If you’re interested in skin care you’ve probably heard about toner multiple times. But what exactly is it? What does it do for our skin? Today I’ll be breaking down the top 3 things you should know about facial toner and why it is necessary for our skin care routines. On top of that I’ll share some toner recommendations to help you pick the best one for your own skin type and skin concerns. You definitely won’t want to skip out on this one.
#1. Using a facial toner with a cotton pad can be considered as the last step of cleansing.
Cleansing is one of the most important steps in our skin care routines but sometimes it might not be enough. Using a facial toner with a cotton pad after cleansing can remove any remaining makeup, dirt, sebum, or impurities that could have been left behind. It’s important for your cleansing products to remove all of the makeup and impurities from your face, but having this kind of safety net is a great way to see if anything is actually left behind after cleansing. All you have to do is pour some toner onto a cotton pad and swipe it across your face to prep your skin for the next step in your routine. This is the best way to begin with a fresh clean base.
#2. Toner helps to balance the natural pH level of your skin.
When your skin’s natural pH balance is off you can experience breakouts, sensitivity, redness, dryness, or even wrinkles. Facial toner helps to provide your skin with a burst of hydration after cleansing and restores your skin to a slightly acidic state. The natural pH level of our skin is supposed to be slightly acidic (5.5 – 6.8) in order for it to protect itself and have a strong skin barrier. Keeping your skin at a healthy pH level also allows your skin to maintain a healthy oil / water balance. This can be a game changer if you’re battling acne or other skin troubles.
#3. Your following skin care products become more effective after using toner.
Since facial toners provide a layer of moisture and balance out your skin’s pH level it allows the following products you use to become more effective. If your skin is very dry on the outside it’s difficult for other products like serums and moisturizers to be absorbed properly. Instead they just sit on top of your skin. When you use toner with a cotton pad it refines your skin and prepares it for the rest of your routine. You can also put some toner in the palm of your hands and apply a few more layers of it that way. Once you add moisture to your face with toner everything else you apply on your skin afterwards will be able to absorb properly for best results.
Which Toner Should You Choose?
There are lots of options to choose from when you’re buying a toner but it all depends on your own personal skin type and skin concerns . Here are some products that I recommend. All of them are made with natural ingredients and do not contain alcohol, parabens, or harmful irritants. Check out the table below to find out which toner suits you the best:
Skin Type | Basic Toners | Functional Toners |
---|---|---|
Dry | TONYMOLY Wonder Ceramide Mocci Toner | I'm From Rice Toner |
Oily | Thayers Unscented Witch Hazel Facial Toner | I'm From Mugwort Essence |
Combination | Pyunkang Yul Essence Toner | COSRX AHA/BHA Clarifying Treatment Toner |
Sensitive | Klairs Supple Preparation Unscented Toner | Etude House SoonJung pH 5.5 Relief Toner |