When to Use Toner in Skincare Routine – If you’re just starting to build a skincare routine, toners can be a confusing step to understand. Is it truly essential in your skincare routine? Does it actually do anything for your skin? The truth is, they’re much more than just watery liquids that feel nice on the skin. Toners are often formulated to refresh, hydrate, and prepare your skin to absorb the rest of your skincare more effectively.
But many people still aren’t sure when, or even if they should use one. If you’re one of them, then follow this guide to know when and how to use toner, and if you even need one in your skincare routine.
What Is A Toner?
Toner is a water based skincare product typically used after cleansing. It has a liquid consistency and, just like primer in makeup, it prepares your skin for the next skincare steps. Toners help to restore moisture to the outer layer of your skin after cleansing, which helps products to absorb better.
When you cleanse your face, dirt and dead skin are washed away, but this process can also strip your skin’s outer layer, leaving it feeling dry. Applying toner immediately after cleansing helps to restore moisture to that outer layer.
Can Toners Dry Out Your Skin?
In the past, toners used to have a high alcohol content to remove leftover oil and dirt. This can be too harsh on the skin and cause dryness over time. Now, toners have gotten an upgrade from before. They’re now formulated to be gentler, focusing more on soothing and hydrating rather than just stripping away dirt and oil from the skin.
When to Use Toner?
When crafting a skincare routine, you should generally start with products that have the thinnest consistency. That’s why toners are best used right after cleansing. You can also apply it on slightly damp skin.
Depending on your skin’s needs and how well your skin can tolerate it, toners can be used both in the morning and evening. The type of toner also helps to determine how often you can use it. Hydrating toners that are gentle can be used everyday, both at night and in the morning. However, you should always be careful when using exfoliating toners that contain AHAs/BHAs. Instead of using it everyday, use it only 2-3 times a week to avoid irritation.
How to Use Toner in Skincare Routine?
After cleansing, you can start to apply toner to your skin. You can either use your hands or use cotton pads to apply it. Spray toners are also widely available, so you can just spray it onto your face and pat it in with your hands.
Is Toner A Necessary Skincare Step?
Toner is not necessary in a skincare routine. In fact, the benefits of toners can also be achieved through other skincare products that most people already have in their routine. The benefits of exfoliating toners are the same as exfoliating serums like retinol or glycolic acid. If you’re using a hydrating toner, you could achieve the same benefits with a hyaluronic acid serum or other hydrating serums.
While it’s not always essential, toners can still be a great step to boost your skincare routine. Whether you’re adding hydration, balancing your skin, or just giving your face a little extra care, toner helps prep your skin to absorb the next products even better. So, while it’s totally okay to skip it, adding toner can be that small, satisfying step that makes a difference. Pour it, pat it in, and let your skin enjoy the extra love. Your glow might just thank you!
Sources:
- https://www.cerave.com/skin-smarts/skincare-tips-advice/tips-for-including-toner-in-your-skincare-routine.
- https://health.clevelandclinic.org/what-does-toner-do.
- https://www.dermalogica.com.au/blogs/living-skin/do-you-really-need-a-toner-in-your-skincare-routine?srsltid=AfmBOor_dWC_ZP5QYOVKAlJ1SmpKFwWR1YyYolfKOu2kp7ODCr1J7-EI&utm_source=chatgpt.com.
- https://www.healthline.com/health/beauty-skin-care/what-does-toner-do#how-to-apply.
- https://www.byrdie.com/what-does-toner-do.
