Skin Toner Benefits And Why Do You Need Them

Whether you’re a newbie or skincare aficionado, toners are something that everyone is curious about. While some are still trying to figure out whether to include it in their skincare routine, others are using it simply out of habit or because someone suggested it. But what exactly is a toner? What is the use of toners and should you invest in them? We’re here to answer all these questions and more. Toners are quick-absorbing liquids that act as a mild astringent to cleanse, exfoliate, tighten and tone pores. They work to eliminate the oil, dirt and buildup that your everyday cleanser may have not cleared. They leave the skin feeling fresh and clean. Here is a quick guide on toners. Plus, we’ve rounded up the best toners in business that you need to try.

When To Use A Face Toner

If you're still skipping toner in your skincare routine, it's time to reconsider. The skin toner benefits are greatly underappreciated this tiny skincare superstar does so much more than you realise. But when do you use it, exactly?

Morning Pick-Me-Up: Following cleansing, a swift sweep of toner awakens your complexion, eradicates any remaining dirt and grime, and readies your face for serums and moisturizers. The toner skin care benefits here? A balanced, hydrated, and silky smooth canvas for perfect makeup application.

Post-Cleansing Reset: After a hot gym session or a busy day, toner eliminates excess oil, dirt, and residual makeup your cleanser may have left behind. The face toner benefits? It closes pores, calms irritation, and prevents breakouts.

Midday Pick-Me-Up: Certain toners are also hydrating mists. A spritz during the day revives your skin, manages shine, and provides that dewy complexion.

Pre-Bedtime Boost: Applying toner at night guarantees your skin drinks in all those evening serums and creams. The advantages of a skin toner extend beyond cleaning it locks in moisture and repairs overnight.

Moral of the story? Toner isn't an added step, it's a total game-changer for healthy, happy skin.

Types of Toners

Not all toners are created equal, and finding the right one is the key to unlocking skin toner benefits tailored just for you.

1. Hydrating Toners: Dry or sensitive skin, anyone? These gems are infused with Hyaluronic Acid, glycerin, and calming ingredients that keep your skin hydrated, dewy, and revitalised.

2. Exfoliating Toners: Dullness or breakouts your issue? Meet AHAs and BHAs! These toners softly sweep away dead skin cells, unclog pores, and leave you radiant.

3. Balancing Toners:Combination or oily skin? You'll adore these! They regulate excess shine, reduce pores, and keep your skin balanced without drying out.

4. Soothing Toners: Redness, irritation, or sensitivity? Chamomile, aloe vera, and green tea-infused toners calm and comfort your skin like a cosy hug.

No matter your skin type, there’s a toner waiting to level up your routine. Find your perfect match and let the skin toner benefits do their thing.

How To Choose A Face Toner

Selecting a toner is not a matter of impulse purchases or cute packaging rather, it's discovering the ultimate skin soulmate! With an entire wall of products to choose from, selecting the right one can make all the difference in tapping into those skin toner benefits. Step one: know your skin type. Dry skin types should scan for hydrating heroes like Hyaluronic Acid and glycerin. Got oily skin? A Witch Hazel or Niacinamide balancing toner will keep shine under control. For sensitive skin, go for gentle, alcohol-free formulas containing aloe vera or chamomile. Then consider your skin aspirations and desire that inner radiance glow. Exfoliating toners containing AHAs and BHAs can do their thing. Craving a dose of hydration? A refreshing rose water-infused mist will become your new best friend. Always scan the ingredients list avoid rough alcohols, and yes to antioxidant skin-lovers. And before you commit, do a quick patch test to ensure your skin is good with it. Once you find the one, be prepared for a toner-fueled glow-up hydrated, balanced, and radiantly fresh skin is on the horizon.

Are There Any Benefits Of Toners?

1. Helps Balance The Skin’s pH Levels

Did you know that your skin’s natural pH is 5.5? But, external aggressors, like pollution, chemicals and even your cleansers can affect your skin’s pH balance. Toners help maintain your skin’s pH level and prevent it from becoming too oily or dry, giving you a naturally healthy glow.

2. Helps Other Products Perform Better

Want your skincare products to absorb and work better on your skin? Invest in toners. One of the lesser-known benefits of toners is that it preps your skin for the rest of your skincare routine. It enhances the efficacy of other skincare products and helps them deliver better results.

3. Removes Makeup & Dirt Residue

Stubborn makeup and dirt can remain settled on your skin even after the cleansing routine. Toners can help you remove any leftover residue from your pores to clean your skin thoroughly and pave the way for the rest of the products to penetrate well into the skin.

4. Tones Your Pores

Toners can help tighten your pores and boost hydration. Toners that contain astringents help reduce excess sebum production and give you an oil-free look.

Pro Tip

Always carry a toner in your bag while flying. The in-flight air is dry and lacks moisture. Patting your skin with a toner can cleanse the skin and give it some much-needed hydration instantly.

Is There Any Use Of Skin Toner For You?

