The facial toner is a product that brings lots of questions – is it necessary, what does it do for the skin, should it be used on a daily basis? I’ve decided to answer all of these questions and help you determine whether you need to use toner as a part of your beauty routine.
What Exactly Is “Facial Toner”?
So many people seem confused about the product and they don’t even know what a toner is.
The facial toner is a lotion designed to cleanse the skin. It’s usually rubbed gently on the face with the help of a cotton pad. According to manufacturers and advertisers, the toner can be used to shrink pores and give skin that beautiful and imperfection-free appearance.
What Does The Facial Toner Do And How Does It Act?
- One of the main purposes of the facial toners is to restore skin’s natural pH level. Being acidic in its nature, the normal pH of our skin is altered after the use of a facial cleanser (alkaline) which may lead to excess oil production.
Like everything else in nature, our skin also strives to restore its balance, though we might not always like the way it does it.
- Most toners also contain some kind of acids. The most common ones include alpha-hydroxy acid and glycolic acid. These have a mild exfoliating effect. By removing the dead cells from the surface of the skin, toners make your skin look smoother and youthful.
- Last but not least, toners wash away all impurities that your regular cleanser couldn’t – especially if you are wearing heavy makeup, cleansing your skin in depth can be tough. A combo of good cleanser and toner is a guarantee for cleaner freshly-looking skin.
Keep in mind that the toner cannot replace your cleanser, since toning and cleansing are two different things.
How Can My Skin Benefit From A Facial Toner?
It’s a common understanding that only people with oily or combination skin can benefit from the use of toners. As already mentioned, the toner has a drying effect, which means that people having dry skin may worry about its use.
But thanks to the advances in cosmetology, the market has many options to offer today. Some toners feature nourishing and calming ingredients that are great for even the most sensitive skin.
Going through the label and assessing the formula is the most important thing to do. Some toners contain antioxidants; others are enriched with vitamins. Make sure you understand the purpose of each ingredient before making a purchase.
Some toners have astringent properties, which make them great for acne-prone skin. Just like in the case of other cosmetics, you have to find the variety that’s right for you.
How And When To Use A Toner?
The use of a toner is the best right after cleansing the skin and before the application of serums, oils or creams. As already mentioned, this product will balance the skin’s pH.
It will also assist the absorption of hydrating substances. Thus, applying toner right after cleansing and before moisturizing is the best idea.
Some toners contain moisturizing substances, but they cannot replace your day or night cream. Skin needs serious hydration to stay youthful and beautiful.
Choose the right products and follow all of the necessary steps. You cannot simply substitute one product for something that has an entirely different purpose.
Read my post here for DIY Blackhead Prevention Toner and Acne Scar Toner
The Other Side Of The Coin
The toner is a great product that will produce benefits as part of your skincare routine. Still, you need to be aware of several problems connected to those cosmetics.
Many toners may contain alcohol. Alcohol dries out the skin, and it may even cause irritation. People that have dry or sensitive skin should never use toners that are alcohol-based.
The same applies to other ingredients that could be excessively drying. Read the labels to make sure your toner is chemical-free. Natural formulas and mild exfoliating acids are the best options for keeping your skin imperfection-free without experiencing side effects.
Conclusion
The toner can be incorporated in your skincare routine and can be used on a daily basis. Its function is different from that of the cleansing lotion and I believe that the selection of a good toner is a must for every girl/woman.
A toner has multiple great properties that benefit the skin. The market is truly diversified, which gives consumers many options to choose among.
Compare toners, understand their ingredients and choose the verities that will be just right for your skin OR you can opt for homemade/DIY versions!
Can I use aloe vera as my toner? I read some articles that aloe vera can be a toner too
@Minmie,
Aloe Vera gel is really good for the skin particularly if you use the fresh leaf. I use this as moisturizer all over my face and body and love the result.
You can read my post here: https://beautytips4her.com/head-to-toe-aloe-vera-coconut-body-moisturizer/
Hmmm this toning thing sounds interesting, I think I’ll give it a try. I Just need to decide what type of toner I’ll need now
Should I cleans and tone my face daily as a routine ?
is there any side effect?
@Faji,
You can use toner for daily use but make sure to check the label if you are using the commercial one as they contain high level of alcohol.
I recommend to use rose water instead as a toner – you can make your own actually and its super easy, read my post here: https://beautytips4her.com/how-to-make-a-rose-water-toner/
This was a great and very helpful artical.thanks:-)
Medicated adstringent and toner are the same or different?