able to consider this proposition, it becomes easier for you to go forth and make that decision pertaining to purchasing the toner.
Make sure you purchase the toner that is well suited for your skin because it can make a big difference for anyone who is looking to get it. Understand the various ingredients that go inside it and then go forth and purchase it.
You have to also exercise a little caution with what you’re applying to your skin, no matter what. If you’re ok with not using it also, that should be fine. Don’t compromise on your skin’s condition just to add the toner, and you should be well and good to go for the rest of the day or weeks ahead!
