From the crowded shelves of skincare aisles, face toners have garnered attention and sparked debates among skincare enthusiasts. Are they an unnecessary step in elaborate routines or the key to achieving flawlessly glowing skin? Let’s delve into the world of toners and explore why you should consider adding this skincare powerhouse to your beauty regimen.
What is a toner and what does it do?
A toner is a liquid skincare product designed to be applied after cleansing and before moisturizing. Traditionally, toners were primarily used to balance the skin’s pH levels, which could become disrupted during the cleansing process. However, modern toners offer a wide range of benefits beyond pH balancing. They help to remove any residual impurities, tighten pores, hydrate the skin, and provide additional nourishment. While in the past they’ve been known for sucking moisture out of the skin as a lot of them contained alcohol and tended to be extremely drying. Toners have recently transformed, making them a great tool for preparing the skin for more active ingredients within the rest of your regime. In a nutshell, toners are used to:
- Provide additional cleansing
- Hydrate and replenish skin
- Provide essential ingredients
Who should use face toner?
The simple answer is everyone! Toners can benefit a variety of skin types and can address a number of skin concerns. If you have oily or acne-prone skin, a toner can help to control excess oil production, minimize the appearance of pores, and prevent breakouts. Dry skin types can benefit from hydrating toners that provide an extra layer of moisture. Combination skin individuals can find balance by using toners that target specific areas of concern. Even those with sensitive skin can find toners formulated with gentle ingredients that soothe and calm the skin.
What kind of toner is best for you?
Hydrating toners
These toners are ideal for dry skin types. They contain humectants like hyaluronic acid and glycerin that help attract and retain moisture, leaving the skin plump and supple.
The purpose of a hydrating toner is to prep the skin for further product absorption, so it should be the first product applied after cleansing, twice a day.
Product recommendation:
Haruharu Wonder Black Rice Hyaluronic Toner offers instant, yet long-lasting moisture. Non-irritating formula is suitablel for all skin types, including sensitive skin.
Price:
KES 2,000 from GlowSecret
Exfoliating toners
If you’re looking to refine your skin’s texture and tackle issues like uneven skin tone, fine lines, and dullness, exfoliating toners containing alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs) or beta-hydroxy acids (BHAs) are your best bet. They gently slough off dead skin cells and promote cellular turnover, revealing a brighter complexion.
Product recommendation:
The Ordinary Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution helps improve skin clarity, balance uneven skin tone, and correct texture over time.
Product recommendation:
KES 2,800 from rc_ accessories shop on Instagram
Soothing toners
Sensitive and irritated skin types can benefit from toners that contain soothing ingredients such as chamomile, aloe vera, and green tea extracts. These toners help calm redness, inflammation, and provide gentle hydration.
Product recommendation:
The Mario Badescu Aloe Vera Toner soothes and hydrate skin with Aloe Vera while gently removing excess dirt, makeup, and impurities left on the skin after cleansing. It’s non-drying formula re-balances and hydrates your skin for a soft and comfortable feel.
Balancing toners
Combination and oily skin types can benefit from toners that balance sebum production, minimise the appearance of pores, and reduce shine. Look for ingredients like witch hazel, tea tree oil, and salicylic acid in these toners.
Product recommendation:
The Body Shop Seaweed Oil-balancing Toner will rebalance and revive your combination skin. It is an alcohol-free toner which gently cleanses impurities to purify and refresh your skin.
Product recommendation:
KES 3,000 from Portal Pharmacy
How & When to use a face toner in your skincare routine
Using a toner correctly is just as important as choosing the right one for your skin. Here are some guidelines on how and when to incorporate a toner into your skincare routine:
How to use a toner
Step 1
Begin by thoroughly cleansing your face with a gentle facial cleanser suited to your skin type. Pat your skin with a clean towel but do not completely dry.
It’s best to apply the toner immediately after cleansing, while your skin is still slightly damp. This helps to lock in moisture and ensure maximum absorption of the toner’s beneficial ingredients.
Step 2
Take a small amount of toner on a cotton pad or your clean hands, depending on the product’s consistency. Gently sweep the toner across your face, avoiding the delicate eye area. You can also press the toner into your skin with your palms for better absorption.
Step 3
Apply your regular moisturiser and any other facial products like serums, moisturisers, or facial oils if you have a multi-step skincare routine.
When to use a toner
The frequency of toner usage depends on your skin type and the specific toner you’re using. Generally, toners can be used twice a day, both in the morning and evening. However, if you have sensitive skin, you may want to start by using the toner once a day and gradually increase the frequency as your skin adjusts.
It’s important to note that if you are using exfoliating toners containing AHA’s or BHA’s, most experts advise that you only use these two or three times per week and preferably at night since these active ingredients can increase your skin’s sensitivity to the sun.
Finally if you have a multi-step skincare routine, toner should be applied after cleansing and before other products like serums, moisturizers, or facial oils. The lightweight consistency of toners allows them to penetrate the skin quickly and enhance the absorption of subsequent skincare products.
With their ability to remove impurities, hydrate, exfoliate, and address specific skin concerns, toners have earned a place in our skincare routines. Whether you have oily, dry, sensitive, or combination skin, there’s a toner out there that can enhance your skin care regimen and help you achieve a healthier, more radiant complexion. So, don’t overlook this underrated product, consider adding a toner to your beauty arsenal and unlock the secret to flawless skin.