Before we discuss the different types of toners, here’s one crucial piece of advice: select toners based on your skin type, your specific skin concerns and ingredients that are suitable for you. For example, toners containing astringents and salicylic acid help control breakouts and treat acne. So, if you have oily skin, such toners should be your pick. For mature skin, you can go for toners containing antioxidants and hydrating ingredients. Similarly, you can opt for a natural toner for the face that contains cucumber or aloe vera if you have sensitive skin. Lastly, people with dry skin can look for glycerin and hyaluronic acid in the ingredients list.

Disclaimer:

Toners are formulated to cool and hydrate your skin. However, certain ingredients can irritate or overly dry your skin. So, do a patch test and in case the irritation persists, discontinue its use. Also, avoid using toners on sensitive areas of your skin like the sides of your nose and eyes. Wash your eyes immediately, in case the product comes in contact with them.

How To Use Facial Toners?

Now that we have you convinced about giving them a try, let’s look at how to use facial toners. You can either pour it on a cotton ball and gently swipe it across your face and neck, or spritz it directly on your face and tap the product until it is completely absorbed. One of the many benefits of toners is their light consistency. It quickly absorbs into the skin and gives it a fresh feel. Alternatively, you can also pour the toner on your palms and pat the liquid gently into the skin. Fun Fact: The 7-skin method by K Beauty involves applying toners on the skin in 7 layers in small amounts.

Best Toners For Face You Can Count On

1. Forest Essentials Ayurvedic Facial Tonic Mist - Panchpushp

Enjoy the goodness of Ayurveda with Forest Essentials Ayurvedic Facial Tonic Mist - Panchpushp. Enriched with five Ayurvedic floral, fruit and herbal extracts, it deeply hydrates and cools your skin, improves complexion and minimises pores. A natural toner for the face with a thin consistency, it leaves your skin lightly scented and extremely fresh.

2. TIRTIR Milk Skin Toner

The TirTir Milk Skin Toner is a powerhouse skincare product that harnesses the light, refreshing properties of a toner with the intense hydration of a rich cream. Clinically proven to keep skin hydrated for 24 hours, this winning formula not only stops water loss but also gives skin an increased radiance, smooths the texture, and exfoliates gently. Rich in skin-targeted ingredients such as witch hazel to shrink pores, chamomile to calm and regenerate, and betaine for deep hydration, it gives that elusive glass-skin radiance. Ceramides get to work by fortifying the skin barrier, locking in moisture and elasticity for the long haul. At the first touch, your skin feels immediately refreshed, plumped up, and radiant why this toner is a necessity for a dewy, healthy glow!

3. Lacto Calamine Face Toner Cucumber with Green Tea & Niacinamide

Suitable for oily and acne-prone skin, Lacto Calamine Face Toner Cucumber with Green Tea & Niacinamide deeply cleanses the skin and tightens pores. Infused with green tea, cucumber and niacinamide, this toner hydrates the skin, controls excess oil and gives it an even-toned and healthy-looking appearance. It absorbs quickly into your skin and provides a matte finish effortlessly.

4. PIXI Vitamin-C Tonic

Looking for toner for mature skin? Pick PIXI Vitamin-C Tonic. Enriched with vitamin C, it promotes healthy collagen production and boosts your skin’s natural luminosity. It also fortifies your skin’s barrier and gives you a smoother complexion and even skin tone.

5. Minimalist 3% PHA Face Toner With Multi Biotics For Minimizing Pore Size & Hydrating Skin

Formulated with the optimum blend of many hydrating ingredients and PHA, the Minimalist 3% PHA Face Toner With Multi Biotics For Minimizing Pore Size & Hydrating Skin renews your skin and restores the water your skin loses during cleansing. It contains probiotics and prebiotics that balance the skin microbiome and boosts the skin barrier. It also gently exfoliates and tightens the pores and is suitable for all skin types. What’s more, it's free from fragrances, silicones, sulphates, parabens, essential oils, and dyes and is non-comedogenic and alcohol-free.

Parting Thoughts

When it comes to skincare, toner is the not-so-secret ingredient that should get a starring role in your skincare routine. From oil balancing and pore tightening to hydrating and brightening, the benefits of a skin toner are endless. Whether you're looking for a refreshing sheen, a smoother skin texture, or an extra dose of hydration, a good toner can be completely life-changing.

FAQs

1. Can I use a toner every day?

   Most toners are designed for daily use, morning and night after cleansing. Just make sure to choose one that suits your skin type to avoid irritation.

2. Do I need a toner if I already use a serum?

   A toner preps your skin by removing leftover impurities and balancing pH levels, allowing serums and moisturisers to absorb better and work more effectively.

3. Will toner dry out my skin?

   Not if you choose the right one! Avoid toners with harsh alcohols if you have dry or sensitive skin, and opt for hydrating ingredients like Hyaluronic Acid, glycerin, or rose water.

4. How should I apply a toner cotton pad or hands?

   Both work. A cotton pad helps remove residual dirt while using your hands allows better absorption. If your toner is hydrating, patting it in with your fingers gives a more nourishing effect.

5. Can toner help with acne?

   Toners with exfoliating acids like AHAs, BHAs, or ingredients like Witch Hazel and Niacinamide help unclog pores, control oil, and reduce breakouts for clearer skin.