"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.
'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.
More specifically, "toners are a great way to clean acne-prone skin of any lingering residue after cleansing, and prior to carrying forth with one's skincare routine," says Maiman. They can reduce pore-clogging dirt, debris, and makeup that a typical cleanser often leaves behind.
Vitamin C contains anti-inflammatory properties and helps reduce the redness and swelling that comes with acne. The results are more pronounced when you use the vitamin topically. It, therefore, helps improve the appearance of acne wounds.
Benefits of glycolic acid
For people with acne, the benefit of glycolic acid is that the peeling results in less “gunk” that clogs the pores. This includes dead skin cells and oil. With less to clog the pores, the skin can clear, and you'll usually have fewer breakouts.
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.
It can help remove extra oil and dirt that remains on your skin after cleansing. Regularly toning your skin with rose water can help prevent the formation of acne caused by clogged pores. Plus, rose water is less drying on your skin than alcohol- or chemical-based skin toners.
Glycolic acid is an effective exfoliant, meaning it can remove dead skin cells. It's well suited to reducing hyperpigmentation, fine lines, and uneven skin tone. If you have acne-prone skin, salicylic acid is usually a better option. It can get rid of excess sebum and prevent or treat acne.
Glycolic acid and salicylic acid are great ingredients used separately (or in pre-formulated blends) but mixing the two yourself could cause a major reaction and compromise your skin barrier.
Best salicylic acid toner for blemished skin: The Inkey List Beta Hydroxy Acid Exfoliant. Best fast-absorbing salicylic acid toner: Origins Zero Oil Pore Purifying Toner with Saw Palmetto and Mint. Best entry-level salicylic acid toner: Revolution Skincare 2% salicylic acid BHA Anti Blemish Liquid Exfoliant Toner.
Occasionally, though, serums can actually cause acne—so proceed with caution. "They can lead to breakouts—especially if you're using the wrong one for your skin type," says Green.
A hair toner corrects the tone or reflect of the hair. They are usually packed with neutralizing pigments (typically violet or blue). These pigments correct for yellow and orange and brassy hair. Hair toners are generally combined with developer, just like color.
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.
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.
Your Acid Won't Be Effective
For glycolic acid, it's typically between pH 3.0 and 4.0. But niacinamide has a much higher pH, around 6.0. So if you mix the two ingredients together, the niacinamide is going to raise the pH of the glycolic acid, so it will no longer be acidic.
AHAs and BHAs, such as glycolic, salicylic, and lactic acids should never be used with Vitamin C. Vitamin C is an acid, too, and is unstable, so the pH balance will be thrown off by layering these ingredients together and might as well be useless.