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.
Exfoliator goes before both toner and essence! When doing your skin care routine, exfoliator comes right after your double cleanse. This removes any remaining debris from your pores as well as aids in cell turnover. Following up with toner helps bring your skin's pH levels back into balance.
"In moderation, acid toners can be an incredibly effective exfoliators and brighteners, while helping your serums and creams penetrate better.
“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.
"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.
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. There's no need to rinse and no need to wait before moving on to your next step.
Because of its water-like consistency, toner is meant to be applied immediately after cleanser and before serums, moisturizers, and oils.
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.
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.
'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.
In terms of skin care steps, an exfoliating toner should be used after a cleanser and before a serum and moisturiser. Use a cotton pad and sweep the toner over the skin being careful to avoid the eye and lip areas.
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.
Generally, you should apply toner once in the morning and once at night. In the morning, the toner will help remove any sebum produced during the night and balance your skin's pH.
Toner. If you enjoy using your best toner and it your skin has no problem with it, do so after cleanser.
Toners are good preventatives for those occasional bumps and blemishes that pop up, too. If you have more than just a few random pimples and blackheads, toner alone isn't going to be enough to clear up your skin. They're just not powerful enough to clear up persistent or stubborn acne.
Both serums and toners are valuable skin care products, but they don't do the same thing. One cannot be substituted for the other. If you had to choose between the two, serums will provide more benefits to your skin than a toner will.
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.
If you have acne-prone skin, facial toners can help to balance out the bacteria in your skin and prevent pimples. Facial toners are alcohol-free, fragrance-free, and oil-free. They are also designed to be used in addition to other acne treatments such as cleansers, toners, and serums.
Since you want the minerals and vitamins from the mist to be absorbed into your skin, Peach and Lily recommends that you use a mist right after your toner and before your serum or moisturizer. Extra Tip: Stay away from mists with oils. These can clog your pores and cause breakouts!
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.