Almost 90% of women may get these 12 benefits of toner on skin if she knows the appropriate application on how to use and when to use face toner.
We will cover all types of skin toners, proper application procedure, side effects if any, and also show some best types of skin toners for different skin types.
Till date, toner is a curious skincare product for the face. Toner is generally used for refreshing the skin without stripping of skins’ natural moisture. Toner balances the ph balance of the skin. And for this reason, toner does not cause irritation to the skin or cause dryness to the skin.
This basically prepares the skin to drink up the post-cleansing moisturizer and further skin treatments like the serum, essence, oil, etc. one applies. You may like our recent publication on the top 10 cosmetic brands in the world.
What is Toner for Skin?
Toner is water-based liquid form beauty product that usually contains several skin soothing ingredients such as eucalyptus, aloe Vera, peppermint, and others. It can be called a permanent fixture. Traditionally toner is used to remove the excess oil and debris from the face as well as cleanses the skin. We published just now: 09 Solutions on Foundation Look Patchy.
The 05 Ingredients of a Toner
Different toners have different purposes. There can be many ingredients included according to the skin type. Some of the ingredients and their function on the skin are given.
1. Witch Hazel
It is a flowering plant. Toners with witch hazel are very soothing. It is highly recommended for sensitive, oily, and acne-prone skin. It is also known for improving skin tone.
2. Green Tea
Green tea is filled with antioxidant properties. Green tea rejuvenates skin and even out the tone of the skin. You can see the List of Makeup Products for Beginners.
3. Aloe Vera
Aloe Vera is unbeatable when it comes to calming and soothing the skin. It treats many skin discomfort like redness, irritations, inflammation, etc readily. Aloe Vera also boosts the hydration level of the facial skin. Let’s see how rose water helps your face.
4. Rose Water Oil
Rosewater is a wealth of benefits actually. It is the most easily accessible toner in the world and works for almost all skin problems. It is deeply hydrating and refreshing for the skin.
5. Tea Tree Oil
Tea tree oil is a natural antibacterial toner. It leaves a mattifying finish for oily skin. It is helpful for unclogging pores and for treating the infections as well as the impurities of the facial skin
What Does Toner Do Actually?
Toner is a skincare water-based product. It is used in the second step of the beauty regime after cleansing the face. Toner also cleanses the face by removing dirt and impurities from the closed pores. It also nourishes the skin by locking water moisture levels. The importance of toner is many.
Toner helps in replenishing the skin after deep cleansing. Toner balances the pH level of the skin and maintains skin health. However, toner works as a primer for the rest of the skincare steps. It enhances the impacts of moisturizers, serums, oils, and other skincare products.
The purpose of a toner is to provide a permanent solution for all skin at odds in the long run. Toner cleanses the pores and shrinks the appearances of them by tightening the pores. Also, toner helps in brightening the skin. In fine, toner is effective for all kinds of skin problems.
The 12 Skin Toner Benefits on Skin
There are numerous benefits of skin toner on the face. Some of the skin toner benefits are given below.
1. It shrinks pores
Regular uses of toners on the skin can minimize the size of pores over time. It hydrates and cleanses the skin additionally and completely. Toners containing alpha hydroxy acid is good for treating large pores problems.
2. Restores skin’s pH balance
Toner has a rich antioxidant soothing formula that is helpful to restore the pH balance formula of skin. Alcohol-free toner works best for balancing the pH level of the skin. People who have a pH imbalance level can adjust their skin’s natural pH level with a slightly acidic toner.
3. Moisturizer
Toner has glycerin which is a humectant. It helps the skin to absorb moisturizer better. It prepares the skin to penetrate the creams and serums whatever one applies next. Toners add healthy hydration to the skin. Vitamin E contained toners that are good for moisturizing effects on the skin.
4. Layer of protection
Toner forms another layer on the skin which acts protectively for the skin. Toner works like a barrier against environmental stressors, dirt, dust, pollution, sun damage, impurities, and others.
5. Prevent ingrown hairs
Toners that contain glycolic acid or alpha hydroxy acid can help in preventing ingrown facial hair.
6. It refreshes skin
Toner gives an instant refreshing feel and effect to the skin. Toner removes the traces of dirt, oil, bacteria, and makeup residues from the skin. It protects the skin by removing the dust, impurities, pollution, and bacteria lingering on the skin even after washing the face. It also cleanses the dirt from clogged pores. Therefore, it removes the impurities from the skin at an advanced level.
