A facial toner is a product that is used to cleanse, renew, smooth, control oil and hydrate the face. A skin toner is often used after cleansing the face, but before applying moisturizer or makeup. By determining what type of skin you have, you will be able to choose the toner that works best for you. In general, however, avoid toners containing alcohol and fragrances, which can irritate any skin type.
What is a facial tonic?
Facial tonic is an aqueous substance with many and extremely varied benefits. Containing active ingredients designed to renew and revitalize our skin, it balances the pH level of the skin, minimizes pores, and essentially prepares our skin for the next application.
You should use a facial toner twice a day – morning and evening – after cleansing your face and before applying serum or regular cream, which will vary depending on the season or the specific needs of your skin at any given time.
If you play sports or participate in outdoor activities, be sure to put it in your bag. You will be shocked at the amount of pollution that accumulates on your skin even in the countryside. Read our review of the best facial toners.
Benefits of using facial toner
Toners are most useful and essential for people with oily or acne-prone skin, or for people who want extra cleansing after wearing makeup or other heavy skin products like sunscreen.
That’s not all the toner can do.
Here are some additional benefits:
1. Tonic tightens pores
Applying a small amount of toner to a soft cotton ball or pad and gently blotting and wiping your face with it will remove the oil and give the appearance of smaller pores.
2. Tonic restores the pH balance of your skin
Our skin is naturally acidic, typically with a pH balance of between 5 and 6 (0 to 14). But this balance can be thrown out of whack after cleansing due to the alkaline nature of the soap. When this happens, your skin has to work overtime to get back to its normal levels (and that can lead to oil), but using a toner can help restore that balance quickly.
3. Tonic adds a layer of protection
Toners can help close pores and tighten cell gaps after cleansing, reducing the penetration of environmental pollutants into the skin. It can even protect and remove chlorine and minerals present in tap water.
4. Tonic acts as a moisturizer.
Some toners are humectants, which means they help bind moisture to the skin.
5. Tonic refreshes the skin
Toner can also be used instead of washing the skin when it is oily or dirty. It will leave your skin revitalized even when you are on the go.
Types of facial tonics
Moisturizing facial toner
Neutral skin toner contains moisturizing ingredients such as glycerin and provitamin B5. It also helps make it easier for the face cream to absorb into your skin. It plays a key role in maintaining the elasticity and smoothness of your skin. In addition, moisturizing after cleansing reduces signs of skin aging and provides an effective base for makeup application.
Modern toners also contain additional vitamins, antioxidants, and ingredients such as peptides, so they not only hydrate the skin, but also nourish it.
Facial Cleansing Toner
These toners use AHAs to provide gentle exfoliation, again to help deliver other ingredients to the skin as well as boost hydration since alpha hydroxy acids have moisturizing benefits.
Mattifying facial toner
Restores the natural pH balance of the skin. This is important because the skin barrier is also known as acid mantle is responsible for keeping the skin hydrated while blocking germs and bacteria. Toners tighten and unclog your pores so there’s less dirt and oil on your skin that leads to blackheads or other skin irritations.
Face tonic with hyaluronic acid
Modern toners have been designed to include moisturizing ingredients such as glycerin, hyaluronic acid, aloe vera, and polysaccharides. Hydrated skin absorbs other active ingredients more efficiently, so adding a skin hydrating toner/essence before using other serums will increase their effectiveness.
Refreshing facial toner
Although it’s runny like a toner, the lotion is alcohol-free and generously hydrates the skin. It is a more gentle cleanser and can be soothing for sensitive skin.
If you wear a lot of makeup, have oily skin, or are smeared with sunscreen during the day outdoors, you’re a prime candidate for pre-cleansing. It is also ideal for maintaining everyday healthy skin. Finish your skin cleansing routine with your usual cleanser and refreshing toner.
Which tonic is suitable for dry skin
If you have a dry skin type, choose toners that moisturize. Look for products that contain peptides, glycolipids, rose hip or jojoba oil, dimethicone, and glycolic acid. Avoid products containing alcohol (SD 40, denatured, ethanol, and isopropyl), sodium or ammonium lauryl sulfate, mineral oil, and pertrolate.
Today’s hydrating toners will wash away dirt and impurities while keeping you hydrated.
You should look for toners that do not contain alcohol to avoid further drying out your skin. Toners, which include ingredients such as glycerin and hyaluronic acid, will help keep the skin hydrated. Moisturizing toners may also include aloe and vitamin E to soothe and quench your skin’s thirst.
Which tonic is suitable for oily and combination skin
- For acne-prone skin, opt for an alcohol-free alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) toner. This will leave your skin clear and glowing without flaking. A gentle tingle for a few seconds will let you know that it has just the right amount of solution pH. This form of acid is gentle even on sensitive skin, unlike irritating ingredients such as retinoids. Consider the rating of the best toners for oily skin.
- Salicylic acid is often recommended in facial toner for oily skin. However, this ingredient can be harsh, especially for sensitive skin.
- Other ingredients for normal to combination skin may include coenzyme Q10, hyaluronic acid, glycerin, and vitamin C.
Which tonic is suitable for sensitive skin
If you have sensitive skin, what you use as a cleanser and toner can make a big difference. Sensitive skin conditions are reported to dermatologists, with millions of people complaining about…
