Should you use a skincare toner?
I gotta tell you, I used to not see the point.
In truth, out of all the steps of a complete clean beauty skincare routine, the one I least respected was step #2––toner.
Oh, how my views have changed.
After diving deep into Korean Skincare, I learned to love all of the steps of a skincare routine, and, currently, the most important, most valued, and most appreciated product in my skincare routine is a toner (and you know I’m going to tell you exactly which one below).
So if you’ve ever asked the question, “Why use skincare toner?” This post is for you. Read on to learn the silent power of toners and their role in your skincare routine.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Understanding Skincare Toners
So, it’s tempting to dismiss toners as unnecessary fluff, like I used to, but research and my personal experience indicate otherwise. Toners are formulated for specific skin needs, and are very effective when chosen and used correctly.
What Are Skincare Toners?
Skincare toners are lightweight liquids formulated to penetrate your skin quickly and efficiently. Their principal role is to balance skin pH and prep your skin for the next steps in your routine. My favorite toners soothe the skin and increase its hydration.
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Benefits of Using a Toner
Toners bring a host of benefits that can enhance your skin:
Balancing pH levels: Cleansers can disrupt your skin's natural pH. Toners restore balance, ensuring your skin is primed to absorb follow-up products.
Removing residual impurities: Post-cleansing, toners can sweep away any debris or makeup left behind, acting as the final cleansing step.
Prepping your skin: Toners condition the skin, making it more receptive to serums and moisturizers, enhancing their effectiveness.
Increasing hydration: Toners can increase your skin's moisture levels, especially if they contain hydrating agents like hyaluronic acid or glycerin.
And toners come in different types:
Balancing toners: Designed to rebalance your skin's oil production and reduce shine. Suited for oily skin.
Hydrating toners: Perfect for dry, dehydrated, combination, and/or sensitive skin, these toners replenish, and help your skin retain, moisture.
Exfoliating toners: These contain acids like AHA or BHA to gently chemically exfoliate dead skin cells, ideal for dull or acne-prone skin.
Can I Skip the Toner?
Skipping toner might seem harmless, but missing this step means missing out on its benefits, like pH balancing, enhanced product absorption, and enhanced skin hydration. Keep in mind exact skincare order––exact skincare order matters because every step builds on the last. Your toner is preparing your skin for the next steps in your routine.
The Right Time to Use a Toner
Unless otherwise stated on the label, apply toner right after cleansing, both in the morning and evening, to maximize its benefits.
My Top Toner Choices
Here are my favorite tried and true clean beauty toners:
Ursa Major 4-in-1 Essential Tonic ($32): This toner is great. It cleanses, exfoliates, soothes, and hydrates, making it a versatile addition to your skincare routine. I would say this could be used for dry, combo, or oily skin.
Three Ships Calm Lavender Hydrosol Toner ($17): This toner was surprisingly lovely. It’s a soothing moisturizing mist from the best mister I have ever used. It also comes in Rose scent––I compare the two here. This is my second favorite toner, and I would recommend it for dry, combo, or oily skin.
Whamisa Deep Rich Toner ($40-$45): *My favorite skincare product ever* This Korean skincare toner is an unparalleled hydrating experience. It’s a rich, dense formulation that you smooth on with your fingers. This toner is a game-changer for keeping the skin dewy and bouncy. It’s the #1 skincare product I recommend. I started using it when I was experiencing dryness and dehydration, so though I think it could work well for oily skin, based on my own experience, I would recommend it for dry, dehydrated, and combination skin.
Conclusion
Though they may not be as fun or popular as sexy serums, integrating a toner into your skincare routine can optimize your skincare regime and make those sexy serums work even better. Toners balance, cleanse, prep, and hydrate, and, though it’s tempting to dismiss toners as unnecessary fluff, like I used to, they just might be that missing puzzle piece in your quest for glowing, happy, healthy skin.