Skincare School: How to Use Face Toner

Is toner necessary for your skin? Because in the “Skincare School: How to Start a Skincare Routine” article, we only mentioned three essential products.

This question may pop into your head when researching skincare routines. Most of them recommend using toners, but don’t really explain why. Well, we’re here to answer that question!

A toner can be a beneficial additional step to have in your skincare routine when you find the right formula for you. In this guide, we will break down what does toner do for your face and how to use face toner like a pro. We have also included two types of toners that you can refer to when you’re purchasing one for yourself

What are Toners?

Toners are typically the second step of a skincare routine after cleansing. The primary goal of a toner is to remove the very last traces of makeup, dirt and oil that could be still left on the skin after cleansing.

In the past, many toners were alcohol-based and had a reputation for causing excessive dryness. Nowadays, many toners are gentler, water-based formulations. They also may contain additional ingredients that can help with moisturising, oil control, antioxidant or exfoliating ingredients.

Benefits of Using Face Toner

One of the main benefits of face toner is that it can balance your skin pH levels, which preps your skin to better absorb the active ingredients from the serums and creams. This enhances the overall effectiveness of your routine and the products that you use.

Many modern-day toners can also be formulated with their own active ingredients to target specific problems and to prepare your skin for the more potent active ingredients to come.

The functions of toners are vary based on their formulation. So, let’s discover different types of toners available in the market.

Two Type of Toners You Should Know

Broadly speaking, there are two types of toners you should know. So, what toner to use on the face?

1. Hydrating Toners
   Hydrating toner gives your skin a quick boost of hydration and refreshment. It doesn’t have much to do with deep cleansing because it doesn’t take much away from the skin, but instead, it helps to put on an extra layer of hydration.
   
   The hydrating toner is ideal for dry skin, normal skin, combination skin, and oily skin. It suits all skin types but is most helpful for dry skin.

2. Exfoliating Toners
   Exfoliating toners address are designed to get rid of dead skin cells on the top layer of the skin. This can help with clearing pore congestion, and addressing flakiness, dullness and fine lines. As such they usually contain hydroxy acid or fruit enzymes, and thus may not be suitable for sensitive skin types.
   
   The exfoliating toner is ideal for oily skin, normal skin, and combination skin. 

How To Use Face Toner

There are a few ways to use toner, depending on your skin needs. Usually, cotton pads and toners work well because you can see any grime on the cotton pad. But, there are other ways like the “tapping motion technique” or a do-it-yourself (DIY) sheet mask. 

Related: Skincare School: How to Use a Facial Cleanser.

Step 1: Start with a clean base.

Start by washing your face with a gentle cleanser to remove impurities and oils from your skin. Choose a gentle cleanser that is suited for your skin type.

Step 2: Apply toner to your face

Apply your toner twice a day – once in the morning and once at night. Before you pour it like a waterfall, remember that two to three drops are enough for any method.

• Cotton pads: Suitable for all skin types. But it’s best for oily and combination skin because it can gently exfoliate and grab any makeup residue after face washing. So, your pores will thank you. Opt for reusable cotton pads for a greener option.

• Bare hands: After cleansing, put two or three drops of toner onto your palm. Using your other hand, apply the toner onto your face using a tapping motion with your fingertips to gently apply on your damp skin. This method is best for dry skin and sensitive conditions because it provides immediate hydration.

• DIY Sheet Mask: Wet cotton pads thoroughly with your toner and stick them on your face for five to 10 minutes. This method is perfect for dry skin with sensitive conditions because it ensures your skin soak all that hydration ingredients. The fastest ways is you can use Needly Daily Toner Pad as you may use the soft side of the pad as a facial mask.

Step 3: Layer it with serum

Pick a serum based on skin concerns you would like to solve. Wait for the toner to dry and be fully absorbed, then apply the serum to your face. The toner will allow your skin to better absorb the active ingredients in the serum.

Related: Skincare School: How to Apply Face Serums.

Step 4: Seal it with moisturiser

After you put on toner and your favourite serum, follow up with a moisturiser to seal all the goodies into your skin. While applying any products, always use them don’t forget to use them on your neck and chest as well!

Related: Skincare School: How to Apply Facial Moisturiser.

How Is Toner Different From Astringent?

You may have heard of or seen astringent sold in pharmacies. Toner and astringent may sound similar as they are often used as a second step after cleansing. However, they serve different purposes.

While they both remove excess after cleansing, a toner is formulated to be gentler on your skin with hydrating ingredients and is generally water-based. 

An astringent, on the other hand, is often alcohol-based and is harsher and aggressively dries out excess oil and acne. Due to its harsh and aggressive nature, astringents should be used with caution. If it is used on the wrong skin type or the wrong situation, it can make the skin irritated and flare-up. Generally, astringents are best used only for those with really oily skin.

If you insist on using an astringent, opt for an alcohol-free astringent that makes it less overdrying. Other choices of natural astringent ingredients include witch hazel, apple cider vinegar, green tea, and other ingredients rich in tannins that are known for being gentle on the skin. 

As always, make sure to do a patch test before trying out new products to control for any adverse reactions before fully using them.