In simple self-care routines, a face toner often gets overlooked, but it might just be the secret step your skin has been waiting for. Lightweight, refreshing and surprisingly powerful, the right toner for the face does more than you think.
In this blog, we dive into why a face toner deserves a place in your regimen. We’ll also break down how to use toner properly to help you maximise the benefits of your entire skincare ritual.
What is toner used for?
A face toner quietly takes your skincare routine to the next level. It’s the bridge between cleansing and everything that follows, helping to reset, refresh and ready your skin.
Below are just some of the many uses of a skin toner:
1. Helps restore your skin’s pH balance
Your skin’s pH level is essential to maintaining a strong, healthy barrier. When it's thrown off balance — by harsh cleansers, pollution or other stressors — it can disrupt your skin’s natural renewal process and leave it prone to dryness, irritation and breakouts.
Healthy skin typically sits at a slightly acidic pH of around 4.7. However, many skincare products can shift the skin towards a more alkaline state, which may alter the pH, weaken the barrier and make it more vulnerable to concerns such as irritant contact dermatitis, atopic dermatitis and infections.
Using a well-formulated face toner after cleansing helps rebalance the skin’s acidity, creating the ideal environment for barrier repair and healthy skin renewal.
2. Sweeps away what cleansers miss
Australia’s challenging environments, from city pollution to dry heat, expose your skin to a range of environmental stressors. Even after a double cleanse, tiny traces of dirt, oil and makeup can still linger. A swipe of toner gives your skin that extra cleanse, helping to remove residual buildup that your cleanser may have missed.
3. Preps your skin for better product absorption
Toner helps soften and hydrate the skin’s surface. It creates the perfect base for your serums, moisturisers and other products and treatments, allowing them to absorb more effectively and work to their full potential.
4. Boosts hydration
Some skin toners are packed with hyaluronic acid, which helps attract and hold water within the skin. Toners with ceramides are also a great choice, as they help strengthen the skin barrier by locking in moisture and sealing out everyday stressors.
5. Helps minimise the appearance of pores
While no product can physically shrink your pores, the right face toner can help make them look less noticeable. Toners enriched with beta hyaluronic acids (BHAs) like salicylic acid work deep inside the pores to help remove excess oil and buildup.
6. Exfoliates the skin
One major benefit of using a toner is its ability to gently exfoliate the skin and sweep away dead skin cells. With regular use, they can promote a clearer, more refreshed complexion.
7. Helps soothe sensitivity and redness
If your skin often feels reactive, tight or looks red, a calming toner can help restore comfort and ease. Look for formulas labelled “hypoallergenic” and avoid skin toners containing alcohol, which can strip and aggravate delicate skin.
8. Enhances your overall glow
When your skin is properly cleansed, balanced and hydrated, it naturally looks more radiant. A good toner helps create the ideal foundation for dewy and glowing skin over time.
Morning or night? When to use toner for best results
Toner should be applied straight after cleansing to reset your skin and prepare it for what comes next. Most balancing toners are gentle enough for both morning and evening use.
In the morning, use toner after cleansing and before layering your antioxidant serum, moisturiser and sunscreen — a must for protecting your skin under Australia’s intense heat and daily environmental challenges. In the evening, apply toner after cleansing to eliminate any lingering impurities and set the stage for your serums and night creams.
How do you apply toner?
Now that we’ve explored what a toner does, let’s talk about the different ways to apply it properly.
Start by making sure your skin is slightly damp, not dripping wet but not completely dry either. Toners tend to absorb best on skin that’s just a little moist. Next, simply pour a few drops onto a cotton pad or reusable microfibre pad and gently sweep it across your face. Likewise, you can dispense a small amount into clean hands and lightly pat it into your skin.
If you're using a toner spray or mist, simply spritz it directly onto your face after cleansing and let it absorb. Mists and essences tend to be a little richer in texture, giving your skin an extra boost of hydration while prepping it for the next steps.
If you’re trying a new face toner for the first time, start with a patch test on a small area of skin to ensure there’s no sensitivity or irritation before applying it across your entire face. Monitor the area for 24 to 48 hours, and if any irritation occurs, it’s best to avoid using the product.
What to look for in a face toner
Toners have come a long way from the harsh, alcohol-heavy formulas of the past. When choosing a toner for your routine, take a moment to scan the ingredient list. Look for formulas loaded with antioxidants that stand guard against daily damage and BHAs that eradicate buildup and refine skin texture.
If you have dry or easily irritated skin, it’s best to avoid toners with synthetic fragrance or harsh astringents, as these can cause dryness or upset your skin’s natural balance.
Level up your skincare routine with Dp Dermaceuticals
Selecting the right face toner is just the beginning. Build a complete personalised routine with Dp Dermaceuticals’ skincare essentials, including a gentle foam cleanser, an anti-bacterial toner and a lightweight lotion. Powered by science-backed ingredients, our range is crafted to support every skin type and concern.
If you need assistance picking the right products, don’t hesitate to contact our friendly team. You can also take our skincare quiz to determine which formulas best match your unique needs.
