Did you see some clear or lightly tinted liquid bottles at your nearest drugstore? Wondering what those slim bottles contain? They probably have face toners in them.
Wondering what a face toner is?
A face toner is a secret weapon that can be added to your skincare routine. They are liquid water substances that help in restoring balance and provide hydration to the skin. It minimizes the openly visible pores, removes oil, and dirt, and helps in tightening the skin.
It can be infused with skin-soothing ingredients like eucalyptus, peppermint, and aloe. You can find formulas made for different skin types. The toner refreshes your skin without stripping it of its natural oils and moisture. So, what does this mean? This means that using toner won’t irritate your skin or make it dry.
A skin toner cream is used right after you clean your face. Splash the toner on your face and neck area or you can use a cotton pad to apply it gently on your face. However, splashing the toner has been found to be more effective as it makes the skin look cleaner and revives it of its natural moisture.
The toner prepares your skin to drink the moisturizer post-clean-up or any other skin treatments that you do.
Some people often confuse toner with something that is labeled as “astringent”. But these two are different products and should not be mistaken for one another. The main difference is that astringent contains alcohol which is an ideal ingredient if you have oily skin. Astringents help in controlling the oil levels of the skin.
When can a face toner be used and what do they actually do?
Toner helps in cleaning any traces of dirt, grime, and impurities that remain stuck in your pores after you clean your face. When added to your daily skincare routine, a toner can do wonders for your skin removing any traces of aging skin. Toner restores the pH level of the skin and smoothens the skin by refining any rough patches.
You apply a toner, either by splashing it on your face or using a cotton ball soaked in it. Gently sweep the cotton ball across your face and neck every morning after cleaning your face and at night before going to bed.
Applying a toner should be your skin step as it will help in better absorption of moisture.
Which skin type is it suitable for?
Toner can be used by everyone. Yes, you heard that right. It is fit for all skin types. But if you are someone who has oily skin, acne-prone skin, or wears makeup, then toner is like a godsend for you. Toner goes the extra step when it comes to cleaning and closing up the visible pores.
For acne-prone skin, try going for a toner that contains salicylic acid. For oily skin, try the best dry skin toner like Neutrogena’s Alcohol-free toner. These toners keep a check on the oil production in your skin.
How can you add it to your skincare routine?
As mentioned above, a toner can be applied both morning and night, as long as your skin can tolerate it.
Consult a dermatologist before adding it to your routine and slowly include it in your regime. Morning application of toner can reduce sweat and dirt that is accumulated overnight.
People with oily skin or acne prefer using toner twice a day as it reduces skin breakouts. If you experience dryness or irritation, then go back to applying the toner once a day only. If you still face issues, then you need to switch the product you are using.
Benefits of applying skin toner
- Helps In Restoring Your Skin
Many cleansers have ingredients that are harsh on your skin and these ingredients can disrupt the natural pH level of the skin. All this will make your skin more prone to dryness, inflammation, and bacterial infection.
Facial toners are a pro at restoring hydration and balancing the pH level of your skin. The optimal pH level of skin is 5.5 and regular use of toner will encourage optimum pH level maintenance and will protect your skin from dirt, oil, bacteria, and germs.
The skin remains healthy and moisturized.
- Helps In Deep Cleansing
We all know that face washes are known for their deep cleansing properties but did you know that toner can act as a second cleanser?
It will help you in getting rid of any impurity that is left behind after you wash your face. Toners can also remove excess oil and dirt that gets built up during the day or night.
- Provides A Balanced Complexion
Toners not only provide a second cleanse but also restore your skin with nutrients. All this will result in smoother and softer skin. A well-formulated toner can also help with stubborn skin issues like redness.
- Covers Up Your Pores
Pores are tiny little openings in the skin that are responsible for releasing sweat and oil. If your pores are larger than the usual size, then the reason for this can be acne or pimples.
If your pores are large, then more oil and dirt can go inside. Such impurities can lead to acne and infections in the skin.
By using toner daily, pores can be tightened and their size can be reduced. This will reduce the level of toxins and oil on your skin. A toner tones the skin by giving it a smoother look and making it difficult for germs to penetrate beneath your skin.
- Nourishes The Skin
Facial toners have nourishing and hydrating properties. This is the main reason why it is used after cleansing and before moisturizing the face. Toners prepare skin to absorb moisture as after cleaning, the skin turns dry.
Moisturized skin is better at absorption than dry skin. Toning establishes deep nourishment properties with your natural moisturizer.
Wrapping Up
A toner can do wonders for your skin if you use it in the best possible way. Toner is one of the best things that you can add to your skincare routine.