Why Should You Use Toner in Your Skin Care Routine?

Ah, toner. While some deem it a useless, unnecessary part of a skin care routine, others swear by its skin-balancing effects. It’s safe to say that in the ever-evolving world of beauty where innovative product launches are popping up left and right, toner has been a permanent fixture. It might not have as much clout as a cleanser or a retinol serum, but it’s still touted as a make-or-break product that can significantly improve your skin. But while many may feel hydrated and clean afterward, the perpetual question of “what does toner actually do?” remains.

We know that the Japanese swear by toner (or as they call it, lotion), and if that’s any indication as to what we’re lacking in our quest to clear skin, we’ll take all the help we can get. Keep scrolling to learn everything you need to know about skin toners!

What is Face Toner?

Toners are skin care 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. The new formulations of toners are completely different from their traditional counterparts. 

Traditionally, a toner’s function was to completely cleanse the skin and often they were formulated to be very astringent to remove any traces of oil and debris. While the newer generation of toners may still remove traces of debris, they’re really meant to nourish and replenish the skin after cleansing and act as a primer for the rest of your skin care products.

What Are the Benefits of Face Toner?

We often hear that toners help balance the pH of the skin post-cleansing, but it turns out that that’s not the only benefit. Here’s 3 top ones:

Removes impurities: Toner removes oil and traces of dirt, bacteria, and makeup. It also removes the dust, pollution, and impurities that can still be lingering after washing with a cleanser.

Protects skin: Toners work to close up any gaps in the skin cells, which reduces the risk of impurities finding their way into the skin (plus, this has the added benefit of reducing the size of pores).

Improves efficacy of other products: They exfoliate, help balance the pH level of skin, and even help other skin care products penetrate deeper into skin.

Is Face Toner Optional?

The answer depends on your skin type and needs. Those with acne-prone, oily skin should tone in the morning because at night, we sweat, and this can lead to clogged pores or breakouts. If your skin is lacking essentials vitamins and nutrients, a toner may be more necessary for you than, say, someone with already-healthy skin.

How to Apply Face Toner

Wondering how to use face toner? It’s best applied by saturating a cotton ball or cotton round with the formula and gently blotting the skin. Not the cotton round type? Many toners are available in spray form, which can help minimize waste (bonus points) and make for convenient, easy application. It’s best used as your first step after cleansing, as it helps rid the skin of any residual impurities and leaves the skin refreshed and perfectly prepped for your subsequent skin care routine. Any creams, serums, or treatments applied post-toning will penetrate deeper and reap its full potential.

How Often to Use Face Toner

You shouldn’t be afraid to make toner a permanent part of your routine, but it may take some trial-and-error. The time and consistency of how often you use toner really depend on your skin type, skin concerns, and ingredients in the toner. Take it slow with harsher toners before you build up to daily or twice-daily use. On the other hand, hydrating, calming, and soothing toners can generally be used twice a day.

Is Face Toner Suitable For All Skin Types?

As with any new skin care product, you’ll want to be mindful when adding toner to your morning and/or evening beauty routine. Ensure that the toner is not overly drying or irritating your skin. Also, when it comes to sensitive areas of the face (think: near the eyes or creases of nose), be weary of not overdoing it. Always watch out for alcohol on the ingredient label. Be sure to use toner that is appropriate for your skin type and stay away from alcohol in toners since they tend to dry out skin.

That said, modern toners are often gentler and more adaptable to your skin’s individual needs. Many toners of today skip the alcohol and combine advanced anti-aging ingredients with gentle, natural ingredients and botanicals that purify and balance the skin, provide hydration, treat, and soothe all at once.

For oily skin, opt for a toner that offers antibacterial and exfoliating properties to help absorb excess oil, remove dead skin cells, and prevent future breakouts!

And as always, revitalize your skin with a monthly professional facial to ensure that your skin is take care of by skilled hands and expert knowledge on how to gracefully age without any issues! Contact Botanica Day Spa to book your facial now at 727-447-1711!