Whether you know it from the acne-prone skin you had during your teenage years or the more recent ovations it’s garnered from the cult world of K-Beauty, one thing’s for certain: face toner may be one of the most misunderstood skincare products out there [1].
Facial toner is meant to be used as a preparatory step between cleansing and hydrating the face. The formulas available today are designed to address a laundry list of skin complaints—dry skin, hyperpigmentation, fine lines and wrinkles, excess oil, you name it—but no matter what you’re using it for, the important thing is to apply your toner with consistency.
If you’ve ever wondered, “what does face toner do for your face?” we’ve got you covered. Below, we cover how to use face toner while offering alternatives if you’re looking to simplify your skincare routine.
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Step 1: Choose Your Toner
Like any other skincare product, following the proper skincare steps won’t get you far without the right products in your corner. When choosing a toner, avoid those containing alcohol—these can be notorious for drying out the skin [2].
Instead, opt for an alcohol-free formula. Generally speaking, you’ll find face toners in two categories [3]:
- Hydrating toners – A hydrating toner delivers moisturizing ingredients to the skin that help it retain water. This is the best toner if you are looking for a skincare item to rejuvenate your skin. Common ingredients you’ll find in the formulas of a hydrating toner formulas include aloe vera and hyaluronic acid [4].
- Exfoliating toners – An exfoliating toner uses acids to target dead skin cells and encourage a new, fresh layer of healthy ones. The following essential elements ingredients tend to be both effective and well-tolerated by most skin types like lactic acid and salicylic acid [5].
If your skin concern involves tightness and dryness, opt for a hydrating solution. If your skin tone feels dull, choose an exfoliating formula for your skincare regimen instead.
Step 2: Cleanse
When you’re ready to settle in for your AM or PM skincare routine, your first step (as always) is to cleanse the skin, no matter your skin type.
Use lukewarm (not hot) water and a gentle facial cleanser suitable for your skin type. Lightly massaging your face in firm, circular motions can help boost blood flow and prepare the skin for the products you’ll use next.
Step 3: Apply Your Toner
Skincare enthusiasts have their own philosophies when it comes to figuring out how to apply toner in a way that works for their skin. However, when deciding whether toner or moisturizer comes first, the answer is toner. Many people use a cotton pad for this step, but sometimes this causes much of the formula to be absorbed into their fibers.
Applying toner with your hands may seem messier—but it can be just as effective at disbursing the product and getting the most mileage out of your formula. Here’s how to do it:
- Lean over the sink and pour approximately 1 to 2 tablespoons of toner into a cupped palm.
- Lean your face into your palms, pressing the toner into the face and holding. Repeat until you’ve covered your entire face.
- Give your hands a rinse and wait for the toner to dry.
If you’d prefer a method other than your hands, try using an applicator on targeted areas that require greater precision. So, suppose you’re using a toner formulated with hyaluronic acid to combat fine lines near your eyes. In that case, you might try soaking your cotton pad in the toner and holding it against the affected area for several seconds to allow the product to soak in. The skin around your eyes is very sensitive, so we recommend only using gentle ingredients. Toners with exfoliating ingredients can irritate and cause further skin problems.
Step 4: Moisturize and Protect
After your toner has been absorbed, your skin should feel a bit supple. Depending on your existing skincare routine, your next step might be to apply a serum, moisturizer, or eye cream.
Once your moisturizer sinks in, be sure to apply sunscreen if it’s daytime (alternatively, look for daily moisturizer with SPF).
Should I Use Toner Every Day?
The skin loves consistency. If you plan to make toner a part of your skincare routine, it should be just that: routine.
That said, deciding whether to use a toner in both your morning and evening skincare routine should depend on the type of toner you’re using and its constituent ingredients. Generally speaking, hydrating toners with nourishing ingredients like these can be used with greater frequency.
On the other hand, excessive use of exfoliating toners may lead to inflammation, microflora disruption, or stripping the skin of the moisture it craves (particularly in sensitive skin types). If your toner contains an active ingredient like AHA or BHA, try using it once per day or even just a few times per week (in some cases).
Cleanse, Tone, and Exfoliate in One Step with PROVEN Skincare
If keeping up with the trending products, formulas, and skincare swear-bys of the day seems like a tall order, it might be time to consolidate your routine. PROVEN Skincare was designed to help you keep it simple, starting with a Personalized Facial Cleanser that lets you tone, exfoliate, and cleanse in a single step.
Every PROVEN formula is custom-made for you, your lifestyle, and your complexion—with science-backed ingredients to help bring your skincare goals to fruition. It starts by taking our Skin Quiz. Visit PROVEN to get started on yours today.
