What is ‘toner’? Should you be using toner? How does your skin benefit from toner? What is the best toner?
Toners are the foundation to your entire 7 step skincare regimen. They are multi purpose, have many benefits and best part is, they don’t have to be super expensive!
In my opinion, a toner is one of the most valuable and under appreciated skincare products out there. Before we get too far into it, let me paint you a picture breaking down the importance of a toner.
Scenario:
A toner acts as a sponge for your face.
Think of water lightly running over a very dry sponge.
What happens? Well, some water will get absorbed into the sponge, but majority of the water just rolls right off.
Now, think of a wet sponge. What happens when you run the water over it now?
Majority of the water gets absorbed and soaked up by the sponge.
The same thing happens to your face when you apply a toner.
Applying a gentle toner to your skin acts as that wet sponge does, allowing your skin to fully absorb any products, serums and moisturizers you apply after.
Without the use of a toner, your skin doesn’t fully absorb the additional (and probably expensive) skin care products you are using.
Toners are one of the most common skin care questions I see so hopefully this post (and that scenario) helps you gain a better understanding of toner and why you want it in your skincare routine ASAP.
*Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. This means, if a purchase is made I will receive a small commission at no additional charge to you. Thank you!
So, what is a toner?
A toner is a thin, gentle water based product that essentially “tones” the skin. Or what I like to say, toners do the “Three P’s”: Prepares, Protects and Perfects your skin.
What are the benefits of a toner?
- Prepares the skin to absorb serums and moisturizers
- Brighten the skin
- Moisturizing the skin
- Exfoliate dead skin cells
- Removes any excess dirt, traces of oil and makeup
- Helps control acne and prevent anti aging
- Acts as an extra layer of protection
- Corrects and balance the pH levels of your skin
- Refreshes your skin
When do you apply toner?
When it comes to skincare, the biggest issue people have is what order they should be applying their products in.
The good news here is the process of when to apply a toner to your skin is pretty universal: after cleansing before serums/moisturizing.
A toner should always be the second thing you do following a cleansing (the listed benefits above should help explain why ^^^).
Should I use a toner at night, morning or both?
Traditionally, you should be using your toner in the evening. However, some dermatologists will recommend using it twice a day. (This is what I do!)
I use my toner in the morning and evening after cleansing. I also love using my toner before applying a face mask because I feel like it helps my skin really soak up all the benefits the mask has to offer.
If you are new to a toner, I recommend you start slow and use your toner only at night after cleansing and before your P.M. routine.
Once your skin appears to be reacting well to the toner, eventually introduce it to your A.M. skincare routine and start using it twice daily.
My favorite toner:
I have tried and used a lot of toners over the years and I have to say, my all-time favorite toner is Klairs Supple Preparation Facial Toner.
This toner is super gentle the skin, doesn’t burn, very affordable and leaves my skin GLOWING.
Klairs Toner is one of the best selling toners out there with 5 star reviews on both Amazon and Ulta. This is a great toner for sensitive skin, oily and acne prone.
Conclusion:
If you aren’t using a toner yet, I recommend you start ASAP. Toners set the tone for your skin, optimizing the effectiveness and absorption of your other skincare products. A good toner will leave your skin feeling refreshed, cleansed, moisturized and glowing. Truthfully, it is the package deal.
Related skincare posts:
- Common Skincare Questions Answered
- My Favorite Skincare Products on Amazon
- The Correct Order To Apply Your Skincare Products
