One such example is exfoliating toners, which are infused with chemical exfoliants such as AHA and BHA acids, which help to loosen and break up the dead skin cells clogging your pores, while also minimizing dark spots, and improving overall skin texture and tone.
"In moderation, acid toners can be an incredibly effective exfoliators and brighteners, while helping your serums and creams penetrate better.
If you've just done a scrub or microdermabrasion, you'll be left with a layer of dead skin cells sitting on the top of your skin. Using a toner after exfoliating will effectively remove the dead skin cells you've just sloughed off.
If you use a makeup remover, cleansing balm, or other type of double cleanser, apply that first, then follow up with your regular face wash. After cleansing, apply your toner. You can use your fingertips or a reusable cotton round—whichever you prefer. Next, apply your leave-on AHA or BHA exfoliant.
If you're wondering what else face toner does for your skin, King outlined some additional benefits: It shrinks pores. Applying a small amount of toner to a soft cotton ball or pad and gently blotting and wiping your face with it will remove oil and give the appearance of smaller pores.
Multiple Toners
To that, we say yes! Our rule of thumb when it comes to layering different toners is to layer them on from the thinnest viscosity and texture, to the thickest, richest texture. You can even challenge yourself to apply 1 layer of 7 different toners.
When it comes down to it, the difference between exfoliating and hydrating toners is pretty straightforward: hydrating toners hydrate skin, and exfoliating toners exfoliate it.
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.
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.
If you've been washing off your toner, consider this your sign to stop. Toner is meant to absorb quickly and be left on—it isn't a rinse-off facial cleanser. Think of toner as being similar to astringent or micellar water in this way, which also shouldn't be washed off.
'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.
Toners are basically products you use to rebalance your skin's pH after cleansing, exfoliate, provide your skin with a first layer of hydration, and prime your skin to better absorb the next product(s). You can go for either a hydrating or exfoliating toner, but can also reap the benefits of both by combining the two.
Generally speaking, exfoliating toners are an aqueous solution of chemical exfoliators (think AHAs, BHAs, and PHAs) that are gentle enough for you to use daily. Who should use exfoliating toners? They are suitable for all skin types, and aim to smooth skin texture and brighten skin tone.
But what is it exactly? In short, the '7 skin method' is the process of layering three to seven layers of toner or an essence-and-toner-in-one onto your skin immediately after cleansing. As for the name, Koreans call toning and essence products "skin," thus, the seven-skin method was born.
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.
3. Use It for Toning Your Skin. You can use micellar water as an all-over toner. “Micellar water actually draws out all the oil and dirt that can be found on the surface of your skin and rinses your pores,” says Evin.
Exfoliating toners contain ingredients such as alpha and beta hydroxy acids (AHA and BHA) that dissolve dead skin cells and unclog pores. This results in clearer and smoother-looking skin.
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.
Because of its water-like consistency, toner is meant to be applied immediately after cleanser and before serums, moisturizers, and oils.
Use a good toner twice or thrice a week on areas where a major blackhead breakout is occurring to gradually get rid of blackheads. Toners help in closing the open pores, which is quite necessary especially after using a warm compress that causes your pores to expand.
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.
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.
Brightening toners are often infused with skin-brightening ingredients such as papaya extract, ginseng, retinol, or vitamin C. These skin toners help reduce the appearance of dark spots, sun spots, acne scars, and fine lines.
This will vary from product to product — a toner may take mere seconds to dry, while a serum or thick nighttime eye cream could take a minute, or even a few minutes to dry and be properly absorbed. A good rule to follow to simplify things? Wait about one minute between applying each skincare product.