7. Removes impurities
Toner is quite helpful in preventing impurities on the skin like acne, breakouts, or other infections. Toner is a water-based liquid that has soothing and anti-inflammatory skin effects properties. Toners act like a cleanser that cleanses the skin from the level of the closed pore. Therefore, it plays a major role in preventing further skin infections. Consequently, toner prevents further breakouts and reduces the existing one.
8. Protects skin
Toner replenishes the skin after deep cleansing. It fills up the gaps in skin cells caused by different impurities. Toner makes the appearance of pores smaller. Thus it protects the skin against any kind of impurities enter.
9. Improves efficacy of other products
Toner is a mild exfoliator. Then it maintains to lock the water level moistures of skin. Toner also levels the pH balances. Hereby, toner helps in penetrating other skincare products deeply and effectively into the skin. Thus toner improves the efficiencies of other skincare products of next steps.
10. Say goodbye to oily skin!
Toners prove a boon for oily skin. It has the ingredients that are able to control the production of sebum and excess oil of the skin. Glycolic or salicylic contained toners are recommended for oily skin.
11. Clear complexion
Toner helps in improving minor skin problems like breakouts, irritation, redness, and others as well as blemished to an extent. Toner that has glycolic acid is helpful for fading spots on facial skin. Vitamin C toner is the best option for a clear complexion.
12. Freshness of skin
Toner has a calming sensation on the skin. It has a soothing effect on the facial skin just after use. Also, toner like rose water or witch Hazel etc has a very refreshing smell. Overall using a toner feels very amazing and refreshing even to use as a mist.
How to Use Toner for Your Skin?
Both men and women can use a facial toner. Toner needs to be used just after one cleanses the face. Toners can be applied to the skin by either of two following methods:
1. How to apply toner without cotton ball
One can spray the toner on the skin directly from a safe distance with closed eyes and pat dry the toner on the face. Another method to apply the toner without a cotton pad is to take a few drops of toner in the palms and press the toner into the facial skin. Do not forget to use it with a clean hand.
2. Use Toner with cotton ball or cotton pad
This is the most used process of using toner on the skin. In this process, one needs to soak a cotton ball or cotton pad into the toner and dab or wipe off the face over. This will also cleanse the face thoroughly. Dabbing the toner with a cotton ball simply with a clean hand is the most absorbing way to use a toner.
3. How to use toner on face for oily skin
If someone has oily and acne-prone skin then one needs to avoid alcohol-based toner. And pick one with salicylic acid or glycolic acid based toner.
When to Use Toner?
The best time to apply a toner is just after one cleanses the face. Toner needs to apply two times daily for desired results. Tones work best if added in the morning and nighttime beauty regime. One may soak a cotton ball or cotton pad into the toner and gently sweep or rub the face after double-cleansing.
It can also be sprayed on the face and pat dries the face for better absorption. However, this is the second stage of the skin care routine after cleansing the face. So toner should be used twice a day as it prepares the skin to absorb the moisturizers or other skin treatments.
What Does Toner Do for Your Skin?
Toner has various positive impacts on the skin if applied routinely and regularly. Toner is great for removing the last traces of dirt, grime, and impurities from the pores after washing the face. Toner restores the pH balance of the skin. It also tightens the pores and shrinks the appearance of pores on the skin. It also helps to brighten the skin tone with regular use. You may find our recent research on the Top Perfume Brands in the world.
#Toner for sensitive skin
Toner is very well suited for sensitive skin because toner has skin-soothing ingredients for instance eucalyptus, peppermint, and aloe vera. It gives a soothing effect to the skin and is very mild as well as gentle to the skin. Therefore toner does not irritate sensitive skin at all.
#Is toner necessary for dry skin?
Toner does not cause extra dryness to the skin. Rather it balances the ideal pH level of dry skin by providing and locking moisture for a longer period. Toner refines the dry patches of the skin and makes the skin smooth by texture and appearance.
#Toner for oily sensitive skin
By balancing the pH level of the skin, toner does not make the skin oilier. Rather it acts like bliss for oily acne-prone skin as toner cleanses the close and clogged pores deeply. Alcohol-free toner is suggested for oily sensitive skin. And toner containing salicylic acid is recommended for oily acne-prone skin.
Side Effects of Toner on Face
Toners are very mild and gentle in nature. Hereby they do not have any specific disadvantages or side effects on the skin. But if someone feels dryness and irritation to the skin after using any toner then he must stop using that one immediately.
Another thing one needs to keep in mind is the alcohol content in toner. Alcohol-based toner can be used unless it has high alcohol concentrations. In short, high alcohol content toner may not go well with skin health.
