Toner removes any last traces of dirt, grime and impurities stuck in your pores after you wash your face. When added to your daily skincare routine and used regularly, it can have major positive impact on the appearance and tightness of your pores (hello, aging skin).
If you're using a super gentle toner that focuses on hydration, you can most likely use it daily. However, if your toner includes stronger active ingredients like AHAs or BHAs, "it shouldn't be used more often than a couple of times weekly," Herrmann says.
The short answer is "it goes after cleansing," according to Amy Wechsler, a dermatologist based in New York City. She recommends including toner in both your day and night skin-care routines. To get more specific, you should use toner after you double cleanse and exfoliate your skin, both Cho and Chang agree.
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.
Is Rose Water a Natural Toner? Rose water is, indeed, a natural toner. It comes from the Rosa damascena flower, commonly known as the Damask rose, and is created by distilling rose petals with steam. While it's become more popular in recent years, rose water has actually been used for centuries.
Hydration aside, a skin toner can also help to brighten or smooth your complexion depending on its ingredients. On top of that, some toners may also contain astringents to help regulate sebum production.
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.
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.
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.
Side Effects of Skin Toners
This is especially true for formulations with active ingredients such as alpha-hydroxy acids, used to exfoliate the skin. Dry patches of skin and redness are common complaints due to overuse; those with acne-prone skin may experience breakouts.
'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.
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.
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.
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.
Soak a cotton pad with toner, then swipe it over your entire face, neck, and chest. You should use toner after washing your face, and before using serum or moisturizer.
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.
Aloe Vera is used as a great natural toner in skincare. When cut off or broken from its plant, the aloe vera leaves secrete a clear gel that can be applied on wounds and minor cuts and on normal skin to soothe. Similarly, the rose plant also has immense benefits for the skin.
This is by far the cheapest toner you can ever use. Cold water (filtered, or distilled water, not tap water) will not only hydrate your skin cells but also reduce acne inflammations and remove excess oil on your skin surface. Cold water is the best homemade toner for oily skin especially if your skin is acne prone.
It is a 100% safe and effective skincare product for all skin types. So apply it as a toner, cleanser, or use it with your face pack to get that natural rosy glow and radiance on your skin.