When it comes to simple skincare routines, cleansers, and moisturizers often take center stage, but one quiet achiever deserves more attention: the face toner. It's a must-have for many across the US, where factors like UV exposure and everyday pollution put extra stress on your skin.
In this blog, we dive into why toners for the face deserves a place in your routine. We’ll also break down how to use toner properly to help you maximize the benefits of your entire skincare regimen.
What is toner used for?
A face toner quietly takes your skincare routine to the next level. Sitting right between your cleanser and the rest of your products, it helps reset, refresh, and ready your skin in ways you might not expect.
Below are just some of the many uses of a skin toner:
1. Restores your skin’s pH balance
Your skin’s pH level plays a crucial role in keeping its barrier strong and functional. When pH levels are disrupted by factors like harsh cleansers, environmental stress, or aging, it can interfere with the skin’s natural renewal process and make it more vulnerable 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 toward 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 to rebalance the skin’s acidity, creating the ideal environment for barrier repair and healthy skin renewal.
2. Sweeps away what cleansers miss
In the US, air pollution and changing seasons 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 helps ensure your skin is truly clean, leaving minimal clogged pores or hidden debris behind.
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, moisturizers, and treatments, allowing them to absorb more effectively and work to their full potential.
4. Boosts hydration
Reach for skin toners 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 minimize the appearance of pores
While no product can physically shrink your pores, the right face toner can help make them less noticeable. Toners enriched with beta-hyaluronic acids (BHAs) like salicylic acid work deep inside the pores to 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. Soothes sensitivity and redness
If your skin often feels reactive, tight, or looks red, a calming toner can help restore comfort and provide relief. Look for formulas labeled “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, moisturizer, and sunscreen. 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.
First, before applying toner, make sure your skin is slightly damp — toners absorb best when your skin isn’t completely dry or dripping wet. Next, simply pour a few drops onto a cotton pad or reusable microfiber 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 guard against daily damage and BHAs that eradicate buildup and refine your skin.
If you have dry or sensitive skin, avoid toners with synthetic fragrance or harsh astringents. These ingredients can cause further dryness and upset your skin’s natural balance.
Refine your skincare routine with Dp Dermaceuticals
Choosing the right toner is just the start. Build a complete personalized routine with Dp Dermaceuticals’ skincare essentials, including a gentle foam cleanser, an antibacterial toner, and a lightweight lotion. Powered by science-backed ingredients, our range is crafted to support all skin types and concerns.
Not sure where to begin? Our friendly team is here to help. You can also take our skincare quiz to find the formulas that best match your unique needs.