Rich alcohol-based toners or too much use of any toner can lead skin to dryness, dry patches, and damaged skin. Excessive use of toners may cause irritation and other skin issues. Some toners contain harsh exfoliating ingredients which may cause an allergic reaction, itching, or inflammation.
People may experience a breakout after using toner because all the ingredients are not suitable for all skin types. Although some breakouts may occur as a result of skin purging. But if the situation worsens or does not improve after a while then the breakouts are there due to unsuitable ingredients.
Natural Toner for Face
There is no hard and fast rule to use the toner available in the market only. Toners can be made with natural ingredients at home, too.
Mix a cup full of green tea with half a tablespoon of honey together. Add a few drops of jojoba oil to the mixture. The toner is ready for all kinds of skin types.
For people with oily skin, mix one tablespoon of apple cider vinegar and lemon juice with 250 ml of mineral water. And the toner is ready to use for oily skin. But the toner contains lemon thus vitamin c. So it is better to use the toner only at night.
Also, rosewater is the most popular natural toner used worldwide. It provides hydration and gives an instant soothing effect to the skin.
Toner vs Moisturizer (Quick Solution)
Toner is not replaceable with a moisturizer. A toner just prepares the facial skin for the application of moisturizer. Toner cleanses the remaining dirt and pollution from the closed pores after washing the face. So moisturizer penetrates into the skin more for using a toner.
Toner for Face before and After
Toner gently refreshes the skin immediately without stripping the skin of its natural moisture and oil. Toner also prepares the skin to drink up post-cleansing skin treatments like moisturizer, serum, oil, and other beauty steps. Toner cleanses and tightens pores. So, you will definitely be benefited after continuously using a skin toner. You may like how castor oil helps your hair grow.
Sequence for applying a toner
The known and popular CTM method which is cleansing, toning and then moisturizing needs to be followed for applying skin toner. So one needs to cleanse the face first and then apply a toner. Next is toning the face with a clean hand.
Then follow a moisturizer to lock the moisture of facial skin. Also one needs to complete the routine with sunscreen application for protecting the skin from sun damage in the daytime.
What Toner Should I Use?
Different ingredients are beneficial for different types of skin. So, toner should be used depending on the skin type.
1. Alcohol
Alcoholic toner should not be used regularly. It is not even recommended for facial skin. Alcohol often imbalances the pH level of the skin. Besides alcohol can dry up the skin which can cause irritation and inflammation as well.
2. Salicylic acid
Salicylic acid is a popular one for oily acne-prone skin treatment. It fights acne and prevents further breakout to an extent. But too much use of salicylic acid toner can again dry up the skin.
3. Benzoyl peroxide
This toner is also known for combat acne. But it is a harsh chemical and can be intense for some people. It is not recommended for people with sensitive skin.
4. Fragrances
Artificial fragrances are told to avoid, completely, acne-prone and sensitive skin types. These artificial fragrances have chemicals that react to the skin in certain ways and cause several skin problems.
5. Phthalates and parabens
These are chemicals that are used to preserve beauty products at a low cost. These low-cost preservatives are toxins for the skin. They can even cause skin cancer in long-term use.
Water Based Toner, is it good?
Yes, water-based toner is good for the skin. Water-based toners basically contain soothing substances for instance glycerin, ceramides, fatty acids, antioxidants, etc. That replenishes facial skin. Water-based toners have hyaluronic acid that helps in binding moisture of the face.
Best Toner for Oily Skin
Toners which have salicylic or glycolic acid are good and well suited for oily skin. Oily skin produces excess sebum therefore skin appears shiny and the pores become larger. That is why there are more chances of acne breakouts. Therefore salicylic acid toner prevents acne. Also, tea tree toner is helpful to fight acne.
Best Toner for Acne
There are several options available for treating acne. Salicylic acid toner fights acne and prevents further chances of acne problems. Also, glycolic acid toner does the same thing. Tea tree oil toner has antibacterial properties to fight acne. While witch Hazel toner is another one to combat acne problems and calm down the skin.
Best Toner for Aging Skin
Toners that contain humectants mean hyaluronic acid is best for aging skin. It helps to lock water and bind moisture to the facial skin. Toners with retinol, benzoyl peroxide or glycolic acid, etc. are good for reversing aging skin. Toner with alpha hydroxy acid exfoliates the skin. So it is also helpful for treating aging skin.
Toner for Dull Skin
Toners with natural exfoliators such as papaya, pomegranate extracts, or lactic acid are good for repairing dull skin. Also, green tea toner helps in rejuvenating the skin.
Toner for Dry Skin
Dry skin needs more hydration. Therefore rose water, glycerol, vitamin E, lactic acid toner are the best options for dry skin people. These ingredients are deeply nourishing and hydrating for the skin.
