Some consider toners as something unnecessary to be included in their skincare regime. But have you considered that the only thing standing between you and getting that luminous glow you have ever longed for is the absence of a toner? 

After a long day of rocking that on-fleek looking makeup, you’d want to get rid of it entirely but just using cleanser won’t make the cut. This is where toners come to get rid of all those excess gunk in your pores and save the day. 

 

What is toner?

Many people have asked this question.  Toner is something that many people use everyday without really knowing much about it!

Technically, toners are used to reduce the appearance of pores, tighten skin momentarily, and eliminate oil and grime organically, giving the skin a smoother appearance. Facial toner is a step in the skincare routine that serves as a transition. It should be applied after you've washed your face with a cleanser, but it comes before you apply your favourite serum or moisturiser.

Toners have traditionally been used to balance the pH of the skin after cleaning with an alkaline soap. As the days have gotten modern, toners have also evolved into their own skincare class as the cleansers have become more pH balanced and mild for the skin.

What does toner do?

Toner is not just for your face; it can be used for other parts of the body as well like the neck or arms. Toner helps to remove excess oils and dirt from your skin. You will find that toner leaves your skin feeling refreshed and rejuvenated.  Here's a closer look at the benefits of using toners on your face and skin:

• Toners help in minimizing your pores. Your skin seems smoother and more refined when pores appear smaller. Facial toner aids in the creation of a wonderful, glowing appearance, allowing you to go bare-faced with complete confidence. The best way to remove excess sebum and give the illusion of smaller pores with toner is by applying a small amount of toner on a cotton pad and gently dabbing around your face.

• It balances the pH of your skin. Our skin normally has a pH balance of between five and six, and it is acidic by nature. However, most cleansers are naturally alkaline so that equilibrium might be thrown off after cleansing. Whenever this happens, your skin has to work extra hard to get back to normal (which may result in oil), so applying a toner can help swiftly restore the balance.

• It adds an extra layer of defence and protection. After cleansing, toners can effectively seal pores and tighten cell gaps, preventing pollutants and environmental toxins from penetrating your skin. It can even guard against chlorine and impurities in tap water while also removing them.

• Makes your skin feel refreshed. Toner serves as a wake-up call for your skin. When your skin is greasy or unclean, toner can also be used instead of washing your face with a cleanser. Even while you're on the go, it'll leave your skin feeling refreshed. It rapidly refreshes and acts as an anti-inflammatory, reawakening your skin's senses and removing the puffy, fatigued look that comes with being up all night.

• Toners prevent in-grown hairs. Some toners in the market contain substances like glycolic acid or other alpha hydroxy acids. These types of acids can benefit in grooming by preventing ingrown hairs.

• Aids in the retention of moisture by the skin. Facial toner is naturally moisturising and aids in the absorption of your moisturiser of choice, especially if it contains rose water. As a result, when you apply your very own favourite moisturiser, your skin will definitely absorb it!

Which kind of toner is the best for you?

If you have large pores, it is suggested for you to start using a toner that contains alpha hydroxy acids, such as glycolic acid, in order to remove all those dead cells that cluster around the pores, making them appear more apparent.

If you have sensitive skin, get a toner that contains skin-calming botanicals. These types of toners are the best for those with sensitive skin as it provides comfort and profound hydration.

If you have oily or acne-prone skin, a salicylic acid-based toner is recommended for you! It is best for you to get one that contains witch hazel as it is known to wash away extra oil without drying up your skin.

If you have dull skin, it is recommended for you to search for toners that contain natural exfoliants such as papaya extracts and lactic acid. It is also best for you to avoid toners that mention alcohol as one of the first five components on its ingredients list to avoid irritation!

If you have dry skin, try getting toners with fermented yeast (saccharomyces ferment filtrate) and amino acids in order for it to hydrate and nourish your skin.

Also, opt for natural toners with natural ingredients and avoid harmful toxins like parabens and SLS which are regularly found in cosmetic products and questionable.

Is it good to use a toner everyday?

There are a lot of reasons why people use face toners. Some people use it because they want to reduce the appearance of breakouts. Others use it because they have dry skin or just want to get rid of that tired look. Toners are also used for other purposes, such as balancing the pH level on the skin, removing make-up, and fully cleansing the skin

But is it really good to use a face toner every day? That's up for debate! Some people think that this is acceptable while others think that this is not advisable at all.

It all depends on the ingredients in the toner and your skin. Ideally, you should just use a face toner when your skin needs it and not religiously every day unless necessary.

It’s also important to avoid the following things when using a face toner:

- Excessive cleansing

- Irritating ingredients like alcohol, menthol, peppermint oil etc.

- Excessive scrubbing or irritation of the skin

There are many toners on the market, but not all of them are good for your skin. Some of them contain alcohol, which can dry your skin and make it feel tight. Other toners may contain fragrances that can irritate sensitive skin. These products should be avoided by people with sensitive skin to reduce the chances of experiencing irritation.

It is important to know what you are putting on your face before you apply it every day. As with all natural beauty products, including toner, opt for the most natural high-quality products you can find without cheap, toxic ingredients. 

How to choose a natural toner for your skin

Many people wonder what the best type of facial toner is. There are different types out there, but what are the best ingredients to look for in a toner? A natural facial toner will be better for your skin and the environment as it is less toxic.

Many people choose commercial toners which may include alcohol and other harmful ingredients that can upset your skin. This is why it's important to look for a natural toner that you can use on your face or sensitive parts of the body.

If you are looking for a natural facial toner, try to find one with calming aloe vera as its main ingredient. Aloe vera is an anti-inflammatory and it can help with skin irritation.

The other thing you might want to look for in a toner is witch hazel because it is also an anti-inflammatory and it can help with skin redness.

You might also want to look for tea tree oil which helps avoid acne breakouts and better yet, look for one that doesn't contain alcohol since alcohol can dry out skin. In order to avoid these types of problems, it is best to do some research before buying a product so that you can find one that will work well with your unique needs and preferences.

Final word on facial toners

Choosing a natural facial toner is an important part of taking care of your skin.  You can use it alongside cleansers, face washes, dermarollers and whatever else your beauty routine entails. Toners are a great way to remove any excess dirt and impurities, whilst refreshing and rejuvenating your skin. Just be sure to choose a brand that suits your own skin needs and only apply daily if necessary. 

Some people think toners don't do anything, but hopefully we've busted that skincare myth for you.