But, whether you get it in a toner, exfoliant, serum, or moisturizer, it doesn't matter. Just find a product you like and that works for you. If it's a toner, use a toner. If it's a serum, use a serum and skip the toner.
The Final Takeaway
If you already use the above alternatives, you can probably skip toner—that is, unless you love a routine with all the steps, because skincare is actually so indulgent. In that case, carry on.
That's not all! A toner also prepares your pores to absorb nutrients better. Whatever you apply after a toner to complete your skincare routine, be it a face serum, moisturizer, or night cream, it makes the skin more receptive and gives you better results. So, never skip this step before going to bed!
You should use 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.
Add in a serum.
Though you can skip it on your laziest days, using a serum in the morning gives your skin extra protection for the day to come. Reminder: If and when you do use a serum, it should come after cleansing and before moisturizing.
It is not necessary to have a serum in your skincare regimen. "Serums are simply an added step for those that have the right skin type and are looking to go the extra mile in their daily routines," explains Dr. Charles.
Face serums are necessary for a holistic skincare routine. Like other skincare items, serums also have their own benefits on the skin. While moisturizers simply hydrate the skin, serums are often packed with anti-aging, anti-acne, and similar ingredients meant to target specific skin issues.
Many people tend to skip the toner in the morning. But it's actually a very important step because it balances the pH of your skin and preps it for moisturizing. Look for toners without alcohol, which can severely dry your skin.
Anti-pigmentation and antioxidant serums work best when applied in the morning. This helps protect your skin against environmental assaults and free radical production produced by light, including UV and high energy visible light. Anti-aging serums are often best suited for nighttime application.
It can be a 'yes' or a 'no' too. 1. Some toners are humectants, which means they attract moisture. So, if your skin is extremely oily and if you feel your toner provides enough moisture, you can definitely skip the moisturizer.
“No, toners are not necessary for skin health, so you don't need to use one” states Dr Sonia Khorana, GP with Special Interest in Dermatology and Cosmetic Doctor. “Toners were previously used to remove whatever was left behind of your make-up and dirt after cleansing and balance skin pH.
But finding the right serum can help absorb oil, which mattifies the skin and can reduce pimples and whiteheads, says Dr. Michele Green, a board-certified dermatologist in NYC. In general, look for acne serums with glycolic acid or salicylic acid to help unclog pores and accelerate cell turnover.
1. When should I use a face serum? Most face serums are safe to be applied twice daily – once in the morning on a cleansed face, before the rest of your makeup, and once at night before bed.
Toners can restore skin's PH levels to a normal level, hydrate, and refresh the skin. Serums, on the other hand, provide a high concentration of active ingredients to the skin, hydrate and deal with skincare concerns like wrinkles and fine lines.
The main difference between toner and serum is that toners cleanse the skin and restores the skin's pH balance while serums provide a high concentration of active ingredients to your skin.
The ideal age to start using face serums would be late 20s and early 30s. This is the age at which the first signs of aging appears.
“Serums that contain hyaluronic acid are hydrating but great for oily skin as they leave minimal emollient residue. Avoid serums that are heavy, oil-based, or contain many botanical seed oils. Serums that contain AHA can be helpful for oily or acne-prone skin,” Dr.
Oily skin needs hydration too and serum is best for oily skin as it is made up of smaller molecules that penetrate deeper into the skin and nourish the skin than an average cream or moisturizer.
Since serums contain the active ingredients that you want to penetrate as deeply as possible into your skin, you should always apply a serum directly to your skin after cleansing or toning and before your moisturizer and sunscreen. Don't put your serum on after you moisturize.
Although the Korean way is to apply an essence after your toner (that 10-step system can be a bit much to some), it's OK to replace your regular toner with an essence if you're looking for more hydration in your routine.
Toners do not have any adverse side effects, as long as you avoid alcohol-based ones which may irritate your skin. Overusing a toner (more than twice a day) can also cause skin irritation.
Toners can help close pores and tighten cell gaps after cleansing, reducing the penetration of impurities and environmental contaminants into the skin. It can even protect and remove chlorine and minerals present in tap water. It acts like a moisturizer.
During the day, revitalize your skin by applying a daily antioxidant facial oil after your serum treatment and before your moisturizer and sunscreen . At night, apply a hydrating face oil after a face serum and before a moisturizer or overnight mask.
Bottom Line: With few exceptions, you can feel free to mix your serum and moisturizer (and most other skin care products) together and apply without concern. The exception is your daytime moisturizer with SPF, as mixing other skin care products with your sunscreen will dilute your UV protection.