Most face toners are water-based liquids composed of astringent or conditioning ingredients that prep the skin for serums and face moisturizers, while removing excess oil and stubborn dirt or makeup leftover on your face after you wash. Toners are used to target an array of skin concerns, from acne to dryness to aging skin.
How Do Toners Work?
A toner completes the cleansing of your skin—removing dust, pollutants and impurities that can still be lingering after washing with a cleanser. Toners should be used on the face, neck and décolletage in the morning and at night.
What Are the Benefits?
In addition to removing remaining residue and impurities, toners also help balance your skin’s pH, allowing greater penetration of serums and moisturizers that follow. Choose an alcohol-free toner for sensitive skin.
Who Should Use a Toner?
Toners are ideal for anyone who wants to remove excess impurities from their skin after cleansing to fully prepare the skin to receive the next steps in their skincare routine, such as a serum or a moisturizer. Those with dry to normal skin types should look for toners with hydrating ingredients and those with oily skin types should ensure their toner is “oil-free” and “non-comedogenic”. Sensitive skin types can look for toners featuring soothing, gentle ingredients. Regardless of your skin type, it is important to opt for an alcohol-free toner so as not to overly strip your skin of its natural oils.
How to Apply a Toner
Start with cleansed skin. First, wash your face with a cleanser that’s right for your skin type. Next, apply your toner using a cotton pad. For an even application, saturate your cotton pad with your toner and then gently swipe across your entire face. You can also apply it to your chest, back and other areas as needed.
A Toner Suitable for Oily Skin
Try: Oily Skin Solution
This oil-free, non-comedogenic and non-acnegenic formula is ideal for oily skin types. It’s formulated with 8% Glycolic Acid to exfoliate, clarify and help tighten pores, as well as target excess surface oil.
A Toner Suitable for Dry and Sensitive Skin
Try: PHA Renewal Pads
No extra cotton pads required here! These pre-soaked tonic pads are ideal for use on sensitive skin because they gently exfoliate dull skin with 4% Gluconolactone, a Polyhydroxy Acid, while hydrating and soothing with Green Tea and Cucumber extracts to reveal smooth, radiant skin.
References
- Source: (J Drugs Dermatol. 2014 Apr;13(4):472-82. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24719068/ ) Periorbital hyperpigmentation: review of etiology, medical evaluation, and aesthetic treatment
- Source: Journal of Cutaneous and Aesthetic Surgery (https://www.jcasonline.com/article.asp?issn=0974-2077;year=2016;volume=9;issue=2;spage=65;epage=72;aulast=Vrcek) Title: Infraorbital dark circles: A review of pathogenesis, evaluation and treatment.
