What is face toner? How does it help our skin? Is it necessary to apply it daily? How to use Toners? Which is the best face toner I should purchase?
I’ve been asked such questions frequently and I believe everyone should know answers about them. If you follow a skin care routine also called CTM Routine, you must know the importance of face cleansing, moisturizing and sunscreen. But if you want to go further into the regime, you must know why face toner is important.
Toner is a water-based tonic that helps to provide hydration to the skin. It removes the remaining impurities from the skin after face wash. It also minimizes the appearance of the pores giving skin a finished look.
Toner boosts the glow of the skin as it restores the PH balance of the skin, refreshes the skin, and gives a smooth look. It also exfoliates the skin that is a required step for oily skin. It does not extract the natural oil of the skin, instead calms the skin sensitivity.
Forms of Face Toners:
- Fresheners
- Skin Tonics
- Acid Toners and
- Astringent
1. There are Fresheners that are mild and gentle. It consists of water, glycerin and up to 10% alcohol. One of the examples is: Rose Water. It provides hydration to the skin and keeps it moisturized. It is best for dry skin, normal skin, and sensitive skin.
2. Skin Tonics consist of water, glycerin and up to 20% alcohol like Orange Flower Water. It is best for combination skin, normal skin, and oily skin. The main use is to give moisture and nourishment to the skin, also good for dry skin and mature skin.
3. Acid Toners are strong tonics that chemically exfoliate skin by using Alpha Hydroxy Acid (AHAs), salicylic acid, and glycolic acid. The main purpose is to deeply clean the skin so that no dirt or bacteria is left after this step. They are good for oily and sensitive skin. It is a must step after cleaning makeup.
4. Astringent is the strongest form of toner as it consists of water, glycerin and up to 60% alcohol. It is mostly for oily and acne prone skin. It can be a bit damaging to skin as it removes the proteins and lipids from the skin. So if you have dry and sensitive skin, then avoid using astringent.
How to select Face Toners according to the skin?
1. Toners for Dry skin
If you are looking for a toner for dry skin, go for something which is alcohol free and has hyaluronic acid, amino acids, aloe vera, rose water and niacinamide that helps to restore and maintain moisture of the skin.
2. Toners for Oily skin
For oily skin you should look for face toners that consist of AHA (Salicylic Acid), BHA (Glycolic Acid), which exfoliates the skin and removes dead skin cells. This helps to reduce chances of breakouts without making the skin dry. Such toners should be used only one time in a day as too much acid can cause problems.
If you want to know about oily skin makeup foundation you can refer here.
3. Toners if you have Sensitive skin.
For sensitive skin, don’t do any experiments instead go for fresheners as they are very mild, or you can opt for aloe vera and glycerin as they have nourishing properties.
4. Toners if you have pigmentation on skin.
For skin having hyperpigmentation you should go for gentle toners containing lactic acid
Learn more about how to know about your skin type, primers and the right foundation shade for your skin.
How to apply Toner?
1. Face toners must be used after cleaning the skin.
2. Use it when the skin is a bit damp.
3. It can be used using cotton and then gently patting your skin or you can spray it on the face.
4. It is advised to use face toners twice a day.
5. You can apply toner twice after face wash, more toner = more hydration.
6. It is necessary step for nude makeup
Toner help in extra cleaning so use it before moisturizers and also provide hydration before makeup so one must use it before makeup application. There are various types of makeup foundations that you can use according to your skin. You can also learn about highlighters and blushers.
What are the best face toners one should purchase?
1. Neutrogena Alcohol Free Toner
It is the mild toner which is best for sensitive skin. It consists of a very small number of purifiers that extracts dirt and bacteria from the skin. It also provides hydration to the skin and gives a refreshing look. It also has hypoallergenic properties i.e. less chances of allergy.
2. Renne Rouleau elderberry soothing toner
This soothing toner is best for soothing skin from any inflammation and is best known for anti-ageing properties. It has elderberry added to it which protects skin from pollutants. It can also help in hyperpigmentation and pumps fine lines. If you have mature skin, go for it. It has a scent which is very refreshing.
3. Murad Clarifying Toner
If your skin is acne prone and oily, this is the best face toner you can use. It has ingredients like algae extracts, witch seed hazel which helps to regulate oil secretion. It also has properties which helps in keeping the skin nourished, moisturized and glowing. Do not use it if you have dry skin as it consists of alcohol.
4. Belif Aqua Bomb Hydrating Toner
This toner consists of honeysuckle that provides hydration, nourishment, and moisturizer to the skin. So, it is best for dry skin, now you can get rid of dry patches and get a proper refreshed look. As the name suggests, it provides super hydration to the skin along with minimizing open pores and fine lines.
5. Biotique Pore tightening toner
If you have got open pores and want a toner especially made of it, you can opt for this face toner. It has natural ingredients containing honey, vitamin C, Vitamin E, Tea-tree, Cucumber. It can also work for uneven skin tones but specially for oily skin. It helps to maintain the pH level of the skin and give the skin a refreshing look.
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