Toner Benefits: Why You Need to Add It to Your Makeup Routine
Skincare routines have relied on cleansing, toning, and moisturizing for decades. The first and last steps are non-negotiable, but how important is toning? What even are the benefits of toner? Let’s find out!
Some people swear by toner's skin-balancing effects, while others consider it useless and unnecessary. In the ever-evolving beauty industry, where innovative products are being launched left and right, toner has always been a staple. It may not have the same power as a cleanser or retinol serum, but a toner can still make a huge difference to your skin. Cleanser and toner play a vital role in the skincare regime.
However, the fact that toner makes some people's skin feel hydrated does not answer the eternal question, "what does toner actually do?". Read on and find out.
But First, What Is Toner?
A toner is a lotion or wash that is applied to the face with a cotton ball in order to cleanse the skin and shrink pores. It balances the skin, removes makeup, dirt, and oil left behind after cleansing, and prepares the skin for subsequent skincare steps. Besides refreshing, protecting, and moisturizing the skin, it also helps keep it healthy.
Now that you know what is toner, let’s learn the reasons why you need toner in your skincare routine.
What Are the Benefits of Face Toner?
If you are wondering “why should I use a toner,” here is a list of proven benefits of toner to motivate your further. Here is the face toner uses in detail:
#1 Restores the pH Balance of Your Skin
Have you ever experienced dry skin after cleansing? The reason for this is that some cleansers can be too harsh on the skin. Their ingredients disrupt the skin's pH balance, making it more susceptible to bacterial infection, dryness, or inflammation.
The optimal pH level for skin is 5.5. Using toner regularly on your face keeps the skin moisturized and healthy while maintaining the optimal pH level (acid mantle).
#2 Tightens up the Pores
Large pores allow dirt and oil to enter the skin more easily. It is these impurities that make the skin more susceptible to acne and infections.
Using toner regularly makes the pores tightened and reduces their size. As a result, less oil and toxins accumulate on the skin, giving the skin a brighter, cleaner appearance. When the skin is toned, it appears smoother and makes it harder for debris to penetrate.
#3 Removes Oil and Makeup
Yes, your face cleanser and makeup remover are designed to do that. However, even after a thorough cleansing, your skin still retains traces of oil and makeup.
When you use a toner, you are adding another layer of cleansing to your skin—this ensures that your skin is ready for the next step of the skincare routine.
#4 Helps in Preventing Skin Breakouts
Skin breakouts are caused by sweat, oil, and dirt clogging the pores. This is why oily skin is more likely to develop acne and pimples. It is helpful to use toners in this situation.
A facial toner controls acne and other skin breakouts by removing oil buildup and dead skin cells.
#5 Soothes Your Skin
In times of distress, your skin does not lie! The signs? An inflammatory reaction and redness. If your skin is stressed out, you can instantly soothe it with the right toner.
Using anti-inflammatory ingredients soothes your skin and relieves discomfort.
#6 Hydrates and Nourishes the Skin
A toner is applied after cleansing and before moisturizing for a reason. Toner contains hydrating ingredients that prepare the skin to absorb moisture more efficiently.
Following a cleansing, the skin usually feels tight and dry. Moisturized skin absorbs topical products better than dry skin. Thus, toning allows your moisturizer to penetrate deeply into your skin.
#7 Serves and Protects
Furthermore, toner protects the skin from environmental factors that damage it on a daily basis. By using it, you protect your skin from dirt, grease, and toxins that can drain its glow and life.
How to Use Toner: A Step-By-Step Guide
By following this simple three-step cleansing, toning, and moisturizing routine, you'll get the most out of your skincare products.
Step 1: Make sure your skin is clean and free from impurities and oils by washing it with an all-purpose cleansing product.
Step 2: Add a few drops of toner to a cotton pad or cotton ball and dampen it without oversoaking it.
Use it to gently wipe off the remaining impurities from your face and neck. Since your skin has now been properly prepared, your moisturizer will be more effective.
Step 3: If your regimen includes serums, apply them first. Lastly, moisturize your skin to hydrate and protect it.
Is Toner Really Necessary?
Now that you're aware of skin toner's many benefits, you may wonder whether it's needed as part of your skin care regimen. And...yes, it is. As previously mentioned, toners help remove dirt and impurities from the skin, which helps prevent breakouts. You can also hydrate your skin with the right formula.
However, you must find the right formula for you in order to use toner effectively.
Is It Good to Use Toner Every Day?
Toners are typically intended for daily use, unlike some skin care products that should only be used every few days. The purpose of a skin toner is to remove dirty residue, debris, and other impurities left behind after the cleansing step. It boosts the effectiveness of your moisturizer and cleanser.
How to Pick a Facial Toner?
You should choose a toner based on your skin type, as with all skin care products. Look at the ingredients list and make sure it doesn't contain nasty chemicals, parabens, or artificial fragrances. Toner for normal skin helps in maintaining the skin texture; Aloe vera toner can also be used and is one of the best toners for hydrated and moisturized-looking skin.
Use natural, plant-based ingredients to tighten the skin, such as green tea, which contains antioxidants, aloe vera, witch hazel, and rose flower oil. However, there can be naturally made toners that suit all skin types and tones that you can choose without second thoughts like this one.
Takeaway
We hope we’ve answered all your “what does toner do for skin” questions. Take advantage of the many benefits of toner mentioned above by choosing the right toner for your skin type.
Have any more questions regarding this essential skincare product? Ask away in the comment section below!
