When it comes to your skincare routine, toner often seems like an afterthought. Many people skip this step, assuming that it’s not necessary or that it will dry out their skin. However, toner can play a vital role in maintaining healthy, glowing skin. Let’s look at what toner really is, and why your skin loves it!
What is toner?
Toner is a water-based skincare product applied after cleansing and before moisturising. Its purpose is to balance the skin’s pH levels, remove any remaining dirt or impurities, and prepare the skin for the next steps in your skincare routine.
Toner can provide many benefits to your skin, making it an essential step in your skincare routine. Here are some of the reasons why toner is so important:
Balances pH Levels
The skin has a natural pH level of around 5.5, which is slightly acidic. This acidity helps to protect the skin from harmful bacteria and pollutants. Cleansers, however, can disrupt this pH balance, making the skin more alkaline.
A toner helps to restore the skin’s pH balance, which is essential for maintaining healthy skin.
Removes impurities
Even after cleansing, there can be some leftover impurities like makeup or SPF on your skin. Toner helps to remove any remaining dirt, oil, or makeup that may have been missed during cleansing. This ensures that your skin is clean and ready for the next steps in your skincare routine.
Hydrates
Toner can also provide hydration to the skin. This is especially important for people with dry skin or those living in dry environments. Some toners contain ingredients like glycerin and hyaluronic acid, which help to moisturise the skin and keep it hydrated.
Enhances product absorption
Using toner before applying other skincare products can help to enhance their absorption. When the skin is properly balanced and hydrated, it’s better able to absorb the active ingredients in other skincare products, such as serums and moisturisers.
What kind of toner should I get?
While toner can provide many benefits to the skin, it’s not necessarily needed for everyone. If you have very sensitive skin or you’re happy with your current skincare routine, then you may not need to use a toner. However, if you’re experiencing any skincare issues, then toner could be a helpful addition to your routine.
With different types of toners like AHA and BHA, it’s important to use the right toner for your skin type and concerns to reach optimal results.
If you have dry skin, look for toners that contain hydrating ingredients like glycerin or hyaluronic acid. If you have oily skin, look for toners that contain salicylic acid or witch hazel, which can help to control oil production.
Pro Tip: If you’re following a Korean skincare routine, you know that toner is one of the crucial steps – sometimes a hefty routine may even involve multiple toners. Layering skincare products is a common thing.
Using a tone in your skincare routine is more of a preference. Some women love it and some choose to skip it – the choice is yours! Give it a try and see what it does for your skin.
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Don’t dry up this winter – Increase your water intake and stay hydrated
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