Toner — another buzzword, or something that’s legitimately useful with skincare? It looks like water – is it just water? What is the routine for this? Also: what the hell does it do?
These are questions I regularly ask myself when browsing the skincare and makeup aisles at Ulta. Almost every beauty company has their own version of toner, but none spell out what it does. Sure, prep your skin with it prior to serums and makeup. But why?
After seeing these bottles often enough, I finally decided to hunker down and do some research. And, wow, there is a lot I didn’t understand. (For example: nope, it’s not just water.)
If you’re like me and wondering just exactly what this super underrated beauty care product is and how to use it, look no further!
What Exactly Is Toner in the First Place?
Basically, toner primes your face’s pH to best receive the final steps of your skincare routine — namely, serums and moisturizers. It washes away the last bits of grime and bacteria from your skin. It can also help unplug any pores and soothe your skin post-exfoliation. While toners originally had a bad rep for drying out skin, recent toners now have formulas that prep your skin minus the excess oil-removing.
What Can Toner Do for Me?
The short answer: a whole lot. Aside from removing the final layer of gross-ness, it also helps with a variety of issues.
As we’ve already mentioned, it maintains your skin’s pH balance, which can be thrown off when washing with soap and other cleansers. While your skin’s pH balance will even back out with some time, it can help speed up the process.
Toners can also help minimize the appearance of pores; by removing the gunk inside of your pores, they strip away any extra oil. It’s also great for prepping your skin for makeup by clearing up any easy-to-fix imperfections.
Who Should Use Toner?
Everyone can use toner! Super sensitive skin, extra oily skin, prone-to-acne skin – it all can benefit from the use of toner. This is where different types of toner come in. There’s no one-size-fits-all, and some toners can help target specific problems based on your skin.
Stumped on which kind to use? Here are a few that can work for different skin types.
For Oily Skin: Balancing Force Oil Control Toner
This toner is perfect for oily skin, thanks to salicylic and glycolic acids. Don’t worry about it stripping natural oils, though – this toner only strips away the grease that will lead to breakouts or slippery makeup. Excessive oil? Not today, thanks.
For Dry Skin: Rose & Hyaluronic Acid Deep Hydration Toner
Roses are best for dry, dull skin, and in this toner’s case, rosewater helps to nourish skin, while the rose fruit extract tones. It also has rose oil and actual rose petals, so you’re getting the best care in one bottle. It’s also alcohol-free, so your skin will stay dewy all day long. And who doesn’t like smelling like roses?
For Acne-Prone Skin: Oil-Free Acne Stress Control Triple-Action Toner
When cleaning your skin, you’ll find that salicylic acid is best for keeping pesky zits away. That’s why Neutrogena’s oil-free triple-action toner is perf for those struggling with clear skin. As mentioned in its name, it’s oil-free, so no blocked pores.
For Sensitive Skin: Ultra Repair Wild Oat Hydrating Toner
Colloidal oatmeal helps soothe skin, while wild oats help with irritation. And remember that whole “toner-dries-out-skin” thing? This toner actually helps out with dryness. It’s the ideal toner for those susceptible to irritation.
Toners are fantastic for every skin type if you do your research. Do you already use toners? Let us know which ones work for you in the comments!
Looking For More Skincare Suggestions? Read These Articles:
Skinimalism: Our Top Products To Give You A Minimal Skincare Routine
Our Writers Share Their Favorite Beauty Products of The Year
