When To Use A Toner - If you're someone who occasionally forgets to use a toner after your facial cleanse, it's time to revisit this vital step in your beauty routine. Toner is a water-based liquid that helps to remove any lingering cleanser, makeup, dirt and oil from the face. If you're still not convinced, below are six reasons why you should add facial toner to your beauty routine.
1. Balances Skin pH Levels
How?
When you cleanse your face, you're essentially stripping it of its natural oils and disrupting the pH balance. Toner helps to bring your skin back to its optimal pH levels, which makes it more difficult for bacteria to thrive and prevents breakouts. It also prepares your skin to better absorb moisturizers and serums that you apply afterward.
2. Reduces Appearance of Pores
How?
Toner can help to tightens the skin, which makes your pores look smaller. It essentially works by removing any impurities left behind after cleansing. This is especially true with products that contain witch hazel, which is known for its natural astringent properties.
3. Enhances Absorption of Products
How?
The pH-balancing properties of toner help to make the skin more receptive to other products. It removes any remaining dirt or grime that might clog pores and block absorption. Additionally, toner can help to remove the mineral deposits left from hard water that can also prevent absorption.
4. Reduces Inflammation and Redness
How?
Toner can be an effective salicylic acid option for those prone to breakouts. It removes excess oil, which can reduce inflammation and redness. Additionally, the cooling sensation and anti-inflammatory properties found in toners with aloe vera or green tea can soothe irritated skin.
5. Boosts Hydration
How?
Applying a layer of toner before your serums and moisturizers can help to hydrate the skin. Some toners contain glycerin, which can help to draw moisture to the skin. Others contain plant extracts that have natural humectant properties that can prevent moisture loss.
6. Anti-Bacterial Properties
How?
Many toners have antibacterial properties that can help to fight acne and other skin infections. The alcohol and/or salicylic acid found in some toners work to kill bacteria, making them an excellent option for those with acne-prone skin.
How to Use a Toner
Now that you know all of the benefits of facial toner, it's important to understand how to use it correctly. Typically, toner is applied after you cleanse your face, but before you apply your serums and moisturizers. To use toner:
- Wash your face with your usual cleanser and pat it dry
- Apply a small amount of toner to a cotton pad or ball
- Gently wipe the cotton pad over your face, avoiding the eye area
- Wait for the toner to fully absorb into your skin
- Apply your serums and moisturizers as usual
Ideas on When to Use a Toner
Toners can be incorporated into your skincare regimen in various ways:
- Twice Daily: If you have oily skin, use toner twice daily, once in the morning and once at night.
- After Sweating: After working out, if you have sweat accumulated on your face, toner can help to remove it and prevent clogged pores.
- On Plane: When you're traveling and face moisture-depleting conditions in the cabin, toner can help to restore hydration to your skin.
- After Exfoliation: After exfoliating, toner can help to remove any remaining dead skin cells
Conclusion
Facial toner is a crucial step in a skincare regimen that is often underappreciated. It can help to prevent acne, reduce inflammation and redness, boost hydration, and reduce the appearance of pores. Using toner correctly can contribute to healthier, clearer, and more radiant skin. So, now is the time to incorporate toner into your skincare routine!
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