Why You Should Use a Hydrating Toner
Toners are a key step in your skin care routine. These watery textured products remove any remaining makeup, dirt and debris and prep the skin for serums and moisturizers.
A hydrating toner is especially important for those with dry or sensitive skin. It hydrates and adds moisture, while also balancing the pH of your skin and feeding your healthy microbiome.
Cleansing
The main purpose of a toner is to help cleanse skin. Even if you double cleanse, it’s possible that some oil or makeup residue is left behind, and a toner can help get that last bit of buildup off of your face. They’re also often used to balance skin’s pH levels, which can improve the absorption of serums and moisturizers.
Because toners are so versatile, they can be found in a range of formulations. Some are astringents, which help clear the complexion and reduce the appearance of pores; others are exfoliating and can work with AHA’s or BHA’s to break down dead skin cells; some can also be hydrating to add a boost of moisture to your face. The best hydrating toner will also help soothe any irritated skin and keep it hydrated.
The right toner will be a key ingredient in your skincare arsenal. The right one will deliver the best results for your specific needs and concerns while complementing any other products you may already have in your routine.
A good toner can help you achieve the healthy complexion you’ve always wanted. The toner will also work to refine your skin’s texture, brighten dullness, and even out discoloration. It can also increase the effectiveness of your other products by helping them absorb better and penetrate deeper into the skin.
For those with acne-prone or oily skin, an alcohol-free toner is a great option to help prevent breakouts and excess oils from building up on the surface. This type of toner can also help calm skin if you’re dealing with rosacea or other sensitive skin conditions.
Another effective toner for those with drier skin is a hydrating mist. This type of toner is often lightweight and can be a quick and easy way to hydrate skin. It can also be a great toner for those who wear makeup and want to add a little extra shine to their complexion.
According to Zeichner, this hydrating toner is perfect for all skin types because it “has soothing plant C-stem cell extract and hyaluronic acid to help hydrate and improve product absorption.” It’s also alcohol-free, so it won’t dry out your skin.
Exfoliation
Chemical exfoliation significantly impacts the appearance of the skin and helps fade hyperpigmentation, clear acne, and prevent fine lines and wrinkles. A great way to get the most out of your skin exfoliants is to pair them with hydrating toners. Using a hydrating toner after your exfoliants will help ensure that you don’t over-exfoliate and irritate your skin, and it will also allow your other skincare products (like serums and moisturizers) to absorb more effectively.
A good place to start is with a gentle hydrating toner like DE TLC’s Pore Infusion Hydrating Toner. This toner deeply hydrates the skin and contains extracts of botanicals that help to shrink pores. It is perfect for all skin types and can be used in the morning and evening after cleansing. It also makes a wonderful base for other actives, so you can pair it with your favorite vitamin C serum or retinol treatment.
Another option is to try an exfoliating toner that contains AHAs or BHAs such as our Glycolic Acid Toner or Babyfacial. These toners will remove excess oil, refine the complexion and smooth away dead skin cells. These are usually best for those with oily or acne-prone skin and can be used a few times per week. If you have sensitive skin, be sure to use them with caution and start slowly to avoid irritation.
You can apply these types of toners with a cotton pad or simply pour some onto your hands and pat the product all over your face. If you’re using a serum with a high concentration of AHAs or BHAs, make sure to use your non-acid toner in the morning before applying the targeted product and then follow up with your exfoliating toner in the evening. That way, the acid toner will have a few hours to settle into the skin before you apply the next step of your routine. This will help your skin tolerate the exfoliating product better and increase its effectiveness over time. We also recommend pairing your exfoliating toner with a hydrating toner that has plenty of humectants such as hyaluronic acid and glycerin, so your skin can absorb the moisture after exfoliation.
Toning
Toning is one of the most essential steps in your skin care routine. Not only does it remove excess oil and help balance your skin’s pH level, but it can also help reduce fine lines by tightening pores. There are many different types of toners available depending on your skin type, so it’s important to find the right one for you.
For example, if you have oily skin, look for an astringent toner that will remove excess sebum and impurities. You can also try a toner that contains alpha hydroxy acids, such as Mario Badescu’s Glycolic Acid Toner (shop here), which will help reduce the buildup of dead skin cells that can clog your pores. For dry skin, try a soothing toner with ingredients such as rose water or aloe vera that will replenish moisture and leave your skin feeling soft.
If you have combination skin, then try a toner that can absorb the excess oils while balancing the pH levels of your skin. You can also use a toner that has anti-aging ingredients such as plant C-Stem Cells from the Mung Bean Plant and Chlorphyll that help firm your skin and reduce the appearance of fine lines.
People with sensitive skin should avoid using astringent toners as they can be harsh and cause irritation. Instead, choose a hydrating toner that will soothe your skin with ingredients such as chamomile or aloe vera and will leave you feeling refreshed. You can even find a toner that contains humectants such as hyaluronic acid or glycerin to provide your skin with an extra boost of hydration. For the best results, you should always use your toner after cleansing and before applying any other skin products. Just pour a small amount of your chosen toner on a cotton pad and sweep it over your face and neck, avoiding the lips and eyes. Then, follow with your normal skincare routine including serums and moisturizer. You can’t forget the all-important sunscreen! Adding a toner can help make your skin care products more effective as they will be better able to penetrate your skin.
Moisturizer
A good hydrating toner will help prepare your skin for serums and moisturizer. It will also help lock that moisture in and prevent the loss of water and other skin-supporting nutrients. This step is particularly important if you have very dry skin.
As with cleansing, toning should be done both morning and night. For best results, it’s applied after cleansing and before you apply any serums or moisturizers. This helps ensure that any excess oil from the cleanser has been removed and your skin is ready for the next step.
This hydrating toner from PCA Skin contains a blend of natural plant extracts and hyaluronic acid to boost your skin’s hydration levels. The alcohol-free formula is a great choice for all skin types, especially those with sensitive skin.
It’s also rich in humectants, which are ingredients that attract and hold water to the skin, saturating it to improve its overall hydration. It’s also free of fragrance, parabens and sulfates.
You can apply this hydrating toner in several different ways, but we recommend spraying it on your face and neck before you apply any other treatments or moisturizers. This will give your skin a fresh, healthy glow and help set any makeup you’re wearing.
Another option is to pour this hydrating toner on your fingertips or a cotton pad and pat it across the face and neck, being careful not to touch any sensitive areas. Alternatively, you can pour it into a clean spray bottle and use it as a mist throughout the day for a quick boost of hydration.
This alcohol-free toner from Thayers has been formulated for dry skin and features snow mushroom, hyaluronic acid, and elderflower to improve your skin’s hydration levels. It’s also gentle enough for daily use and non-comedogenic so it won’t clog pores.
Using a toner is an essential part of your skincare routine. It’s important to choose the right one for your skin type, whether you have oily or dry skin, and make sure to follow the instructions on how to use it. If you’re having trouble figuring out which toner is right for you, we suggest talking to your dermatologist about the best options.
