What is Toner and What Does it Do?
A lot of us use toner on our skin. It typically goes on a clean face, before moisturizing. But what does toner do? What is it? Do we really need to use it? Let’s take a quick look at this part of our skincare routine and see what it is and why we use it.
A brief history of toner
Historically, we used face cleansers that were based on harsh soap, so they were pretty alkaline. Naturally, our skin tends to be slightly acidic, so we used astringent and acidic toners to remove residue and rebalance the pH of our skin.
Back in the 1980s and 1990s, astringent toners were used to help with acne. They were made to strip oil from the skin, which was really hard on folks with sensitive skin. Irritating the skin can actually make acne worse, too.
The result was that toners benefitted some, but also left skin tight and dry, and irritated skin for some. Fortunately, skincare has advanced, and the role of toners now is pretty different.
Skin toners today
Today, skin toners look quite different. They’re still a water soluble formula, and are still applied to the face with a pad or as a spray. But they’re now a more multipurpose application. There are several different kinds of toner now, so you can match one to your skin type.
Astringent toners
These toners are still around, and are preferred by those with oily skin. Since skin can be oily and sensitive, those with sensitive skin should probably avoid these toners as they’re the harshest type. These toners contain as much as 60% alcohol, and sometimes also contain antiseptic ingredients to help prevent breakouts.
Acid toners
These are a strong type of toner, but they use alpha or beta hydroxy acids instead of astringent ingredients. These toners are usually used to help exfoliate the skin; the acids used help to break down dead skin cells on the surface of the skin so they can be wiped away. Some common acid ingredients you’ll find in these toners are lactic acid and glycolic acid, which are alpha hydroxies, and salicylic acid, which is a beta hydroxy. Acid toners can also be hard on sensitive skin, depending on the formulation.
Skin tonics
Skin tonics are a relatively new type of toner. These are actually formulated to hydrate and treat skin. These have a small amount of alcohol, 20% or less, and also contain a humectant ingredient to help the skin retain moisture. They can also be used to deliver specialized skincare ingredients, since the toner absorbs into the skin so quickly.
Skin fresheners
These are the gentlest toners. They contain little if any alcohol (10% or less) and they often are made with hydrosols and glycerin or another humectant ingredient. These deliver gentle doses of hydrating ingredients to the skin. They can also be used for ingredients that soothe skin, like water soluble plant extracts. They can even be used to add a dose of hyaluronic acid or other skincare ingredient directly to your skin.
How to use toner in your skincare routine
Toners, even the newer and gentler ones, are added after washing your face, but before adding moisturizer. They can be applied with a cotton or fabric pad, rubbed in with your hands, or spritzed on from a spray bottle. You’ll want to wait for the toner to absorb into your skin and dry before applying serum or moisturizer.
Remember that everyone’s skin is different, so you may want to try a few toners before settling on the one that’s perfect for your skin.
Make your own DIY toner
Toners are typically very easy to make! You use distilled water or a botanical hydrosol, witch hazel, a humectant, and any specialized skin ingredients that you like. You’ll want to use water-soluble ingredients so they can be mixed in with the rest of the ingredients.
Some people like to use essential oils in DIY toners. Remember, if you do this, you’ll want to shake the toner thoroughly before each use to fully disperse the essential oils.
We have great ingredients and handy spray bottles for you to make your own toner with! To get you started, here are some great projects: Natural Cucumber Face Toner Project, Natural Rose Face Toner Project, and Natural Lavender Face Toner Project.
Toners are much different now from the harsh astringents you might have used in the past. Making your own face toner is the best way to make sure your skincare products are customized for your own unique skin. If you’re interested in learning more, check out our articleAll About Witch Hazel, and then get creative with other great skincare ingredients!
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