Toner in Skincare: Essential Benefits and Its Role Explained

Overview

Who does not like to look amazing? We all do. In today’s age, appearance plays a very important part. No wonder the cosmetic industry is thriving! On a serious note, our skincare routine is very important as it makes us look great. Using a skin toner is part of our face cleansing process. Toner or skin toner is a watery liquid to which soothing ingredients and essential oils can be added.

The process of skincare involves cleansing, moisturizing, exfoliating and application of sunscreen. We can incorporate the use of toners after cleansing for added results. You can take a few drops of toner on a cotton ball or pad and wipe it on your face, neck, and chest. Alternatively, you can sprinkle some drops on your palms and gently tap them into your skin. Conveniently, there are some toners available in spray bottles making it easier for application.

Types Of Skin Toners

1. Skin bracers or fresheners: These are the milder toners that contain water and a humectant (like glycerin) and negligible amount of alcohol (0-10%). A good example is Rosewater, which is very gentle and soothing for every skin type. However, it may cause sensitivity to very sensitive skin. These toners retain the moisture in the upper skin layers – epidermis and prevent them from evaporating.

2. Skin Tonics: We are all aware of Gin and Tonic but Skin tonic is something much much different. Skin Tonics are a tad stronger than mild toners and contain water, a humectant, and up to 20% of alcohol. These are most suited for normal, combination, and oily skin. A good example is Orange flower water.

3. Acid Toners: As the name denotes, these toners contain alpha hydroxy acids like Glycolic, Lactic, and Mandelic acids or beta hydroxy acids like Salicylic acid. These toners are great exfoliators as they are specifically formulated. Alpha hydroxy acid exfoliates the skin surface and beta hydroxy acids exfoliate the deeper skin layers. They are glow-inducing and PH-lowering toners.

4. Astringents: These are the strongest toners that contain water, a humectant ingredient, antiseptic ingredients, and an alcohol content of 20-60%. Mild astringents provide relief from minor skin irritations like allergies, insect bites, hemorrhoids, and fungal infections like Athlete’s Foot. These are most suited for oily skin types as they cleanse and remove excess oil from the skin. An example is Alum.

5. Natural Toners: However, nowadays, skin tonics, and acid toners. astringents are not preferred owing to the alcohol content/chemical content. In place, there are natural toners that remove dirt, oil from our face, nourish, deeply moisturize as well as replenish and refresh our cleansed skin. They are devoid of alcohol, heavy fragrances, and low-cost preservatives (Phthalates).

Image: Wikimedia Commons

Natural Toners

Rosewater: This is known to revive and nourish our skin. It is gentle on our skin and helps our skin heal as well as maintaining PH levels.
Hyaluronic Acid: Remember the TV advertisements of certain Bollywood celebrities highlighting Hyaluronic Acid for a cosmetic brand? The very same Hyaluronic acid provides deep and long-lasting hydration that makes the skin feel lighter.
Green Tea: What will they think of next? Toners with Green tea possess antioxidants that replenish and renew our skin after cleansing.
Aloe vera: Aloe Vera is famous for its healing and soothing properties. Toners with aloe vera hydrate our skin in a non-greasy way and greatly reduce red or irritated skin.
Witch Hazel: Witch hazel effectively removes excess oils that clog our pores and evens out our skin tone. A combination of witch hazel and aloe can be used on freshly cleansed skin (before using serum or moisturizer) by refreshingly hydrating our skin.
Chamomile: I need a tea break! Chamomile extract is organic and is super soothing. It reduces redness and eases inflammation of our skin. It heals sensitive skin with no side effects.
Tea Tree Oil : Tea tree oil has soothing and is antimicrobial in nature. It helps unclog pores, reduces redness, irritation and evens out our complexion. It acts on acne too.
Cucumber: Cucumber cools, hydrates, and refreshes our skin. It helps to minimize pores and tightens our skin.
Rice Water: Rice water nourishes and moisturizes our skin, reduces dark spots, and soothes and calms our skin.
Apple Cider Vinegar: Apple cider vinegar balances the pH levels, prevents acne, and eases inflammation. Dilute it before use.

Benefits Of Using Skin Toners

Cleaning: Toners clean our face of dirt, grime, oil, bacteria, and impurities and remove makeup residue, and dead skin cells from the skin pores.

Nutrients: Toners infuse the skin with nutrients like Vitamin C or niacinamide that reduce dark spots and provide an even skin tone.

PH Balance: Toner balances and restores the PH levels of our skin which may be disturbed using soaps or cleansers that are alkaline.

Brightens skin: Toners brighten our skin tone and make us look radiant by reducing blemishes, dark spots, and hyperpigmentation.

Tightens Pores: Toners act on the pores and minimize them. This makes the skin smoother and gives an even complexion.

Hydration: Toners hydrate our skin and natural ingredients like rose water or aloe, calm, soothe, and hydrate our skin. This enhances the absorption of moisture for the cream/serum applied afterward.

Protection: Toners protect our skin as they clean and close our skin pores thereby protecting it from the sun or other environmental pollutants.

Tightens Skin: Toners temporarily tighten our skin and make it firm. It makes us look better.
Base: Toners are like a base that enables the effectiveness of makeup or other skincare products that you may be applying.
Refresh and Rejuvenate: Toners promote rejuvenation Keeping our skin refreshed and hydrated.
Ingrown hair: Toners contain AHA (alpha hydroxy acids) that remove the dead skin layers and prevent the growth of ingrown hairs, making your skin smooth and firm.
Moisturizes: Toners with humectants absorb and retain moisture, thereby increasing the efficacy of moisturizers.
Radiance: Toners contain hyaluronic acid that makes us look radiant.
Soothes: Toners can soothe and calm the skin as well as reduce redness and inflammation on the skin.

Elasticity: Toners produce collagens that make our skin look younger and firmer. It improves skin elasticity.
Reduces oil production: Toners should be used by persons with oily skin. It controls the excess sebum production and alleviates the greasiness of our skin. Thus, giving our skin a matt look.
Irritation: Toners can be used by men to soothe and calm irritation or redness caused on the face due to shaving.

Conclusion

Toners should be used as per your skin type. The ingredients should be checked so that you do not invest in a toner that may cause any allergic reactions. You may check by a patch test. Toners clean your skin of dirt and impurities, manage your pH levels, and give you a radiant glow. However, the usage should be as per your requirements. No need to overdo it. Have a trial at your salon and see whether it works for you. In case of sensitive skin, you can always consult your dermatologist for advice.

So shine on and look your best.