Do I Really Need a Toner?

Let’s just say it, facial toners are the most neglected and underappreciated product in a skin care regime. They are the forgotten step in the routine, the one item we think we can do without – particularly on a night when we just want to crawl into bed. On top of being overlooked, people have all sorts of misconstrued ideas about toners. Many believe there’s no need to use a toner if their cleanser does a good job or that they’re only for oily or blemished skins.  And others still have no idea what a toner even does for their skin.  Clearly, facial toners have an identity problem.   

So, how did this uninformed approach to toners begin?  Historically, toners were used as a way to pH balance the skin after using a cleansing bar or soap. Back in the day, cleansers were more alkaline so toners were applied immediately after to help balance out the skin’s acid mantle.  Toners were also used as an astringent to rid the skin of excess oil and to help clear up acne. Unfortunately, those early toners were formulated with high levels of alcohol.  The alcohol dried out the skin and prompted the skin to produce more oil, which just exacerbated the whole problem. No wonder people are confused about what a toner does.

Toners today

The good news is that toners have gone way beyond their basic role of clearing away oil or excess dirt and makeup.  There are toners for firming, dryness, aging and all sorts of skin care concerns.  So, to answer the question of whether or not you really need a toner, the answer is yes!  

The benefits of using a toner 

The most universal benefit of a toner is that it helps prepare the skin for serums and moisturizers. All products absorb more quickly and effectively into the skin after using a toner.  Additionally, a toner is the first ‘leave on’ product after you cleanse your skin – making it an essential item to help support specific skin issues.

If you’re oily, a toner will still help control excess oil and blemishes.  The difference is that today’s toners don’t rely on alcohol anymore.  Instead, you’ll find ingredients like glycolic acid, salicylic acid or tea tree oil to help keep the skin balanced and free of bacteria. These ingredients get the same results of a clearer, more balanced skin without zapping the skin of its natural hydration. 

Toners formulated for dry skin help support moisture loss and soothe the skin with hyaluronic acid, aloe vera or rosewater.  And, since drier skins are prone to fine lines and loss of firmness, you can find toners formulated with firming ingredients, like DMAE or hydrolyzed elastin.

Aging skin benefits from using a toner formulated with brightening ingredients like alpha hydroxy acids, and vitamins A, C and E.  They help even out skin tone and treat hyperpigmentation. 

How to Use a Toner

After cleansing, soak a cotton ball with a toner and swipe it over your face and neck. Make sure to use the toner day and night for best results.  You don’t have to let it dry down completely before applying a serum or moisturizer.  In fact, as the toner dries into the skin, it pulls the other products with it so applying products while your skin is still damp could be beneficial to your skin.  

So if you haven’t thought about using a toner for a while, or at all, now is the time to reconsider.  Toners have come a long way since their beginning and deserve a spot in your daily skin care regime.