What is a toner?
A face toner is a quick, absorbing liquid that helps to remove excess dirt, traces of oil and makeup. It corrects and balances the pH of your skin. It is the step followed before moisturising and follows the cleansing routine.In other words, a facial toner thoroughly cleans the skin and helps remove built up surface dead skin cells. Toners help to clean and close pores.
Choosing a toner for your skin type:
First of all, it's important to always use an alcohol-free face toner. The other ingredients should be picked based on your skin type.
For acne-prone skin, choose an alcohol free toner with alpha hydroxy acid (AHA). This will leave your skin clean and glowing without flaking. A gentle tingle for a few seconds will let you know it has just the right pH level that is slightly acidic. This form of acid is gentle even for sensitive skin, unlike irritating ingredients like retinoids.Salicylic acid is often recommended in a facial toner for acne prone skin. However, this ingredient can be harsh and irritating, especially for sensitive skin.
For dry skin skin and for those who are in 30's and 40's ingredients may like coenzyme Q10, hyaluronic acid, glycerin and vitamin C are helpful.
Witch hazel, aloe vera, grapefruit seed extract, cucumber and vitamin E are some of the soothing ingredients if you have combination skin
If you have oily skin, sandalwood, willow bark, lavender, clary sage and tea tree are your best bet.
For sensitive skin, look for soothing ingredients like aloe vera and cucumbers.
Although essential oils and plant extracts are marketed to help give them a 'natural' and 'good for you' feel, these ingredients may result in skin irritations so it's best to avoid these.
- Start by cleaning your face with a gentle cleanser for sensitive skin or one that is suited for your skin type.
- Dampen a cotton ball with the alcohol-free toner, and apply it on your face.
- Allow it to dry.
- If you have combination or oily skin, you can use an alcohol-free toner at day and night. For dry skin, it's best to only use it once a day at night time.
- Always follow with moisturiser for your skin type.
Side effects of using a toner
Toners do not have any adverse side effects, as long as you avoid alcohol-based ones which may irritate your skin. Overusing a toner (more than twice a day) can cause skin irritation.
Can I Skip Toner?
You can skip using a toner in case your cleanser is already pH balanced and gives you a squeaky clean look.
