What is a toner?
A toner is a liquid that is applied to the face usually after cleansing. It will remove any cleanser residue or any makeup that the cleanser didn’t take off the skin.
What is a toner supposed to do?
As well as cleaning the skin, these days toners are designed to do a whole range of things from re-balancing the PH of the skin, cleanse the skin, refresh and hydrate the skin and some toners actually contain ingredients to help pull any other product you apply after, into the deeper layer’s of the skin.
How do I apply a toner?
Toners are usually a watery liquid that can either be applied using a cotton pad, sprayed directly on to the face or poured into the hand and patted into the skin.
What toner do I need for my skin type?
Normal/ Combination skin:
You need something that is gentle, refreshes the skin and hopefully re-balances the skin’s PH.
Something that contains:
-Citric acid is a derivative of citrus fruits, so is an excellent source of vitamin C, which helps with brightening the skin
-Humectantins are molecules that help the skin retain moisture so you stay hydrated and stimulate the production of cornecytes (skin cells).
Oily skin:
A toner that soothes the skin and contains anything that kills bacteria, but no alcohol as alcohol will dehydrate the skin!
Something that contains:
-Witch hazel will kill bacteria.
-Salicylic acid aids the break down of dead skin cells which leads to unclogged pores.
-Tea tree oil kills bacteria
Dry skin:
A more hydrating toner that also rebalances the PH.
Something that contains:
-Antioxidants
-Humectantins are molecules that help the skin retain moisture so you stay hydrated.
What ingredients to avoid?
Isopropyl alcohol, Ethanol, Linalool, Citronellol and Sodium Hydroxide.
How much should I be looking to pay for a toner?
Like all skincare, toners dramatically vary in price so it depends on your budget. I usually pay up to £25.
Let me know if you found this post helpful in the comments and if you could recommend me any toners that would be amazing!
