People with oily skin are often inclined to use a myriad of products like blotting sheets, refining cleansers, and pore-tightening face masks, but toners can be an effective way to combat oils and reduce breakouts without irritating or drying out the skin.
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.
The best toner ingredients for oily skin are salicylic acid, witch hazel, and alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs). For dry skin, opt for toners with glycerin or hyaluronic acid, since they can provide hydration. If you have redness or sensitive skin, using a toner with aloe vera or chamomile can offer some soothing relief.
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.
Products with these ingredients help keep pores clear and prevent blackheads and minor pimples from forming. Toners are good preventatives for those occasional bumps and blemishes that pop up, too.
You definitely need to apply moisturizer after toner. Moisture is necessary for having healthy, wrinkle-free skin. After using a toner, your skin can absorb and retain moisture better than before; hence you should use a moisturizer.
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.
Apply it after cleanser.
A good rule of thumb is that skincare products should be applied lightest to heaviest (with the exception of SPF, which always comes last). Because of its water-like consistency, toner is meant to be applied immediately after cleanser and before serums, moisturizers, and oils.
'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 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.
Toner should be used immediately after cleansing the face in the morning before an antioxidant and sunscreen. "One of the best ways to apply a toner is to pour some in a clean, dry hand, and then pat all around your face with your other hand.
Toners should not be used as a replacement for your cleanser. While they are able to remove impurities from the skin, they are most effective when used as a follow up to your cleanser.
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.
Regular use of rose water will keep the skin free of extra oil and help prevent problems like blackheads, whiteheads, acne and pimple. Using rose water as toner is better than using chemical based toners which might dry out the skin. Rose water has soothing properties and can be used as an all-natural skin toner.
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.
At night, the toner will help complete your cleansing routine by removing any dust, makeup, or impurities that the cleanser missed, as well as any oily residue left over from your cleanser. If your skin is especially dry, you may want to start by using toner only once a day at night.
“A toner or toning lotion can be even better than washing in the morning,” says Carlen. “This is because your day cream penetrates better when your skin is damp but you don't want to strip your skin just to put nutrients back in.”
Toners for acne help remove oil and impurities from the skin, preventing pores from becoming clogged. Some toners may also provide anti-inflammatory benefits and reduce the appearance of acne scars. Ingredients such as glycolic acid, witch hazel and salicylic acid are often used in toners for acne.
Originally toners were used to pH balance the skin after using a cleanser. Since you can easily get pH-balanced cleansers these days, toners are no longer necessary in a skincare regimen, says Dr. Ted Lain, board-certified dermatologist and chief medical officer at Sanova Dermatology.
Although oily skin can clog pores and lead to increased acne breakouts, oily skin also has many benefits. Oil helps preserve the skin, and people with oily skin tend to have thicker skin and fewer wrinkles. The key is to strike a balance between having too much oil and maintaining your skin's natural moisture.
02. The order. It is so important to layer your skincare correctly to get the most out of them. When it comes to Vitamin C serums, they are best applied right after toner.
It doesn't have to be dripping wet—just damp.” Rouleau says toner, serum, and moisturizer should occur within 60 seconds of cleansing to prevent moisture from evaporating.