The middle step in our skin care routine, it’s often got the biggest !#@!? * around it. Cleansing makes sense; you need to clean. Moisturising is a given; skin needs moisture. But toner? Huh?
It looks like water, yes, but this deceptive liquid is full of great things that work to refine and clean pores. Essentially prepping your skin to properly absorb moisturiser and serum.
What is Facial Toner?
At its core, toner is a fast-penetrating liquid that delivers skin a quick hit of hydration and helps remove some dead cells off the surface of the skin. Historically, toners were used to restore your skin’s pH balance after cleansing. Modern formulations, however, have evolved significantly and now offer a variety of additional benefits. These modern toners often incorporate natural ingredients, combining advanced anti-aging ingredients and botanicals to purify, balance, hydrate, treat, and soothe the skin.
What is Skin Toner Used For? Understanding Different Skin Types
Toners serve multiple purposes in a skincare regimen. Beyond just cleansing, they can help in removing residual impurities, tightening pores, balancing the skin’s pH levels, and providing an extra layer of protection by closing pores and tightening cell gaps after cleansing. This reduces the penetration of impurities and environmental contaminants into the skin. Moreover, toners can act as a primer for the next steps in your skincare routine, allowing for better absorption of other skincare products. To use toner, apply it to a cotton pad and gently swipe it over your face and neck after cleansing, both in the morning and at night.
Which is enough on its own if you were born with perfect angel skin, but in reality, most of us need a little more TLC from our toner. Hence, we made the BFF Clarifying Toner, so those of us with acne-prone skin would be taken care of.
What is the Purpose of Skin Toner?
The primary purpose of skin toner is to ensure that your skin is completely clean and free of impurities. While a cleanser removes dirt, oil, and makeup from the surface of your skin, toner goes a step further by penetrating deeper into your pores. This helps to remove any remaining impurities that your cleanser might have missed. Additionally, toners prepare your skin to absorb the active ingredients in your moisturizer and serums more effectively. Toners with hydrating ingredients are especially beneficial for providing antioxidants, soothing agents, and hydration to the skin. Hyaluronic acid, a popular hydrating ingredient, can offer similar hydrating benefits as a hydrating toner.
✅ Deeply clear and clean pores
✅ Break down sebum, excess oil, and blackheads
✅ Remove debris and dead skin cells
✅ Control oil production
✅ Hydrate and nourish deep into your pores
✅ Rejuvenate and heal damaged skin cells
✅ Kill acne-causing bacteria
✅ Reduce infections
✅ Minimise angry, inflamed skin
What are the Benefits of Skin Toner?
Toners are incredibly beneficial for achieving glowing skin and addressing a variety of skin types and concerns. Different toners are formulated to target specific skin concerns, such as hydrating, calming, soothing, and addressing individual needs. For those with oily skin, toner can help to reduce excess oil production and minimise the appearance of pores. For individuals with dry skin, a hydrating toner can provide much-needed moisture. Toners can also soothe sensitive skin, reduce redness, and provide antioxidant protection. Moreover, they play a crucial role in maintaining the overall health and balance of your skin. Toners are also available in spray form, offering a convenient and easy application method. Witch hazel is a natural toning ingredient that helps tighten pores and firm the skin without causing a tight, dry feeling.
Still with us? It’s a lot, we know. You should’ve seen our faces when talking to the dermatologists who helped us formulate it. Shook.
In short, toner is a really important, and often underrated, part of your skin routine.
It’s really easy to use and it’s really good for your skin, so use it.
