Why you need to use a toner and how to choose the best one

Last Updated on November 7, 2022 by Rebecca Huff

Step 3 in our Skincare Routine is applying a toner

Toning is a misunderstood step in the skincare routine and is the most left out step in most beauty regimens. The first thing that comes to mind for many when someone mentions a toner might be tight, stinging or drying liquid that you’re not sure if you should or should not use. Plus, what is it really supposed to do for your skin?

Here are 5 reasons you might want to use a toner:

1. Toners remove the impurities left on your skin from tap water such as chlorine and chemicals. Just like the white residue left on your shower door, water is leaving a residue on your skin; a toner will clean this off.
2. Moist skin is more permeable than dry skin, so using a toner before applying moisturizer means that the active ingredients in your moisturizer will work better by penetrating deeper into your skin.
3. Instant hydration for your skin, hydrated skin is healthier and looks better than dull dry skin.
4. Toners help make your skin resistant to environmental damage by providing nutrients and hydration.
5. Last, toners improve the pH balance of your skin, here's how:

The Science: What Does Toner Do

We’re going to have a little science class here so just bear with me on this part. We all know that the pH scale is measured from 0-14. Your skin’s pH balance is (or should be) 5.5, slightly acidic. This makes up our skin’s acid mantle which protects it from environmental aggravants, bacteria and more.

Most facial cleansers, soaps, and shampoos are alkaline so that they effectively remove dirt, sweat, and oil. This leaves the skin more alkaline causing it go into overdrive trying to produce more oil to make up for the loss.

Here you would add a toner, which will be slightly acidic, to restore that balance. When your skin’s pH is balanced, your products absorb better, and your skin will naturally be able to better fight off outside toxins.

Using a toner at night not only helps with pH balance but will make sure you have thoroughly removed the days grime. So if double cleansing isn’t your thing, toning is essential. Especially so if you wear makeup every day, which is the last thing you want sitting in your pores all night.

Choosing a toner

There are a wide variety of toners out there. While the basic concept of a facial toner is usually the same across the board, different skin types need different toners.

If you have dry or sensitive skin, toners will have calming ingredients such as camellia and lavender extracts. Oily skin toners you will find things like tea tree oil to help control bacteria that contribute to acne.

The variety out there is wide, and it can be overwhelming to pick “the one” toner that’s just right for you. I choose to stay away from toners that use alcohol bases, as they tend to be very drying even for oily skin type people.

I think it’s safe to say this is an essential step in your skincare regimen.

Where to Shop for Toners

• The Detox Market
• Safe and Chic
• Naked Poppy
• Beauty Heroes

Here are a few toners I recommend for each skin type:

Normal/Combination:
Indie Lee’s COQ-10 Toner – With the power of CoQ10, this alcohol-free formula helps to close pores while balancing the skin with aloe vera and hyaluronic acid.

Ana Rose Hydrating Toner – A calming toner that helps to balance the skin with hyaluronic acid, willow bark, goji berries, plus rose, jasmine and daisy extracts. Effective for all skin types. (also great for anti-aging)

Oily:
Dr. Alkaitis’ Organic Herbal Toner -To balance the skin, this formula contains Organic Aloe Vera Gel, Chamomile, and Atlantic Sea Kelp. It also acts as an astringent, anti-inflammatory, and after-sun tonic. Bonus: also can be used as a day moisturizer for oily complexions.

Dry:
Jane Iredale BeautyPrep Face Toner – This gluten-free and vegan formula is infused with a Fruit Extract that contains organic Lemon Grass, Apple, Pear, Carrot and Coconut Water to restore the surface of the skin and balance pH which refines pores and is perfect prep for applying makeup as it creates a smoother longer lasting look.

Anti-Aging:
Ana Rose Hydrating Toner – A calming toner that helps to balance the skin with hyaluronic acid, willow bark, goji berries, plus rose, jasmine and daisy extracts.

Red Patches on Skin and Also Oily Skin:
Patyka Toner – Fresh and oxygenated, the skin is perfectly clean, sebum is controlled and pores look tighter and more refined. After multiple uses, blemishes are fewer and redness dissipates. (Find it at The Detox Market or Safe and Chic online)

The Ultimate Toner:
Probiotic Skin Refiner by Beauty Chef – This powerhouse formula is an exfoliant, skin hydrator and collagen booster all in one. A bio-active whole foods extract is made up of bio-fermented Certified Organic grains, seeds, grasses, fruits, algae, vegetables, and herbs. As we age skin tends to thin but this formula can help increase skin thickness while helping to reverse skin damage caused by long-term UV exposure.

Applying the toner

Using a toner is quick and easy and should come right after cleansing. Apply liberally to a cotton pad; sweep over face and neck morning and evening or as needed to refresh the skin.

Ready to clean up your skincare and makeup products? We just made our 15-page Detox Your Beauty Routine Guide a freebie, so make sure to grab your copy! If you're interested in a personalized skin care regimen; we recommend a 30 minute Skincare Consultation. Make sure to stay connected for future posts on natural beauty!

Do You Wash Off Toner

Since you apply toner to your face after cleansing your skin will absorb the beneficial ingredients in the toner you use. It is not necessary to wash or rinse of toner after you apply it to your face.

After you apply the toner to your skin, allow it to air dry before proceeding to apply serums and moisturizers.