Is a Toner Necessary for a Skincare Routine?
Toners are one of the most controversial steps in skincare. Many will argue that toners are unnecessary. As a licensed esthetician, I want to share with you why a toner should be an essential component of your skincare routine.
How Do Toners Work?
First, let’s talk about the purpose of toners and what they do for the skin. The benefits received by using a toner consistently vary depending on what that specific toner is formulated to do. In general, toners are to be used after cleansing the skin to replenish essential nutrients and add beneficial ingredients back into the skin. As an added bonus they act as an additional cleansing step to remove any debris that may have been left behind even after cleansing. They also are meant to balance the pH of the skin; this means they prep the skin to receive lower pH ingredients like chemical acids.
What Ingredients Should You Look For?
The ingredients you should look for in a toner depending on your skin type and concerns. If you have dry skin you want to include ingredients that will provide hydration like hyaluronic acid (sodium hyaluronate). If you have sensitive skin, ingredients like ceramides and antioxidants can be soothing. The Paula’s Choice Skin Recovery Enriched Calming Toner is a great option for most skin types, especially dryer or sensitized skin. If you have oily and acne-prone skin you will want ingredients like glycolic acid, salicylic acid, and even niacinamide to help regulate oil production. Ole Henriksen Glow2OH Dark Spot Toner is one of my personal favorite toners. It is great for hyperpigmentation caused by sun damage or post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation from acne scars and also great for improving unwanted texture related to non-inflamed acne.
Some ingredients to steer clear of in a toner include…
SD alcohol
Denatured alcohol
Menthol
Essential oils
Tips for using a Toner
Immediately after cleansing in the morning and evening is when you should apply your toner. You will want to apply your toner using a cotton round, especially if it is an active or exfoliating toner. Use at least a quarter-sized amount of product with each use and be sure to try and work in upward motions. As the last step of your toning process apply the toner on the neck, around the hairline, and behind the ears to get a thorough cleanse on those areas as well.
The right toner varies for everyone based on their skin type and main skin concerns. A toner can be gentle and hydrating or it can be active and exfoliating, or even somewhere in between. If you aren’t sure what type of toner would be best for your skin and are interested in product recommendations, connect with a Pomp Esthetician for guidance.
