This week, we're taking a closer look at toners — when and why they can be beneficial for your skin, and how to add them to your skincare routine.
So, what exactly is a toner?
A toner is a lightweight, water-based product that you apply after cleansing and before moisturizing. Although it may look and feel like water, it serves a deeper purpose. Think of it as a prep step that helps your skin absorb the next steps in your routine. Toners can also go by other names like tonic, exfoliating acid, or essence.
Benefits of a Toner Include:
Restores pH Balance:
The skin naturally maintains a slightly acidic pH to protect against pollutants and bacteria. However, some cleansers can disrupt this balance, leading to irritation. Toners help restore the skin’s natural pH, brining it back down to a healthier level, leaving it feeling refreshed, comfortable, and hydrated.
Removes Residual Dirt and Oil:
Even after cleansing, there may be traces of dirt, oil, or makeup left on the skin. Toners act as an additional step to ensure your skin is fully clean and prepped for the next steps in your skincare routine.
Adds Hydration:
While traditional toners could sometimes be drying, modern formulas are much more hydrating. These new toners are water-based and packed with skin-friendly ingredients that help retain moisture. Humectants, which are often included in toners, draw moisture into the skin and help prevent it from drying out, making them ideal for dry skin. There’s a toner for every skin type!
Controls Acne:
Toners formulated for acne-prone skin often include powerful ingredients like niacinamide, glycolic acid, and salicylic acid. These help regulate oil production, reduce blemishes, and brighten the complexion, offering a clearer, healthier-looking skin surface.
Refines Pores:
Many toners contain ingredients that can help minimize the appearance of pores, giving the skin a smoother and more refined look.
Exfoliates:
Some toners contain mild exfoliating acids, such as AHAs or BHAs, which help remove dead skin cells, leaving your skin looking brighter and more radiant.
Soothes and Calms:
For sensitive or irritated skin, toners with calming ingredients can help soothe and reduce redness or inflammation.
Prepares Skin for Moisturizer:
By removing any leftover residue and purifying the skin, toner creates a perfect base for your moisturizer. This allows the moisturizer to penetrate deeper, maximizing its effectiveness.
When should you use toner in your skincare routine?
Toner should be applied immediately after cleansing and before moisturizing. You can use it both in the morning and evening, depending on how your skin reacts. If you experience dryness or tightness after using a toner, consider discontinuing use and switching to a formula that better suits your skin type. There are toners specifically designed to address different skin concerns, such as dryness or sensitivity.
Here are my toner recommendations based on different skin needs
Dry/sensitive skin
Neostrata Restore PHA renewal pads
Formulated to leave skin visibly smoother with a more even complexion. These pre-soaked tonic pads infused with 4% PHA which is suitable for sensitive skin, gently exfoliate dull skin to reveal a more radiant, even appearance. Designed to balance, reset and prime skin for other regimen products that follow, while also helping to remove remaining traces of impurities after cleansing.
Revision Skincare soothing facial rinse
Soothing Facial Rinse alcohol-free toner for all skin types Calming formula that gently hydrates and refreshes skin after cleansing with a blend of plant and algae extracts that won’t leave skin feeling dry or tight. Suitable for all skin types especially sensitive skin, it helps keep skin at its optimum pH level.
A calming, pH balanced toner that removes impurities and invigorates weak and sensitive skin. Helping to soothe and support sensitive and weak skin with a gentle, cooling action which adds comfort. This can be purchased through booking a consultation with our doctor by using the contact us page.
Normal skin
Exuviance Hydrasoothe Refresh Toner
A gentle, alcohol-free toning solution that provides a hydrating and freshening boost while targeting skin’s ideal pH balance. Contains Gluconolactone (PHA) to help exfoliate and brighten skin, Hyaluronic Acid to hydrate and added botanicals including Aloe Extract, Camomile Flower Extract and Cucumber Fruit Extract which soothe and restore calmness to the skin.
Hydropeptide Pre Treatment Toner
This age-defying treatment toner balances and brightens your skin without causing any irritation.It goes to work to hydrate and brighten aging skin with antioxidants, wrinkle-fighting peptides and a blend of vitamin C and bearberry that delivers glowing, healthy skin. With every use, it removes excess residue and pollutants without stripping the skin of the natural moisture it loves. Use twice daily to increase cell turnover for a refreshed, radiant complexion. Suitable for all skin types.
Oily/Acne Prone skin
This pore minimising toner solution contains 8% Glycolic Acid, an Alpha Hydroxy Acid (AHA), to exfoliate skin and target clogged pores and excess surface oil. Formulated to exfoliate, clarify and help tighten pores. This high strength AHA formula is designed to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
Zo Skin Complexion renewal pads
These toning pads provide dual-action exfoliation to removes dead skin cells ,prevent clogged pores, reduce oiliness and minimizes surface oil. Also calms and soothes irritated skin. Containing Glycolic acid a roven epidermal exfoliant, and a Botanical extract blend with properties to soothe skin, reduce redness and provides antioxidant benefits. The texture of the pads is specifically designed to help promote exfoliation. These can be purchased through booking a consultation with our doctor by using the contact us page.
In conclusion, when used correctly and with the right toner for your skin type, toning can help cleanse, hydrate, and exfoliate the skin. It also primes your skin, allowing your creams and serums to penetrate more effectively, leading to better results. So, if you're not already using a toner, explore our recommendations above and consider adding one of our suggested toners to your routine.
Dr S Ahmed