TONERS AND WHY THEY SHOULD BE PART OF YOUR SKIN REGIMEN
What is the purpose of a toner and is it an important part of your daily skincare routine? Many people seem to be skeptical about the importance of a toner. Some consider it a non-essential step in skincare. However, a toner carries out a pretty major role in your skincare routine.
Read on to learn more about toners and why you should include it in your skincare lineup!
WHAT IS A TONER?
A toner is a quick penetrating water-based liquid that may be fortified with other potent ingredients such as kelp extract and amino acids. Many also contain glycerin, antioxidants, and anti-inflammatories.
A toner aids in removing excess oil, dirt, makeup, and dead skin cells that cleansers may fail to thoroughly remove. It helps to unclog and minimize the appearance of pores and balance the pH level of the skin.
A toner also acts like a primer for the serums and moisturizers. It prepares the skin to better absorb the other products in your skincare routine, such as serums and moisturizers.
IS TONER THE SAME AS ASTRINGENT?
Toners and astringents are completely different. Toner is water-based and contains glycerin that attracts water into the skin to help restore its pH level. It helps hydrate the skin and get rid of excess grime that the cleanser did not wash away.
Astringent is water-based. It reduces the acid mantle of the skin and distorts its pH balance and often has the tendency to dry out the skin.
The alcohol content of astringents acts as an antibacterial agent, which may be beneficial for those with acne. Astringents should only be used in small amounts as they can dry out the skin and trigger the sebaceous glands to produce sebum.
YEOUTH Balancing Facial Toner with Chamomile Extracts. A quick spritz of this hydrating face mist boosts radiance and refreshes skin instantly. The result is a fresh faced, healthy-looking glow.
WHY SHOULD YOU USE A TONER?
GETS RID OF IMPURITIES
Toners help remove oil, dirt, makeup, and surface dead skin cells that cleansers do not get rid of. It is the best and easiest way to make sure that your skin is clean of toxins.
RESTORES THE PH BALANCE OF THE SKIN
Your skin is acidic by nature. The average PH balance of the skin ranges from five to six after cleansing. The PH balance goes off track due to the alkaline nature of many cleansers. The skin needs to work harder to bring back the average PH balance, resulting in the overproduction of sebum. Toners work by promptly restoring the PH balance of your skin.
SHRINKS THE PORES
Toxins and impurities can easily penetrate large pores, making your skin look unhealthy and prone to infections and breakouts. Toners work by getting rid of the contaminants and excess oil from the pores. The pores become tighter, giving you a clean, smooth, and fresh-looking face.
GIVES YOU AN EXTRA LAYER OF PROTECTION
Apart from tightening your pores and preventing environmental contaminants from entering your skin, a toner also adds a layer of protection on the skin's surface to prevent irritants like chlorine and minerals from tap water that distress the skin.
MOISTURIZES THE SKIN
Some toners are also a humectant, which means that they can bind moisture to the skin.
PREVENTS ACNE
A toner can help remove excess sebum which can help prevent skin breakouts. It can also help fight existing acne by reducing inflammation and redness.
HYDRATES THE SKIN
The main function of a toner is to provide hydration and nourishment to the skin. The skin needs optimal hydration to maintain its elasticity and smooth texture. It also helps slow down the skin aging process.
WHAT ARE OTHER WAYS TO USE A TONER?
COOL DOWN YOUR SKIN
Keep your toner in the fridge. Put some chilled toner onto a cotton pad, sweep the cotton pad in a circular motion over your skin or spritz some chilled toner on your face for an instant refresh.
CLEANSE YOUR DÉCOLLETAGE
Your neck and chest are the first areas to show signs of aging if they are not properly taken care of. Toners are not only for the face. Extend your skincare routine from your face to your décolletage.
INSTANT HYDRATION
Traveling can be exhausting and cause your skin to become overly dry, tired and dull. Rejuvenate your complexion by bringing a mini spray bottle filled with toner. Spritz your face whenever you need instant hydration.
PREP YOUR SKIN FOR MAKEUP
For a flawless makeup application, one must start with a clean canvas. Toner helps make skin soft and moisturized so that makeup primer is easily absorbed prior to applying makeup.
SOOTHES THE SKIN POST-SHAVE
A toner helps eliminate post-shave residue such as shaving cream and excess grime and hair that could potentially lead to ingrowns. Toners also calm down redness and irritation after shaving. Wipe your face with a cotton pad with toner or spritz some toner all over the face before slathering on your aftershave.
WHEN SHOULD YOU USE A TONER?
Toner is used after cleansing or exfoliating. Ideally, toner should be applied on the skin within a minute after cleansing. Your skin is most permeable during this time. This time is critical because it creates the most optimal conditions for the active ingredients to be quickly absorbed into your skin.
Toner is the first step after cleansing. It helps prepare the skin for other skincare products and treatments like serums and creams.
YEOUTH Vitamin C Facial Cleanser ($21.29), Balancing Facial Toner ($17.49) and Day/Night Cream ($24.95). A skin regimen is never complete without a toner!
HOW IS TONER APPLIED?
Toner is applied in various ways. You can put toner on a cotton ball or cotton pad and gently pat or swipe it on your skin. You can spritz toner directly on your skin. Many toners are now packed in spray bottles for a more convenient application.
A popular method of applying a toner is the "7 Skin Method." It is an ultra-hydrating trend in Korean skincare routines. It consists of applying toner in small amounts in seven layers.
Start the "7 Skin Method" by putting toner on a cotton pad and gently blotting it all over the face and neck. Then, pour a little toner on your palm and lightly press it onto the skin. Next follow, the second steps five times more. Start with toning the u-zone, which includes the cheeks and chin. This area is drier, so you should immediately hydrate it right after cleansing. Continue hydrating the T-zone, which includes the forehead and nose, this area tends to be oilier than the U-zone. Finish with a light massage on the neck using an upward motion.
The 7 Skin Method works best with hydrating toners, which are free of alcohol and fragrances. Such toners are safe and will not irritate the skin.
WHAT POTENT INGREDIENTS ARE USUALLY ADDED TO TONERS?
Here are some ingredients in toners that target specific skin concerns:
Rosewater for hydration
Chamomile to soothe the skin
Tea tree oil to counteract sebum and bacteria
Aloe vera to minimize redness and calm inflammation
Vitamin E for hydration
Allantoin for hydration
THE TAKEAWAY
A toner is an essential step in any skincare routine. It helps nourish, brighten, hydrate and reduce signs of skin aging while preparing the skin for your serums and creams at the same time! Do not skip on your toners for a truly YEOUTHful skin!
