When it comes to a comprehensive skincare routine, one often overlooked but essential step is using a toner. Toner is not just an extra product to clutter your bathroom shelf; it plays a pivotal role in maintaining healthy and radiant skin.
Toner is a liquid skincare product that is typically applied after cleansing and before moisturizing. Its primary purpose is to balance your skin's pH level, which can become disrupted after cleansing. But that's not all it does.
Key benefits of using a toner
Restoring pH Balance: Our skin's natural pH is slightly acidic, around 5.5. Cleansers can disrupt this balance, making the skin more alkaline. Toners help restore the skin's pH to its natural level, creating an environment where it can thrive.
Cleansing Residue Removal: Even after a thorough cleanse, some impurities can linger on your skin. Toners help remove these remnants, ensuring your skin is truly clean.
Hydration Boost: Many toners contain hydrating ingredients like glycerin and hyaluronic acid, which can provide an extra layer of moisture to your skin.
Prepares the Skin: By removing impurities and excess oils, toners prepare the skin to absorb the subsequent products in your skincare routine, such as serums and moisturizers.
Can I Benefit from Using Toner?
Now that we've covered what toners do, let's talk about how different skin types benefit from incorporating a toner into their routine.
Oily Skin: Toners with astringent properties (read: oil reducing, pore tightening, can be slightly spicy on the skin) can help control excess oil production and minimize the appearance of pores.
Acne-Prone Skin: Toning can assist in keeping acne at bay by removing excess oil and preventing clogged pores.
Sensitive Skin: Gentle, alcohol-free toners can soothe and hydrate sensitive skin without causing irritation.
Mature Skin: Some toners contain anti-aging ingredients that can help in reducing fine lines and wrinkles.
Choosing the Right Toner for Your Needs
Now that you understand the benefits of toners and which skin types benefit the most, let's explore the two primary types of toners.
Moisturizing Toner: Here at Glowbar, we like to think of moisturizing toner as an insurance policy for your daily cleanser. This type of toner is perfect for daily use. It focuses on hydrating the skin and maintaining its moisture balance. Look for toners with ingredients like hyaluronic acid, glycerin, and botanical extracts. Applying this type of toner after cleansing ensures your skin stays hydrated and plump.
Chemical Exfoliant: Unlike moisturizing toners, chemical exfoliants are not meant for daily use. These toners contain active ingredients like alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) or beta hydroxy acids (BHAs) that help to exfoliate the skin by removing dead cells and unclogging pores. They should be used sparingly, usually a few times a week, to avoid over-exfoliation.
Tailoring your toner choice to your skin type and needs can make a significant difference in your skincare routine. Whether you opt for a hydrating toner, a chemical exfoliant, or both, incorporating this step can lead to a more balanced and radiant complexion.
