Is Toner Really Necessary?
Toner is a liquid that you apply to the skin after cleansing and before your serums, moisturizers, and oils. To some, it is “just water,” and not an essential part of the skin routine. To others, it is a must! So what is the real answer? Do you NEED to have a toner in your skin routine, or can you just skip it? Let’s first talk about what a toner does for the skin.
What Does Toner Do?
As the lightest step in the routine, your toner is used to soften and prepare the skin for moisture absorption. Traditionally, toners were used as astringents to dry out the skin (especially those designed for oily/combination skin) to treat acne. It has also been used as a second cleanse, a favourite of those who use makeup wipes (one step I would absolutely stay away from, here’s why). But toner has come a long way since then and has many other uses.
Toner balances the pH. One of the most common uses. The skin has a natural pH of approximately 5.5, and traditionally cleansers have a pH level of around 7. So toners have been used to re-balance the skin ‘s pH level.
Toner prepares the skin for moisture absorption. After rinsing off the face, you don’t want to let the skin dry before applying your products. Your skin needs moisture for products to really penetrate the layers of the skin. Especially when it comes to serums. Most toners have Hyaluronic Acid which will help deepen moisture absorption.
Toner can be a great exfoliator. One of the forms of exfoliators happen to be chemical exfoliators. Physical scrubs require you to massage the product into the skin, you have to be concerned about how much pressure you’re using if you’re getting an even exfoliation if you’re over-exfoliating, the granules being used, the list goes on and on
How Does Toner Balance The Skin?
Throughout the day, our skin produces a thick oil from our sebaceous glands, called sebum, which causes the skin to become more acidic (ie, lowers the ph of the skin). To get rid of the oil, most cleansers are made with an alkaline pH level, which dries out the skin from the natural oil which leaves the skin further out of balance. Facial toners are typically created slightly acidic in order to balance out the alkaline levels of the skin after it is cleansed. The toner brings the skin back to the desired pH level. Ideally, you’ll want to use a non-alcohol toner to avoid further drying out your now balance skin.
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The Verdict?
Find a toner that suits your skin type. It can either be a moisturizing toner to prep your skin for optimal absorption or use it to deliver your acids for exfoliation. Be sure to apply moisturizer at the end of your skin routine to prevent water-loss and lock all the hydration into your skin. All in all, it is a step that should not be missed.