Toner is like the new hairspray. I know what you’re thinking—one is for hair, one is for skin, so essentially, they have nothing in common. Except for the fact that they’re both products that were once put on the beauty backburner.
Toner has gotten a modern makeover over the years. At one point, it was the go-to recommendation for oily-skinned teens who needed to zap breakouts and shine, though a common drawback was that some formulas contained alcohol that ultimately dried out the skin. Toners have come a long, long way since then, and now you can find a variety of formulas designed for a variety of skin types.
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Even if you aren’t interested in cultivating a ten-step skincare routine, toner still has some major benefits for your complexion no matter your skin type or tone. Curious? Great. Keep reading for exactly how to use the facial toner, according to experts. Your pores will thank you!
Facial toner is basically the in-between skincare step. It’s meant to be used after washing your face but before applying your serum or moisturizer.
“Historically toners were used as a way to balance the pH of the skin after using an alkaline soap product for cleansing,” says Rebecca Kazin, MD, a dermatologist in Washington, DC. Now, as our cleansers tend to be more pH balanced and gentle, toners have evolved into a skincare category all their own.
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What exactly is a toner?
“Toners are skincare products that have the consistency of water. “Traditionally, they were used to remove excess oil from the skin and were especially useful for people who had acne. Those products contain high concentrations of alcohol and therefore were drying. Today’s toners contain a variety of soothing, brightening, and anti-aging ingredients.”
What are the benefits of using a toner?
Face toners prep the skin for moisturizers and serum while getting rid of excess oil and stubborn dirt or makeup left over on your face after you wash it. But they’re not a replacement for washing your face. Just think of facial toners as extra credit rather than a shortcut to your skin-care routine.
But the reformulated toners of today go beyond that basic role. “They are used to target a varying array of skin concerns—from acne to dryness to aging,” an Expert says.
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Like their predecessors, some toners are formulated for oily skin. “A toner with a combination of glycolic and salicylic acids can keep oily skin matte throughout the day,” says Estee Williams, MD, a dermatologist in NYC.
But now there are toners for drier skin types that contain hydrating ingredients. “Some newer formulations are even toner-serum hybrids with more substantial gel or lotion textures,” Dr. Kim explains.
Who should use a toner?
Really anyone “It is just based on the benefits of a particular toner.” And since the benefits of facial toners are as vast as the benefits of serums, it’s all about finding the right one for your skin type or concerns.
How do you use toner?
Thankfully, using a toner is really straightforward. Soak a cotton pad with toner, then swipe it over your entire face, neck, and chest. You should use a toner after washing your face, and before using serum or moisturizer. If you want to go green and skip the cotton pad, you can also put a few drops of toner into the palms of your hands and then press them into your face.
RELATED: Guide to SkinCare Routine.
Use a toner morning and night. But if your skin gets dry or irritated easily, try once a day or every other day. Remember, these toners contain potent ingredients. And for more astringent formulas (designed for oily or acne-prone skin), she suggests using it every two days before gradually ramping up.
What should I look for in my facial toner?
Experts suggests looking for ingredients specific to your concerns. Here are some examples:
Rosewater for hydration
Chamomile for soothing
Tea tree oil to fight oil and bacteria
Aloe vera to calm inflammation and redness
Vitamin E for hydration
Plant stem cells for antioxidants and anti-aging properties