Toner, you might have seen this beauty product in the aisle of skin care products. While some deem those slim bottles filled with lightly tinted liquid as an unnecessary product of a skincare routine, others use it as an essential part of their CTM routine. However, even people who follow CTM routine: Cleansing, Toning, and Moisturizing don’t know the right toner uses other than the habit. Right? We appreciate your habit but doubt whether you know the right way to use toner.

We asked several skin specialists and beauty bloggers to weigh in on the importance of skin toner. Keep reading to know everything about this water-based solution.

GlamUp Gallery Says,

Oily skin? Pick a face toner with exfoliating and antibacterial properties. It will help remove dead skin cells, absorb excess oil and prevent future breakouts.

What is toner?

A face toner is a clear or lightly tinted liquid used as an essential skin care product of a CTM routine. Used between cleansing and moisturizing, toner works to clear clogs, remove impurities and deliver instant hydration. In short, toner acts as a primer for other skin care products.

What does toner do: Uses and Benefits

In the ritual of CTM skin care, T-toner is the holy grail for healthy skin. Read on to know toner benefits and why your skin care routine must have a permanent place for this water-based solution.

Good To Know,

Many face toners contain alcohol, which is a big No for all skin types. Alcohol can cause irritation and dry out your skin. So, make sure to pick an alcohol-free toner.

1. Cleanse deep-seated dirt, oil and makeup traces

Even after so much washing and cleaning, the residues of oil and makeup are still left behind on the skin. So, why not kick them out by using a toner and get your skin ready for further skin care steps? Toner does another level of cleansing, and it is one of the most effective toners uses.

2. Soothes out the stressed skin

You may hide your stress, but your skin doesn’t. Signs? Irritation, redness, inflammation and acne. While you can’t do much to control stress in today’s hectic scenario, you can pick the right toner to soothe out the stressed skin. The refreshing and anti-inflammatory ingredients available in toners help relieve distress and discomfort whilst delivering calming effects.

3. Reduces skin pores size

It is indeed one of the most sought and significant benefits of toners! You spend hours looking for ‘how to reduce large pores and your search ends at the right toner. No, we are not saying that toners help remove pores, but this skin care product does help reduce pores sizes.

4. Locks in moisture

Refreshing, hydrating and nourishing, what else do you want? Yes, alcohol-free toner is super hydrating. So, when you apply moisturiser right after toner (when your skin is slightly damp), it helps reach moisture in the layers of your skin, making your moisturiser far more effective.

5. Tightens the skin

Who doesn’t like the spritz of a refreshing liquid after a sweaty day? Of course, we all want such hydrating effects in between daily work. Right? Then add a bottle of natural toner like rose water to hydrate and refresh your skin instantly anywhere, anytime. What’s more? It helps tighten your skin, leaving you with a firmer, smoother and cleaner canvas for seamless makeup application.

6. Balances skin pH (acidic) levels

Do you know what is the pH level of your skin? It is around 4.7. But when you use a facial cleanser with a different pH level, it disbalances it and you experience dryness, irritation etc. This is where toner comes into the frame. It helps bring back the skin’s normal pH level, making your skin feel soft and hydrated. In short, facial toners help restore the nutrients that cleansers strip off.

How to find the best facial toner?

To get the most out of your facial toner, you need to buy the best toner for your skin type. So, when buying this liquid solution, make sure to choose one which is free from any of the following ingredients:

• Alcohol – It can inflame and irritate sensitive skin.
• Salicylic acid – It tends to dry out the skin.
• Benzoyl peroxide — It can be too intense for some skin types.
• Artificial fragrance — It can irritate your skin
• Phthalates and parabens — They can create havoc on your skin.

Alternatively, you can use home remedies for toner like rose water or make one at home by following the DIY toner recipes.

How to make natural toner at home?

To make natural toner, mix one part of fresh aloe vera gel with 2 parts of water. Use it as your daily DIY toner.

How to buy the best toner per the skin type?

While face toners are suitable for all skin types, it is the best bet for oily skin. People with dry and sensitive skin should use a toner with caution. It is best to use face toner as per your skin type as different skin type has different concerns, so a correct toner is needed to address the concerns.

GlamUp Gallery Says,

One of the best face toner buying tips is to check the product’s ingredient label, ensuring it suits your skin type.

Look for the below-listed ingredients as per your skin type when buying face toner online.

Related Article: 5 Skin Types – How to Take Care of Your Skin?

Dry skin: Hyaluronic acid toner is the best bet for dry skin. It is an amazing humectant, which helps soothe and replenish your parched skin. Chamomile, cucumber, glycerin and aloe vera are some other ingredients suitable for dry skin. Alcohol and hazel are the big no for dry skin. These ingredients can adversely affect dry skin, resulting in rashes, redness and other serious concerns. 

Oily skin: Toners with AHA and BHA (alpha and beta hydroxy acids) are most suitable for oily skin. people with oily skin can choose Glycolic acid toner, Lactic acid toner and Salicylic acid toner to remove dead skin cells and excess oil from the face. Users have also reported in reduction of pores size after the regular use of AHA and BHA toners. However, more research is needed to support this claim.

Sensitive skin: A gentle toner, enriched with the goodness of Rose Water, Chamomile or Aloe Vera can be the best toner for sensitive skin. These natural ingredients help soothe and double cleanse the agitated skin. Hyaluronic acid is also good for sensitive skin as it helps hydrate the skin.

Combination skin: Face toners with hydrating and oil-absorbing properties are the best choice for combination skin. So, when buying the best toner for combination skin, look for the ingredients that have both the properties such as lactic acid, Salicylic acid and Witch hazel.

Acne-Prone Skin: Face toners with zinc, tea tree extracts or witch hazel are good choices for acne-prone skin. Acne is chiefly caused by excess oil production; these ingredients help remove excess oil, reduce skin irritation and acne breakouts.

Also Read: Acne skin care routine for a clear and healthy skin

How to use toner on face?

• Soak a cotton pad in your favourite facial toner.
• Blot your face with this cotton pad.
• If your toner is in a spray bottle, simply spritz it all over your face.

When it comes to healthy and hydrated skin, a facial toner is a key step in your skin care routine.