A toner balances the skin’s pH and prepares it for the active substances to work more efficiently. Removes the cleanser leftovers as well as impurities that they were not eliminated by the cleanser, hydrates the skin preparing it to absorb the serum and the cream.
Different types of toners
Hydrating toners are thin liquids used before the serum. Help the skin to be and feel moisturized.
Exfoliating toners usually contain AHAs, BHAs or PHAs in order to enhance the skin texture. Although cosmetic brands may suggest to use such a toner daily, I don’t agree. Over-exfoliation is not beneficial. On the contrary, it can damage the skin barrier. You shouldn’t use such a product if your next step is a retinoid. The same applies for the use of Vitamin C. Alternating them would be better.
Toners with active ingredients such as niacinamide or vitamin C.
Astringent toners are better for oily or acne-prone skin. They tend to dehydrate the skin. Consequently, if you have dry or sensitive skin, you’d better avoid their use.
Fermented toners are very common in Korean beauty brands. They contain also herbal ingredients. Such products tend to have a long items list. Before you purchase, check that list. There may be an ingredient you are allergic to or your skin doesn’t tolerate. Never skip the patch test. Fermented substances can irritate the skin.
It happened to me. I bought two toners, very popular on social media, I did the patch test and it didn’t seem that could be any particular problem. However, days later my skin was dehydrated and irritated. This made me realize that my skin can’t tolerate either Centella Asiatica or Ginseng. Since then, I avoid any product that contains those ingredients.
A hydrating toner should better be applied on damp skin for the ingredients to be better absorbed.
If the toner has hydroxy-acids that help the exfoliation process, after cleansing, wait for your skin to be dry. Otherwise, irritation will occur. Then, use a cotton pad soaked with the toner and apply it to your face. You can apply it with your hands instead. Whatever you decide to do, try to be gentle to your skin.
Do you really need a toner? it depends on what you expect from using it. If you want to balance your skin’s pH after cleansing and to eliminate all the dirt that was not removed with the cleanser, you probably need it. However, if you use a gentle cleanser, you can skip that step.
In case that you want an extra boost to your skin’s hydration, then you can go for a toner with such properties. Otherwise, a moisturizing serum can do the job.
Assuming that you apply a serum with actives , you don’t need a toner with the same ingredients.
It is up to you. You don’t need to follow the trends. You should always choose the skincare routine that is best for you.
If you want to know more about my favorite toners, here is my related posthttps://www.christiannak.com/?p=672
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