Do You Need A Toner? Here’s Everything To Know About This Skincare Essential

Written by Kinnari Ashar15th Jul 2024
Do You Need a Toner? Here’s Everything to Know About This Skincare Essential

Wondering if you really need a toner in your skincare routine? You’re not alone. Toners have come a long way from their old-school reputation of being harsh, alcohol-based liquids. Nowadays, they’re packed with ingredients that can do wonders for your skin. Let’s break down the benefits of toners, how to use toner, and why they might just be the game-changer your skincare routine needs. Whether you’re dealing with dryness, oiliness, or sensitivity, here's everything you need to know about this skincare staple. 

What Is a Toner? 

Think of toner as a refreshing drink for your skin, giving it that extra TLC after cleansing. Back in the day, toners were mainly about wiping away any last traces of cleanser and balancing your skin's pH. But oh, how times have changed! Today’s toners do way more—they hydrate, exfoliate, and tackle specific skin issues. They’re like a skin-savvy sidekick, packed with ingredients that soothe, nourish, and prep your skin for the rest of your skincare routine. 

Why Should You Use Toner? 

face-toner

Curious why toner is worth it? It’s more than just a step—it helps balance your skin, boost hydration, and make other products work better. Here’s the scoop on why adding toner to your skincare routine can make a difference

Balancing Act 

Cleansers can sometimes mess with your skin’s natural pH balance, making it a bit too alkaline. A good toner helps bring that balance back, creating the perfect environment for your other skincare products to work their magic. This is super helpful, especially if you have sensitive skin or use products that can be a bit harsh. 

Hydration Boost 

Today’s toners often come with hydrating ingredients like glycerin and hyaluronic acid. These moisture-boosting agents pull water into your skin, leaving it feeling plump and refreshed. Not only does hydrated skin feel better, but it’s also more resilient against daily stressors. 

Better Absorption 

Applying toner helps your skin absorb serums and moisturisers more effectively. Think of it as setting the stage for these products, ensuring they penetrate deeper and deliver their full benefits. 

Exfoliation and Clarity 

Some toners have exfoliating acids like AHAs and BHAs that gently remove dead skin cells and clear out pores. This helps to smooth out your skin texture, brighten your complexion, and even out your skin tone. Regular use of these exfoliating toners can give your skin a fresh, glowing look. 

Types of Toners 

So, you’re on board with how awesome toners can be! Let's dive into which one might be your new skincare BFF. 

Hydrating Toners 

Feeling like your skin’s been running a marathon without water? Hydrating toners are here to save the day. Look for ones with hyaluronic acid and glycerin, which lock in moisture and keep your skin feeling plump and refreshed. 

Exfoliating Toners 

If you’re battling dullness or breakouts, exfoliating toners with glycolic or salicylic acid might be your new best friend. They gently sweep away dead skin cells and keep your pores clear, giving you a brighter, smoother look. 

Soothing Toners 

For sensitive or red, irritated skin, soothing toners are a godsend. Ingredients like chamomile or aloe vera calm and comfort your skin, reducing redness and irritation. 

How to Use a Toner 

Now that you’ve got the scoop on the different types of toners let’s talk about how to use toner. No matter if you’ve chosen a hydrating, exfoliating, soothing, or astringent toner, we’ll walk you through the simple steps to make sure you’re getting all the benefits and making it a breeze to fit into your skincare routine. 

Step 1: Cleanse 

Start with your favourite gentle cleanser to remove dirt, makeup, and impurities. 

Step 2: Apply Toner 

face-toner

Take a small amount of toner, like the Simple Kind to Skin Soothing Facial Toner, and apply it with a cotton pad or your hands. This toner is super gentle and hydrating—perfect for a refreshing boost without irritation. Just skip the eye area. 

Step 3: Follow Up 

Once your toner has been absorbed, continue with your serums, moisturisers, and sunscreen (if it’s daytime). This ensures your skin is ready to soak up all the goodness from your other products. 

Choosing the Right Toner 

face-toner

So you’re thinking a toner might be a great addition to your routine. Now, let’s dive into how to pick the right one for you.  

  • For Dry Skin: Opt for toners with hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid and glycerin. 

  • For Oily/Acne-Prone Skin: Look for toners with salicylic acid, glycolic acid, or witch hazel to control oil and prevent breakouts. 

  • For Sensitive Skin: Choose alcohol-free toners with soothing ingredients like chamomile or rose water. The Simple Kind to Skin Soothing Facial Toner is a great option—it’s designed to be gentle and calming. 

  • For Combination Skin: A toner with a mix of mild exfoliants and hydrating ingredients can balance different areas of your skin. 

Common Myths About Toners 

Okay, now that you’ve nailed down how to choose the right toner, let’s bust some myths about toners. There’s a lot of chatter out there, and we’ll help clear up what’s true and what’s just skin-deep hype. 

All Toners Are Drying 

Not anymore! Today’s toners, like the Simple Kind to Skin Soothing Facial Toner, are packed with hydrating and soothing ingredients, so they work for all skin types

Toners Are Only for Oily Skin 

There’s a toner for every skin type, including dry, sensitive, and combination skin. It’s all about finding the right formula for you. 

Toners Are Unnecessary 

While they’re not a must-have, toners can definitely boost your routine with extra hydration, gentle exfoliation, and improved product absorption. 

So, here’s the deal: toners might seem like a small step, but they can have a big impact. They’re all about enhancing your skincare routine with hydration, balance, and care. Give one a try and see how it shakes up your routine—your skin might end up loving it! 

Kinnari Ashar

Written by

A beauty and food enthusiast with a decade of writing experience, Kinnari treats her skincare routine like a sacred ritual and views a gourmet meal as a daily necessity. Balancing her time between uncovering the latest beauty trends and taste-testing culinary delights, she’s always up for trying new products or savouring a delicious dish.
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