Do you use toner as part of your regular skincare routine? Back in the day toners were an alcohol-filled skincare product that was designed to kill bacteria and help with breakouts. For most people, the toners of those days the high alcohol content was irritating and left your skin feeling dry. If you eliminated toners from your routine, now might be the time to bring them back, but this time it’s important to choose the ones that are specifically designed to benefit your skin.
Understanding Face Toner
Toner is an interim step between cleansing your skin, which can remove your makeup and other dirt and bacteria from the day before you apply other creams, serums, or moisturizers. You can also use toner in the morning after cleansing and before you apply your makeup for the day to ensure that your pores are clear and your makeup won’t trap bacteria or oil inside pores. When they first hit the market, toners were used to restore pH balance after using an alkaline soap to cleanse. Today most cleaners are already pH balanced, which means that toners are now used to provide other benefits. They’re also typically water-based today, which means you won’t get the stinging and irritation that they used to create.
Prepping Your Skin
One of the biggest benefits of toners is to prepare your skin for other products that are part of your overall skincare routine. They can help clean up any leftover oils or dirt after you use cleanser, leaving your pores clean and clear and your skin ready to absorb the ingredients in your favorite serums and moisturizers.
Target Skincare Concerns
In addition to preparing skin for other products, toners can also provide specific benefits. Today’s toners are formulated specifically for certain skin types, for example:
- Treating acne
- Moisturizing and hydration
- Anti-aging
- Reducing oil
How to Apply Toner
Most toners come as a liquid that you apply to cotton rounds, then swipe over your face, neck, and chest (if desired). It’s usually the second step in a skincare routine, after cleanser and before serums or other creams. Toners should be used both morning and night. If you experience dryness or irritation, switch to a toner like our Dry Skin Toner or Calming Toner which is rated “E” for everyone. These two toners are hydrating and calming to the skin and will never cause irritation. You can also use toners to remove sweat and dirt from your face and body after exercise.
Finding the Right Toner
Since there are so many different options for toners today, it’s critical to get the one with the right ingredients to treat your specific concerns such as dryness, oily skin, or irritated skin, as well as acne. Schedule a consultation with a skincare consultant at Jil Goorman Beauty today to find out which toner is right for you.