Toning is a key part of your skin care routine that's done after cleansing. While there are many types of toners, Neutrogena Rapid Clear 2-in-1 Fight & Fade toner is a fan-favorite for fighting acne. The toner contains salicylic acid, which is known to help reduce breakouts and fade discoloration caused by breakouts.
If you struggle with hyperpigmentation and acne scarring, this toner is specifically formulated with AHAs like glycolic and lactic acids to help clear up dark spots.
And the best part of toner is that they are very easy to make and one doesn't have to rely on store-bought products. In fact, if you're suffering from dark spot or acne scars, toners help to reduce the dark spots. Toners have replaced the age-old astringents that were earlier used to remove make-up.
While in skincare, toning is done to keep skin looking its best, a more extreme approach is bleaching which is frowned upon! But both are usually confused for each other. Toning is essentially in place to even out skin tone.
Reduce Scars
Since stretch marks are a type of scar, it should come as no surprise that witch hazel can help reduce their appearance, too. "It can be used to help loose or excessive skin around scars or stretch marks to tighten the skin, helping to minimize the scar," Engelman explains.
'The alcohol found in toners can be a trigger for rosacea, increase the risk of breakouts in acne-prone skin or exacerbate sensitivity,' reveals cosmetic dermatologist Dr Sam Bunting. This means that regular use of toners could leave the skin irritated, inflamed and vulnerable to environmental damage.
Best Toner: Ole Henriksen Glow2OH Dark Spot Toner
This refreshing toner by Ole Henriksen uses two types of AHAs (glycolic and lactic acid) and licorice root to help fade dark spots and even out skin tone.
Laser therapy, dermabrasion, microdermabrasion, and chemical peels can help improve the appearance of acne scars that aren't very deep. They all involve removing layers of skin cells to encourage skin to produce new cells.
Acne scars are usually permanent, so it is important to see a dermatologist if you are developing them. Acne treatment can prevent scarring by stopping more spots from forming.
There are many treatments out there to help fade the various forms of acne scarring – including lasers and microdermabrasion – but Marshall's preferred treatment is microneedling. “Performed by a professional, microneedling is probably the best for scarring, and also helps reduce the signs of ageing," she explains.
"Toners are most helpful and necessary for people with oily or acne-prone skin, or for people who want extra cleansing after wearing makeup or other heavy skin products such as sunscreen," she said. If you're wondering what else face toner does for your skin, King outlined some additional benefits: It shrinks pores.
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.
Toner is a great add to any skincare routine, regardless of your skin type. But for people with acne-prone, oily, or combination skin, toner is a must-have to exfoliate dead skin cells and control excess oil (or sebum) that leads to blackheads and breakouts.
No, toning is not necessary for skin health. Toners were originally developed to remove soap scum from the face when lye-based soaps combined with hard water left a sticky residue post cleansing. The alcohol-based toner removed the soap scum eliminating irritation and contributing to cleanser mildness.
Not only can the right toner help to tackle acne, eczema and rosacea, it can improve the appearance of dark marks and hyperpigmentation or non-uniform skin (often caused or exacerbated by hormonal imbalances), as well as signs of excess sun exposure.
Niacinamide can concurrently rebuild healthy skin cells while also protecting them from damage caused by ultraviolet rays. Treats hyperpigmentation. Some research has found 5 percent niacinamide concentrations can be helpful in lightening dark spots. Benefits were seen after four weeks, but not beyond two months.
What is the Best Time to use a Toner? One must use a toner on a regular basis, preferably on a daily basis. Most ideally, a toner should be applied twice a day, once after the cleansing process in the morning and the second time, during the night-time skin care routine after thorough removal of makeup.
A toner's job is meant to gently refresh your skin without stripping it of its natural moisture. This means toner won't irritate sensitive skin or cause excessive dryness. Toner also prepares the skin to drink up your post-cleansing moisturizer and any other skin treatments that you may apply.
Can witch hazel reduce acne scars? Current research does not show that witch hazel can reduce the appearance of acne scars. However, it can calm the inflammation and redness that acne causes.
The anti-inflammatory properties of rose water can help reduce skin redness, prevent additional swelling, and soothe the discomfort of acne. According to research from 2011 , rose water is rich in vitamin C and phenolics, making it a natural, anti-inflammatory option for inflamed acne.
Witch hazel toner is an effective treatment for the inflammation associated with acne. Astringent toners with a high tannin concentration can particularly benefit people whose skin is oily and prone to acne breakouts. It's simple to incorporate witch hazel toner into your daily skin care regimen.
"The discoloration from dark marks will usually fade over time," says dermatologist Sejal Shah, MD, who notes that they tend to take between 3-6 months to go away on their own. "But, there are a number of treatment options to help speed up the process."