A Complete Lowdown On The Why, How And When To Use A Toner

Written by Urvi Dalal29th Apr 2020
A complete lowdown on the why, how and when to use a toner

All of us know what CTM means – it has become the ABC of the beauty world and stands for cleansing, toning and moisturising. These three steps form the basis of a solid skincare routine and are extremely important if you want to achieve clear, glowing and flawless skin. While all of us are pretty diligent about the first and the last step, it is the toner that most of us fail to use regularly.

If you are someone who is guilty of skipping toner, then you’ve come to the right place because this article is for you. Even people who use toner are unaware about the efficacy of this product. And we understand, because the benefits of using a toner may not always be clear and hence the air around this baby is shrouded in mystery.

But trust us, a toner deserves a place on your beauty shelf. Refining your pores, getting rid of residual makeup and helping your skincare products sink better are only some of the amazing benefits of using this star product. Curious to find out more? Find below a detailed list of its benefits, along with a step-by-step guide on how to use a face toner to ensure you get optimum benefits.

 

What are skin toners?

FAQs about using a toner

Before we move ahead, it is important to figure out the basics. If you are wondering what a face toner is, and why you need it, then here it is. Toner is a liquid-y substance that looks like water, but it is a lot more. It is packed with amazing skin-loving nutrients such as acids, glycerine, antioxidants and anti-inflammatory agents, all of which help repair, rejuvenate and revive your skin. The lightweight formula of a toner sinks deep into your skin, providing it with a boost of hydration, leaving it plump and glowing.

 

What is the best time to use a toner?

FAQs about using a toner

As mentioned earlier, you need to use a toner right after cleansing and before your serums, face oils and moisturisers. If you are planning to double cleanse or exfoliate your skin, then a toner comes right after both these steps, but before you apply any of your skin repairing or hydrating products. This is because cleansing helps get rid of all the surface impurities that may be clogging your skin, and the toner acts like a catalyst to ensure that the skincare products applied next penetrate your skin and deliver results. But the benefits of using a toner don’t end here. Following is a list of all the reasons why you need to start using a toner today.

 

Benefits of using toner

FAQs about using a toner

FAQs about using a toner

Sometimes despite double cleansing, bits of makeup, dust, dirt and other impurities may be left behind. But this is where toner steps up and helps get rid of every last bit of that gunk. They leave your skin thoroughly cleansed and ready for the rest of skin care products to follow.

FAQs about using a toner

Toner is an excellent product for people with oily, acne-prone skin. When you swipe your face with a cotton pad soaked in toner, it helps remove traces of excess oil that often clog pores and lead to acne. People with oily skin should use face toners with glycolic or salicylic acid, as this gently exfoliates, helps restrict excess sebum production, reduces shine and gives your face a beautiful matte texture.

FAQs about using a toner

The main benefit of using a face toner is that it helps balance the pH levels of your skin. Post cleansing, your skin tends to feel dry, stretchy and itchy. This happens because the skin’s pH levels (which should be 5.5) get thrown off balance. Using a toner within a minute of washing your face helps balance the pH levels and reduce the dryness or even oiliness. What does this mean? A clear and glowing complexion, of course!

FAQs about using a toner

This is one benefit of using a face toner that makes us a complete sucker for it. Scientifically speaking, pores are determined genetically and it is not really possible to eliminate them, but a toner helps keep them clean, shrinks them to a certain extent and this refines your skin texture, making your pores look smaller and tighter with regular use.

FAQs about using a toner

Apart from all the above-mentioned benefits of toner, it adds a layer of protection. After cleansing, the cell gaps in your skin tend to increase, but a toner helps to tighten that gap. This prevents environmental aggressors such dust, dirt, pollution and other impurities from entering your skin. Additionally, using a good quality toner can also prevent damage from chlorine and other minerals present in water from making their way into your skin.

 

How to use a face toner step-by-step

FAQs about using a toner

Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to use a face toner so that you achieve all the benefits we’ve mentioned above.

Step 01: Start with thoroughly cleansing your face using an oil-based cleanser followed by a foam-based one.

Step 02: Next, soak a cotton pad in toner and swipe it all over your face and neck. Alternatively, if you want to reduce waste and not use a cotton pad, simply take a few drops on the palm of your hand and press it into your skin.

Note: Use a toner twice a day – morning and night, right after cleansing. Remember to use a toner within a minute of cleansing for best results. Always follow up your toner application with the rest of your skincare products such as serum and moisturiser.

 

FAQs about using a toner

FAQs about using a toner

Q. What does a toner actually do?

A. A toner is a liquid that helps get rid of any remaining impurities from your face, post-cleansing. It helps to refine your pores to make them look smaller as well as provides a boost of hydration and prevents your face from becoming extra oily or extra dry post-cleansing.

Q. Is using a face toner necessary?

A. Yes, toners are extremely necessary. No skincare routine is ever truly complete without a toner.

Q. Can I apply toner with my hands?

A. Yes, definitely. Toners can be applied both ways, with a cotton pad as well as with your hands. Using a cotton pad will help get rid of any residues while using it with your hands will help balance the pH levels and provide protection.

Urvi Dalal

Written by

Writer, avid reader and hardcore beauty enthusiast is the best way to describe Urvi Dalal. With over 5 years of writing experience in the beauty industry, you can trust her to have the latest skin, hair and makeup tidbits on her fingertips. In her time working as a beauty writer, she has had the opportunity to interact and work closely with a string of dermatologists, makeup artists and hairstylists. All that knowledge exchange, coupled with her flair and love for writing make it possible for her to bring you some authentic yet fun beauty content. When Urvi isn’t working, you’d usually catch her curled up with a big, fat book, drinking a cup of tea or practising her makeup skills; there is no in-between!

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