Toner is an essential part of a good skincare routine. However, it is the most underrated and often misunderstood element. It is also one of the most debated skincare products. While some swear by its benefits, a lot of people don’t know what a toner really does. Many also argue if it actually does anything and is worth spending on. If you’ve been wondering the same, here are some of the major reasons why this underdog beauty product deserves a permanent spot in your skincare cabinet:
But, What is Toner?
Toner may seem and feel like water, but it’s actually a fast-penetrating liquid packed with a range of powerful skin-beneficial compounds. Depending on the type of toner you’re using, it can be water, alcohol, or gel-based, and have a unique combination of different ingredients, like acids, anti-inflammatories, antioxidants, glycerin, essential oils, and various natural elements. While the exact effects of toner can vary, depending on its ingredients, they can offer a range of skincare benefits.
1. Toner Removes What’s Left Behind by the Cleanser
Sometimes facial cleansers do not effectively cleanse the skin and leave behind traces of dust, dirt, and makeup residue. A toner picks up all the debris your cleanser might have left behind and ensure that your skin is deeply cleansed. It also helps remove excess oil and dead skin cells that, if left behind, can clog your pores.
While this was the only function first-generation toners performed, modern-day toners do a lot more.
2. It Helps Reduce Large Pores
Astringent toners that instantly reduce the appearance of pores are no longer the hit they used to be, there are new formulations that are gentle, but provide similar results. Often referred to as conditioners, these toners contain AHAs or BHAs that work to reduce the appearance of pores by boosting collagen production. These toners also gently exfoliate the skin, which is an added bonus.
3. It Can Help Reduce Breakouts
A toner can work in two ways to reduce breakouts, blackheads, and whiteheads. It removes impurities from deep within the pores and also helps keep bacteria away from your skin. Alcohol-based toners have long been trusted for fighting against acne-causing bacteria. However, with increasing awareness about skincare, people are moving away from them and opting for toners that serve the purpose but are gentler on the skin. There are many toners available that are free of alcohol, but work the same way in fighting against acne-causing bacteria.
Chamomile and propolis are a couple of highly effective toner ingredients for this purpose.
4. Toner Can Hydrate and Nourish Your Skin
Gone are the times when toners were infamous for stripping the skin of its moisture. Modern-day toners do the opposite. There are many varieties of toners available on the market that help hydrate your skin. The ingredients you should look out for include hyaluronic acid, amino acids, kelp extract, grapeseed oil, mineral water, and carrot root oil.
Hydration, as we all know, is vital to maintaining skin’s health and elasticity and also helps prevent and reduce the signs of aging. By helping to keep skin hydrated, toners can help maintain a youthful appearance. There are also many facial toners available that can help brighten the complexion.
5. It Can Help Restore Skin’s pH Balance
Pollution, excessive sun exposure, and chemicals that we use on our skin in various forms can all disrupt its natural acidic pH. This, in turn, can weaken the skin’s natural protective barrier, making it more prone to damage.
A good facial toner can help restore the skin’s pH balance and thus, contributes to improving its natural defense against bacteria and paving way for healthy skin. Using a toner that can serve this purpose is all the more important if you’re using an alkaline cleanser.
6. Toner Can Offer Extra Protection
In addition to strengthening the skin’s natural protective barrier by rebalancing its pH, the right toner can also provide an extra layer of protection against environmental stressors. If you’re looking to get these benefits, look for a toner that contains antioxidants.
For those who do not know, antioxidants fight against free radicals that are a leading contributor to premature aging. Give your skin a helping hand in fighting against bacteria, toxins, and environmental stressors by incorporating an antioxidant-containing toner into your skincare routine.
7. A Toner Supports and Enhances the Efficacy of Other Products
By cleaning, hydrating, and restoring skin’s pH level, a toner prepares your skin for other skincare products, like serums, essence, and moisturizers, ensuring they penetrate deeper into the skin and work more effectively.
In other words, a toner is like a primer in your makeup routine. It prepares the canvas for smooth and better application of other products.
Skin Toners Come in a Huge Variety – Choose According to Your Skin Type and Concerns
Just like all other skincare products, toners come in a huge variety, serving a range of purposes. Some only cleanse and tighten your skin while others also exfoliate, hydrate, brighten, and/or soothe. There are also many skin toner varieties that also target specific skincare concerns, such as acne and signs of aging. There are also toners specifically created for certain skin types and some may not suit all skin types. Therefore, you need to identify your skin type and concerns before buying a facial toner.
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