Everything You Need to Know About Facial Toners

From what they do to selecting the best one for your skin type.

Everything You Need to Know About Facial Toners

What exactly does toner do? Whether you're a skincare enthusiast or just looking to keep everything clean and clear, changes are you've heard a facial toner is a must for any skincare routine worth its salt. But how does this beauty staple work and why is it so great?

For some, toners are a non-negotiable – it's used morning and night, all year long whereas others prefer to only add them when they're experiencing a breakout or dry patches. From breaking down what toners are (including whether they do more harm than good), their benefits per skin type and how to actually layer all of your skin care products correctly, here's everything you need to know. 

What is face toner? 

Why do some of us automatically reach for a facial toner as the second part of our skincare routine while others are still on the fence about whether you really need it? “Toners are controversial products in dermatology due to the drying capabilities of the original toners,” explains Corey L. Hartman, M.D., founder of Skin Wellness Dermatology. “Early toners contained alcohol and witch hazel which functioned as harsh astringents that stripped all oil from the skin, caused irritation, increased inflammation and dryness and even flared certain skin conditions like eczema, keratosis pilaris, acne and rosacea." 

However, toners today have experienced a major upgrade from their predecessors. Featuring hydrating ingredients like glycerin, hyaluronic acid, aloe vera and chamomile, they have pivoted away from harsh cleansing to nourishing and restoring the skin, says Hartman. 

Face toner benefits

Given the improved functionality of toners, they are plenty of ways to incorporate them into your skincare routine if you're looking amplify results for a particular skin concern. According to Hartman, the right toner can be a game changer. "When the proper toner is selected, it can help improve oiliness, fight acne, reduce pore size, firm skin texture and increase skin’s radiance.” Still not quite convinced? Read on.

You've likely heard of the double cleanse and may be wondering if that is even necessary. If you're laying up on products in the AM, especially sunscreen which can be hard to break down with water-based cleansers alone, then yes.  But if you'd prefer to not apply an oil cleanser before your second one, a toner could be the answer. 

Because many toners include a mix of hydrating ingredients to balance out the formula so it won't strip the skin barrier, Hartman says they are still a great option for those looking to get a deep clean when ones step of cleansing won't cut it. “Excess debris and clogged pores are can managed well with toners.”

If smoothing out your skin's texture and improving its elasticity are also concerns of yours, toners that include hydroxy acids, antioxidants should be top of mind, says Hartman. These ingredients will increase gently exfoliate rough, dead skins cells revealing a smoother surface while also boosting skin's firmness. 

How to use face toner 

So toners are kind of amazing. When it comes to getting the most out of them, application is key. “Toners should be applied to a freshly washed face with a cotton swab or pad and allowed to absorb completely for thirty seconds or so before continuing with the application of the rest of the skin care regimen,” says Hartman. “I like using toners in the morning; always incorporate an antioxidant, retinol and sun protection factor daily for best results." 

Considerations for facial toners by skin type 

While everyone can use a toner, toners aren't a universal product. Bare with me – facial toners are developed with specific skin care needs in mind. So if you're not one to break out and have a dry skin type, you'll want to skip any that include salicylic acid which is better suited for acne prone skin. 

For dry skin, Hartman suggests choosing a toner that has similar ingredients to those for aging or mature skin. “You want to give skin as much moisture as possible so look for glycerin and hyaluronic acid as key ingredients. Hyaluronic acid is able to quench dehydrated skin and provides moisture while glycerin is a humectant which helps moisturized the skin by attracting moisture from the air.” 

For oily skin or skin prone to the occasional breakout, toners with salicylic acid and tea tree oil are your best bet. “These toners can be beneficial for oily skin types because they help to control breakout, control oil and improve discoloration and scarring." 

​If you're still deciding whether grabbing a toner is essential, Hartman wants you to know it's perfectly OK to opt out if you're a diehard skin minimalist. “Toner isn't a product that is 100% necessary if you want a simple, basic, skincare routine. That being said, a toner is an easy product to incorporate into your routine to help boost the benefits of your other skincare products. It can be a low effort, high reward product. ”

If you are however looking to maximize your beauty routine to the fullest and jump on the toner bandwagon for the first time or simply need an upgrade, we've rounded up the best toners to make finding the right one a breeze.

This story originally appeared on: Glamour - Author:Michella Oré