Skincare products categorized as "toners" have been around for a long time. For many of us, the term may bring back teenage memories of applying harsh astringents to our faces to help clear acne. While we may have thought that the burning feeling they left behind was a sign they were helping our skin to heal, these products were actually causing damage. Thankfully, today's toners are generally formulated to help your skin. (There are exceptions, of course. Read on for what to avoid when shopping for a toner.)
So what do toners do? All of the following:
Restore Skin Balance
Toners were originally formulated to bring skin back to its appropriate pH after the use of soaps, which tended to be alkaline. Today, most facial cleanser are formulated to be much gentler on the skin, negating the need for a toner after cleansing. However, pollution, use of harsh products that strip the skin, and even seasonal changes can affect your skin's pH adversely. Applying a gentle toner to your face after cleansing helps to bring it back into balance.
Read more: What Does pH-Balanced Mean?
Remove Last Traces of Dirt and Makeup from Skin
While it's easy to find a gentle but effective facial cleanser, the challenge is ensuring that you wash your skin properly to thoroughly remove makeup and dirt. By applying a facial toner after washing your face and removing it with a cotton or gauze pad, you can easily catch any remaining debris. Tip: While not our favorite advice, consider that, in a pinch, toner can be used when you cannot wash your face.
Read more: How to Properly Wash Your Face
Hydrate
Most toners are formulated with humectants that draw moisture to the skin and hold it there, as well as emollients, which help to smooth the skin and keep it lubricated. This makes toners an excellent way to provide skin with extra hydration while helping to prevent tran-sepidermal water loss (TEWL). Apply it to skin before use of serums and/or moisturizers for an extra dose of hydration and apply throughout the day to keep skin feeling comfortable.
Read more: The Definitive Guide to Trans-epidermal Water Loss (TEWL)
Calm the Skin
Some toners, including Lexli Tone & Balance aloe vera toner, are formulated with ingredients that help to soothe the skin, making them great for use as an aftershave, after exfoliating, and even to nurture the skin of those with rosacea, eczema, psoriasis, sensitive skin and acne. Not only do these toners help to reduce discomfort, they also help to reduce the appearance of redness.
When buying a toner it's important to evaluate its ingredients to ensure it contains nothing harsh. Avoid products that include alcohol, which harms the skin's acid mantle and can cause dryness and damage. You'll know it's there if you see ingredients such as ethanol, ethyl alcohol, benzyl alcohol or isopropyl alcohol. These alcohols shouldn't be confused with cetyl alcohol, which is a beneficial ingredient that acts as an emollient to soothe the skin.
Photo: Cottonbro Studio
