Toners clean the skin and reduce the appearance of pores by reducing the appearance of oil. However, in the last 5 years, they have been reformulated to provide multiple benefits according to the needs of each skin type.
In the past, toner was considered unnecessary, too astringent, and incredibly drying – the complete opposite of the desire for a radiant, healthy complexion. To remove oil from the skin, they used to contain high concentrations of alcohol.
Today, toners do the opposite. The latest generation of toners are non-astringent, and many of them do not contain alcohol. There are toners on the market to address almost all skin concerns and are no longer limited to treating acne and oily skin. Even for skin with rosacea or very sensitive, toner should be essential to give a plus to the subsequent treatment.
What is facial toner for?
The current facial tonic respects the skin’s balance without being aggressive and can be used by anyone regardless of skin type. However, it is especially effective in cases of acne, sebum, reactive skin, or rosacea, for which there are specific tonics.
It comes in a water-based liquid form that can be infused with active ingredients with multiple benefits. You can often find different formulas designed for each skin type. The toner should not irritate sensitive skin or cause excessive dryness. Additionally, the toner readies the skin to absorb better treatments applied after facial cleansing.
Astringent is commonly confused with toner, but they are two slightly different products. The main difference is that it usually contains more alcohol. Astringents are designed to help control excessive skin oil.
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Types of Facial Toner
Skin toners
They are not strong. They may contain a small amount of alcohol (up to 20%), water, humectants, and other active ingredients. Skin toners are suitable for normal, combination, and oily skin use.
Acid toners
This strong form of facial toner usually contains alpha hydroxy acid or beta hydroxy acid. Acid toners are formulated to exfoliate the skin chemically. Glycolic, lactic, and mandelic acids are the most frequently used alpha hydroxy acids, ideal for exfoliating the skin’s surface. On the other hand, salicylic acid, the most commonly used beta-hydroxy acid, is best for exfoliating the deeper layers of the skin.
Our Recommendations in Acid Toners:
Pore Reducing Facial Toner
Salicylic Acid & Centella Asiatica
If you suffer from acne, your preferred facial toner should be salicylic acid since it eliminates excess oil from the skin and penetrates deep into the pores to eliminate dead cells.
Together with Centella Asiatica, this toner is the perfect combination to eliminate blackheads, pimples, and post-inflammatory acne spots. Click here to see the pore-reducing facial toner in store.
AHA Daily Peeling Toner
This formulated toner works by breaking down cellular bonds in the outer layer of the skin (epidermis), including dead cells. This creates a peeling effect, resulting in new, softer, more uniform, and luminous skin.
Of the alpha hydroxy acids, glycolic acid has the most negligible molecular weight, easily penetrating the skin, making it an excellent exfoliating agent. And Lactic Acid is one of the best moisturizers for the skin. Click here to see the daily AHA Peeling tonic in store.
Astringents
These are the most potent toners, containing a high percentage of alcohol (20-60%), antiseptic components, water, and moisturizing elements.
These can be irritating and harmful to the skin as they can remove excess protective lipids and denature skin proteins when a high percentage of alcohol is used.
DIFFERENCE BETWEEN FACIAL TONIC AND ASTRINGENT
A simple way to describe the difference between a facial toner and an astringent is that an astringent is usually formulated with alcohol solvents. Toners can also contain alcohol but are also available in alcohol-free formulas. An alcohol-free toner is gentler on the skin and can be used daily to help finish cleansing your skin and provide other benefits.
Like a facial toner, astringents minimize the appearance of pores. However, alcohol can be overly drying, especially with sensitive skin.
Astringents like calamine lotion, distilled vinegar, isopropyl alcohol, silver nitrate, and witch hazel are used for specific purposes like insect bites, fungal infections, and minor skin irritations, rather than everyday cleansing, like a toner.
What does facial toner do?
The toner is a fast-penetrating liquid that hydrates the skin and helps remove dead cells from the skin’s surface. It also returns the skin to its natural acidic state, removing impurities and helping it absorb skin care products. Remove the last traces of grease, makeup, and dirt; thoroughly clean and close your pores; restore your skin’s natural pH balance; Prepare your skin to absorb moisturizers better.
Toners are essential for people with oily or acne-prone skin or for people who want an extra cleanse after using makeup or other skin products like sunscreen.
Additional Benefits of Toners
Shrink pores
Removes oil and dead cells from pores, making smaller pores appear.
Restores the skin’s pH balance
Our skin is naturally acidic at 5.5, typically with a pH balance between five and six (on a scale of 0 to 14). But that balance can get out of control after cleaning if you use soap. When this occurs, your skin must work extra hard to return to its usual state, which can lead to excess oiliness. However, using a toner can swiftly help your skin regain its balance.
Add a layer of protection.
Toners can help close pores and tighten cellular spaces after cleansing, reducing the penetration of impurities and environmental pollutants into the skin. It can also shield your skin and eliminate chlorine and minerals found in tap water.
It acts as a Moisturizer
Some toners are humectants, meaning they help retain moisture in the skin.
