Toners are no longer what they were!

The days of astringent, abrasive toners that smell and feel as harsh as they are on the skin are over.

Today, they are a standard in skincare routines and not simply for acne.

Finding a toner that complements your skin type, objectives, and other products can be challenging.

WHAT IS TONER?

Toners are commonly misunderstood, and the majority of individuals do not know if they should use them or how to use them. Before moisturizing and after cleansing, a face toner is a quick-absorbing liquid that helps remove excess dirt, traces of oil, and makeup, as well as correct and balance the pH of your skin to make it the ideal slightly acidic pH of around 5.5 (cleansers and water often make skin’s pH too alkaline, so toner helps bring it back down so that serums and lotions can work correctly and be absorbed). In other words, a facial toner cleanses the skin thoroughly and helps eliminate dead skin cells that have accumulated on the surface. It is perfect for acne-prone skin because it helps to clean pores and balance pH.

DIFFERENCE BETWEEN TONER AND ASTRINGENT

A simple distinction between a face toner and an astringent is that astringents are typically prepared with solvent alcohol. Toners may contain alcohol. However, alcohol-free formulations are also available. A toner without alcohol is gentler on the skin than an astringent. In addition, they can be used daily.

Similar to a facial toner, astringents reduce the appearance of pores; however, the alcohol can be too drying for delicate skin, especially if you have dry skin.

Astringents include calamine lotion, apple cider vinegar, rubbing alcohol, silver nitrate, and witch hazel. Insect bites, fungal infections, and minor skin irritations are better treated with astringents than toner.

Choosing the Right Toner for Your Skin

Always use a facial toner that does not contain alcohol initially. The remaining ingredients should be selected according to your skin type.

Choose an alcohol-free toner containing alpha hydroxy acid for acne-prone skin (AHA). This will leave your skin clean, radiant, and flake-free. A few seconds of mild tingling indicates that the pH level is just correct and slightly acidic. In contrast to irritants such as retinoids, this acid is light enough for sensitive skin.

Acne-prone skin is generally recommended a face toner containing salicylic acid. Nonetheless, this ingredient might be harsh and irritating, particularly for sensitive skin.
In addition to coenzyme Q10, hyaluronic acid, glycerin, and vitamin C, other ingredients for normal to combination skin may include coenzyme Q10, hyaluronic acid, and vitamin C.

Although essential oils and plant extracts have been marketed to give the impression that they are “natural” and “good for you,” they can cause skin irritations and should be avoided.

HOW TO APPLY FACIAL TONER

• Cleanse your face using a mild cleanser for sensitive skin that is formulated for your skin type. Choose one without strong detergents like sodium lauryl sulphate and perfume.
• Use a 2×2 non-woven gauze to apply the alcohol-free toner on your face.
• Let it dry.
• If you have oily or mixed skin, you can use an alcohol-free toner day and night. For dry skin, it is advisable to apply it only once per day, at night if the toner has exfoliating ingredients.
• Always apply a moisturizer suited to your skin type.

Include toner in your morning and evening skincare routines

If you have sensitive skin, your choice of cleanser and toner could affect your skin greatly. Doctors receive reports from millions of patients with sensitive skin problems, reporting varied sensitivities to previously used cosmetics. Cleansing your exposed skin with the proper cleanser is the first step in achieving healthy, youthful, and balanced skin.

Choosing a soap-free cleanser and alcohol-free toner that won’t rob sensitive skin of its crucial nutrients and natural oils is essential. Your skin type should dictate the type of cleanser you use. Toners for sensitive skin should never contain alcohol.

Be careful to wash your face with a cleanser that does not contain soap at night to remove dirt, makeup, and pollutants. A morning cleanse can also assist in preparing your skin for makeup and the day. Always apply a fragrance-free moisturizer for sensitive skin after cleansing.

Never use extremely warm or extremely cold water to rinse. On the skin, a lukewarm temperature is more comfortable and preferable. Extreme water temperatures may result in irritation. Always use a soft cloth to dry your skin, and instead of rubbing, gently pat dry.

Try My Perfect Skin Clinic, Hydrating Toner or Salicylic Toner