Here's the truth about the face toner - they are overlooked and underestimated. Overlooked because you either forget to use them or just don't want to bother with them. Underestimated because no one ever told you all the good they can do!
This is a tiny bit science-y, but you’re smart. Potential hydrogen (PH) is the level of acid in your skin. The acidity keeps out impurities. Your PH level can range from 1 to 14, so toners help balance out the PH and keep it at a nice neutral 7. The result is healthy and radiant skin. See, that wasn’t so bad!
Do you have an automatic aversion to toners? You’re probably thinking of the stuff your gran-gran or even your mom used way back when. It's true; back in the day, all toners contained alcohol. They could feel like a thousand bees having a very bad day on your face. Those days are long gone. We know you’re ready to learn about the face toner benefits you’ve been missing.
What is a Face Toner?
A toner is a liquid or mist used to remove dirt, makeup, oil, and other impurities after cleansing. Toners absorb easily into the skin to add moisture and peel away dead skin leaving your face feeling cleaner and rejuvenated.
When should I use toner? Use a toner after cleansing to remove excess dirt. If it helps, think of it as the middle child between cleansing and moisturizing. Apply the toner with a cotton swab or your fingers, wiping upward and outward.
How to Use a Face Toner
This will depend on the type of toner you use. Toners come in liquid, mist or stick forms, and most are alcohol-free. And if you're ever in a pinch, and want a natural toner for your face, just smooth on some apple cider vinegar. Whichever one you choose, face toner is ready to come out of the shadows and into the spotlight.
Here are five toners you shouldn't overlook or underestimate. Check them out to see which one’s right for your skin type.
1. PCA SKIN Smoothing Toner 2. EltaMD Skin Recovery Toner 3. Q+A Niacinamide Daily Toner 4. Bioderma Hydrabio Tonic Lotion 5. PIXI Glow Tonic
1. PCA SKIN Smoothing Toner
If your skin type is normal to oily or you tend to have breakouts, the PCA SKIN Smoothing Toner will work like a charm. This alcohol-free product contains lactic and citric acids and aloe to help refine pores, remove superficial dead skin cells and leave the skin smooth and clear.
2. EltaMD Skin Recovery Toner
Every day, a lot of stuff gets thrown in your face – dust, smoke, toxins. And then there’s the makeup, which goes on much more carefully. But no matter how it gets on your face, you need to take it all off at the end of the day. Sensitive skin can be oily, dry, or combination. You may suffer from redness and irritation, which is sometimes caused by allergies. The ultimate skin detox, EltaMD Skin Recovery Toner, soothes sensitive skin and helps to minimize the risk of irritation.
3. Q+A Niacinamide Daily Toner
Large pores are a portal for dirt and grime. Sad, but true. The result is your skin looks unhealthy and becomes a playground for infections. Niacinamide (Vitamin B3) calms breakouts and de-clogs pores. Q+A Niacinamide Daily Toner helps to even out your skin tone and minimize the appearance of enlarged pores.
4. Bioderma Hydrabio Tonic Lotion
Moisture, moisture, wherefore are thou? Does your skin feel tight, perhaps with a little bit of flaking? Dry skin doesn't produce enough serum to keep it moist. If moisture is what you’re missing, Bioderma Hydrabio Tonic Lotion will bring your radiance back.
5. PIXI Glow Tonic
The ideal toner for all skin types, PIXI Glow Tonic is an amazing complexion booster that gently cleans and locks in moisture while also reducing the appearance of enlarged pores.
And there you have it - the truth about face toners. It's the essential middle step in your skincare routine, after cleansing and before moisturizing. As for the refreshing breath of air you feel across your face? That’s just your skin saying thank you!
Photo by Sora Shimazaki from Pexels