Is Facial Toner Necessary?
Toning is not the fundamental step for a skincare routine like cleansing and moisturizing. But toners have diverse uses to complement skin health. Toners remove the lingering dirt and impurities from the skin that can cause further damage and infection to the skin.
Also, toner balances the skin’s pH level and sebum production. Hereby toner is really helpful for people with oily acne-prone skin. However various toners are available now in the market to complement different types of skins and skin problems.
Toner helps to penetrate further products better into the skin. Above all, the ancient and traditional beauty method CTM which is cleaning, toning, and moisturizing recommend toning the facial skin regularly.
What to look for in a Toner
The beauty market is flooded with tons of different toners containing different skin concerns. One must buy a toner according to his skin type and specific criteria.
1. Rosewater
Rosewater is known for providing hydration to the skin. It gives an extra boost of hydration to the skin.
2. Chamomile
This is the best choice for sensitive and irritated skin. It provides instant cooling effects and soothing benefits to the skin. Chamomile toner soothes skin.
3. Tea tree Oil
A tea tree enriched toner is good for acne prone skin. Tea trees have the ability to fight bacteria and other skin infections. It also restricts the excess production of skin oil.
4. Aloe Vera
Toners that have aloe vera extracts are very soothing for the skin. It helps to calm the inflamed skin. It also reduces the redness of the skin.
5. Vitamin E for Hydration
Vitamin E toners are good for dull, dry, and dehydrated skins. Vitamin E deeply nourishes the skin.
6. Plant stem cells for antioxidants and anti-aging properties
Plant stem cell toner is really helpful for repairing skin cells. The antioxidant-rich toner has restorative benefits and provides protection against environmental impurities.
#Frequent Question and Answers on Skin Toner Benefits, Types, Usages and Side Effects:
Is Face Toner Suitable for All Skin Types?
Toner is suitable for all as long as the skin can tolerate the formulation of toner. Finding the right toner according to your skin is the key. If the benefits of a particular toner match the criteria of the user then it will suit him.
How Often Should You Use a Face Toner?
Toner can be used twice daily on freshly cleansed skin for everyone and for all types of skin. The best times recommended are in the morning and at night on a freely cleansed face with clean hands to avoid any further skin infections.
However, toner can be used once a day or every other day for people with extremely sensitive skin. One thing that needs to be kept in mind is that an alcohol-based toner cannot be used daily on the skin as it can damage the skin instead of repairing the skin.
Is Toner Safe for My Face Even If I Do Hair Removal?
Toner is safe if one does hair removal treatments such as waxing, laser, or squash hair follicles. It is better to use a gentle toner at that time. It is suggested to use a toner without alcohol, vitamin C, or retinol. Because these ingredients are not recommended as they may have adverse reactions alongside waxing or laser treatments.
Who should be using a Toner?
Apparently, everyone should use a facial toner. Both men and women can use toner on facial skin. Also, all kinds of skin type’s people should use toner according to their skin types. People after 18 years old can safely use toner according to their skin types, problems, and expectations.
How to Pick a Facial Toner?
There are four major types of skins: dry, normal, oily, and combination. There are 3 main variations of face toner developed with different ingredients to suit these four types of skin: bracers, tonics, and astringents. So one should choose the toner according to their skin type.
1. Bracers:
Bracers are the mildest and most gentle form of toner. It has water and humectant ingredients. Bracers have ingredients like glycerol, rose water; vitamin E, etc. bracers are alcohol-free and soothing. So, they are for dry and sensitive skin because they provide hydration and soothing benefits.
2. Tonics:
They are of medium-strength toners. Tonics generally contain alcohol in small quantities. Tonics have lactic acid, glycolic acid, orange flower extract, etc. that gently exfoliate the skin. Orange extracts are a natural exfoliator.
It has antioxidant effects and vitamin c that refreshes skin and protects the skin from UV rays. Lactic acid treats hyperpigmentation and enhances clarity. Glycolic acid reveals the brightness of the skin and reduces pigmentation.
3. Astringents:
Astringents remove excess oils from clog pores. This is the strongest one amongst the three. It contains alcohol and active ingredients in high percentage. Witch hazel, tea tree, salicylic acid, etc. are the ingredients of astringent toner.
Witch hazel is a natural astringent that has anti-inflammatory effects. It helps in tightening pores and reducing the appearance of pores. This is best suited for oily skin. Tea tree has an antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory benefit that protects skin from infection. Salicylic acid dissolves impurities and improves blackheads and whiteheads.