Refreshes the skin
You can use a toner as a substitute for washing your skin when it’s oily or dirty. It will refresh your skin, especially when you’re on the move.
It can prevent ingrown hairs
Toners with glycolic acid or other alpha hydroxy acids can assist in preventing ingrown hairs, making them useful for grooming.
May contain anti-aging active ingredients
Like Niacinamide, which eliminates wrinkles and premature aging damage to the skin.
How do you Apply the Toner?
- With a cotton pad. (This is the most used method).
- Spraying on the face.
- Applying a tonic gauze face mask, you cover a piece of gauze with toner and leave it on your face for a few minutes.
Some older toners can cause some skin irritation if they haven’t been used before. Users usually apply serum and moisturizer after the toner has dried.
When to use a Facial Toner?
Incorporating facial toner into your daily routine will help create that naturally healthy base for your makeup. At bedtime, toner is important in cleansing and nourishing your skin before bed.
But are you still wondering where toner really fits into your skincare regimen? Fits right after facial cleansing. Your basic routine should start with a facial cleansing gel. Simply place your toner after facial cleansing. Apply your toner one minute after cleansing, as the active ingredients penetrate your skin better when damp.
Include the toner in your skincare routines both day and night. Specifically, you should use toner after facial cleansing and exfoliating your skin. Toner has skin-beneficial ingredients that can reach the skin by removing dirt, makeup, and dead skin cells.
After applying the toner, you can continue applying your treatment-focused products, such as serums, SPF, and eye cream.
Now, are you ready to learn how to apply toner? Come on.
Just like when you choose a moisturizer, you should select a toner based on your skin’s particular needs, whether oily, wrinkles, dark spots, or even dryness.
TONER ACCORDING TO SKIN TYPE
The idea is to choose a toner that suits your skin type and your needs. There are tonics with ingredients for every need. You have to pay attention to the active ingredients in their formulation.
- If you have enlarged pores, looking for a toner with salicylic acid is recommended.
- If you have sensitive skin… look for a toner with Niacinamide and Panthenol.
- Select a toner without alcohol that contains alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) if you have skin that’s prone to acne. This will make your skin feel fresh and bright without causing it to become dry or flaky. AHA is gentle and won’t bother you even if you have sensitive skin, unlike other ingredients like retinoids.
Many experts suggest using salicylic acid in a facial toner if the skin is prone to acne. However, be aware that this ingredient can be strong and might cause irritation, especially if you have sensitive skin.
- If your skin appears dull, go for toners that contain natural exfoliants such as papaya extracts and lactic acid. Additionally, ensure that alcohol is not among the first five ingredients in the toner.
- Choose toners containing Sodium PCA50 for dry skin to hydrate and nourish your skin deeply.
- If you have mature skin, search for toners with antioxidants and moisturizing components such as glycerin, hyaluronic acid, rose water, sodium PCA, and lecithin.
- Remember, using an alcohol-free facial toner is crucial, and the other ingredients should be selected based on your specific skin type.
- Other normal to combination skin ingredients may include coenzyme Q10, hyaluronic acid, and vitamin C.
- For anti-aging effects, Niacinamide is recommended.
Facial toner for Sensitive Skin
For sensitive skin, the choice of cleanser and toner is crucial. Dermatologists frequently encounter sensitive skin issues, and many individuals experience various reactions to the products they once used. Achieving healthy, youthful, and beautiful skin starts with using the right cleanser for sensitive skin.
It’s essential to seek a gentle, soap-free facial cleansing gel and an alcohol-free toner that won’t strip your skin of essential nutrients and natural oils. Your specific skin type should determine which cleanser is best for you.
Dermatologists unanimously agree that certain ingredients can irritate sensitive skin and lead to problems. One such ingredient is sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS), commonly added to cleansers and bar soaps. This foaming agent is a harsh detergent that can be too harsh for sensitive skin. Opt for a SLS-free and soap-free facial cleansing gel instead.
Niacinamide & Panthenol
Thanks to its moisturizing, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant effect, this facial toner allows you to protect and reverse aging caused by the sun and other contaminants on your skin, such as hyperpigmentation the development of spots and wrinkles. Click here to see the niacinamide and panthenol tonic in the store.
Ingredients to take into account in a tonic
Exfoliation
Look for alpha-hydroxy acids (AHA) and beta-hydroxy acids (BHA), such as salicylic, lactic acid, and glycolic acid. These acids gently exfoliate the skin, accelerate skin cell renewal, and reveal a radiant complexion. They are particularly useful for addressing dry spots, dullness, and hyperpigmentation.
Hydration
Watch out for Aloe vera, Sodium PCA 50. “The ultimate hydrating molecule boosts moisture and minimizes fine lines,” “Glycerin, snail mucin, and allantoin are common substitutes.”
Anti-aging
Niacinamide, Rose Water, and panthenol are your best allies because they protect the skin from aging free radicals.
Blackheads, here salicylic acid is the best. Look no further.
