All You Need To Know About Face Toners

Tone up the glow

Alvvina Sayed

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Let's face it: CTM is the skin-healthy regimen that gets the most attention. Just like a cleanser and a moisturizer, toners are a must-have for all skincare routines for glowing skin, and are usually recommended to reduce enlarged pores which is one of the face toner benefits.

However, when it comes to skincare, a lot of us frequently give the toner a miss or neglect it to incorporate it into our skincare regime. Well, blame it on its poor reputation since a lot of toners out there contain alcohol which dehydrates the skin and zap out the moisture. The good news though: formulations have improved over time. During winter, it becomes crucial to include toners in our skincare routine as they help in restoring the pH balance of the skin and prep it for the other skin care products for winter that we use.

Continue reading to learn what a face toner is and why you need to incorporate it into your routine.

What Is A Face Toner?
The most crucial question that comes to our mind next is what exactly is a toner. Toner is the next step or a natural progression of facial cleansing. Toners are typically water-based liquids that work as a kind of booster to your cleansing process, aiding in prepping your skin for moisturizing or makeup application. After cleansing your face, you must always apply toner. PS: Even after washing your face, toner helps eliminate any lingering dirt. A few of the face toner benefits include pore reduction, pH balance restoration, and skin preparation for better moisturizer absorption.
What Are The Various Benefits Of A Toner?
A toner has numerous advantages for the skin. Check out the face toner benefits listed below.

Balance the skin’s pH level: It helps to restore the skin’s natural pH balance which gets depleted after cleansing since they are alkaline in nature.

Hydrate the skin: It can add a layer of moisture to the skin and makes it feel refreshed and revitalized.

Remove excess dirt and oil: It helps to remove the remaining traces of makeup, and dirt missed by the cleanser.

Prepare the skin for other products: It helps to prep the skin for layering other skincare products such as moisturizers and serums.

Soothe and calm the skin: Some toners contain ingredients such as Aloe Vera, Chamomile, etc. that can help soothe and calm irritated or inflamed skin.
How To Use A Face Toner?
A face toner needs to be applied to your face immediately after cleansing your face. Follow these steps on how to use a face toner.

Wash your face preferably with a gentle cleanser to remove dirt, oil and makeup

Add two to three drops on a cotton pad or in your palms and swipe it lightly on your face, avoiding the eye area.

Always ensure that your hands are clean if you are applying it on your palms.

Use a toner every day as part of your skincare routine, following the cleansing step. Unsure when to use toner day or night? Well, the answer is that you should apply toner in the morning and evening before using any other skincare products.
What Ingredients In A Toner Suit Your Skin Type?
Toners are a lifesaver for oily and acne-prone skin types, but people with dry skin frequently disregard them. However, do not be alarmed; modern toners are considerably gentler and serve more purposes than astringents. Face toner formulations have evolved over time, and a variety of toners are now available for different skin types. Following is a list of skin toners with the ingredients that are most appropriate for your skin type. Yes, there is a toner that is ideal for you out there!
Skin Type: Normal Skin

SS Beauty Recommends: House Of Beauty Peach + Jojoba Toner

Infused with the goodness of Witch Hazel, Vitamin E, Aloe Vera Gel, Peach Extracts, and Jojoba Oil, this toner is the solution for all skin types. A few of the skin toner benefits include reduction of the appearance of pores and balancing the pH levels of the skin and hydrating the skin. It helps to prep the skin for better absorption of moisturizers and serums. This is your go-to toner for a smooth textured complexion.
Skin Type: Oily/Acne Prone Skin

SS Beauty Recommends: Plum Green Tea Alcohol-Free Toner

Ideal for acne-prone skin, this Alcohol-free toner from Plum works wonders for oily skin. The Glycolic Acid toner benefits includes exfoliation of dead skin cells, leading to smoother skin. The Antioxidant Organic Tea tightens the skin and helps diminish blemishes and acne. What’s more: It does not make the skin feel stretchy and dry.
Skin Type: Sensitive Skin

SS Beauty Recommends: Mamaearth Rose Face Toner with Witch Hazel & Rose Water

Did you know that healthy skin is also a result of using a toner regularly. Infused with the goodness of Rose Water and Witch Hazel, this magic elixir from Mamaearth targets open pores while purifying the skin and giving it a natural glow. It’s also devoid of alcohol and parabens.
Skin Type: Dry Skin

SS Beauty Recommends: Klairs Supple Preparation Facial Toner

This toner is a must-have for all dry skin types. It is formulated with a blend of hydrating ingredients, including Hyaluronic Acid, Butylene Glycol, and Amino Acids, to provide deep hydration and improve skin elasticity. It has a watery texture that is quickly absorbed by the skin, leaving it plump and moisturized. It also maintains the skin's pH balance at its optimal level to help in the absorption of other products.
Pro Tips
Keep in mind the following tips to help you get better skin toner benefits.

Tip 1# For best results, keep your toner in the refrigerator for 20 minutes before use. Your skin will feel refreshed.

Tip 2# You may also pour the toner into an ice tray and use one cube at a time to tone your skin and reduce puffiness in the morning.

Tip 3# Apply the toner to your neck and the back sides of your hands to give your skin an extra glow.

Tip 4# A spray bottle would be a good idea to apply the toner because it would provide even coverage and reduce waste.
Frequently Asked Questions on Face Toners:
Is toner necessary in your daily skincare routine?

A toner is a very important part of your CTM routine and hence should be included in your skincare routine. It helps to remove any leftover residue and oil from your skin and maintain the pH balance. It’s crucial to use a skin toner that is suitable for your skin type. It helps prep your skin for other skincare products such as serums, moisturizers and sunscreen.

Does toner brighten your skin?

Although toner by itself doesn't brighten the skin, it can help the skin get ready for other products like serums and moisturizers that might contain compounds like Vitamin C, Niacinamide, and Kojic Acid that can lighten the skin. Additionally, using a toner can assist to balance out skin tone and enhance the skin's general texture and appearance. It's crucial to remember that individual differences and the particular items used can affect the brightness of the skin.

Which is the best toner for acne-prone skin?

If you have oily or acne-prone skin you will need a specific toner that caters to your skin type. You must pick toners with AHAs and BHAs to reduce excessive sebum production which causes breakouts and acne. You can also include toners that have Glycolic Acid which will help to repair damaged skin and boost skin cell turnover. Salicylic Acid face toner benefits include preventing recurring pimples and making the skin appear even toned. SS Beauty Recommends: Dot & Key Watermelon SuperGlow Pore Tightening Toner with Cucumber & Glycolic

When is the best time to apply toner?

Wondering when to apply toner? Well, you should always apply it in the morning and evening post cleansing your face. As a rule of thumb make it a habit to use a toner after face wash as it removes the leftover residue and dead skin cells. Moreover, it also helps in the absorption of skincare products and their effectiveness.

When to apply toner, before or after a face mask?

Actually, both! Use it beforehand to remove any dead skin from your face; use it afterwards to prepare your skin for any subsequent products you plan to use.