Do you include a toner in your skin care regimen, or even know why you should use one? It used to be an essential part of a three-step skin care routine—cleanse, tone, and moisturize—but with so many extra products appearing on the market (eye creams, serums, brightening gels) it can be a step that we often forget or even wonder why we need. We spoke with Washington D.C.-based dermatologist Elizabeth Tanzi, M.D., and Carla Watts, the lead esthetician at the Hotel Bel-Air Spa by La Prairie, to find out what toner really does for your skin and who should be using it.
The traditional belief was that toners were essential for closing up your pores after cleansing, as they opened during the cleaning process. But the main purpose, says Carla, is to bring the skin back to its natural pH level, as cleansing usually interrupts the chemical balance of your skin, which can affect its ability to absorb moisturizer. “Toners are an essential part of your at-home skin care regimen," says Carla. “Not only do they restore the correct chemical balance, but they also pick up any impurities or dirt that your cleanser might have missed."
Anyone can use them, but they're best suited to Beauties with oily or combination skin. "These skin types are the best candidates for using a toner," says Dr. Tanzi. "Toners that contain glycolic acids help remove excess oil and keep pores clean, and are the best for acne-prone and oily skin. Just be sure to stay away from toners containing alcohol, as you don't want to strip away the natural oils that your skin needs." If you have sensitive, dry skin, look for a toner with natural moisturizers. “I suggest La Prairie's Cellular Softening and Balancing Lotion," says Carla. "It lightly moisturizes and gives the skin a beautiful glow. For the best results, cleanse, tone, and then apply serum, eye care products, and a moisturizer of your choice. And don't forget your SPF!”
Featured Products
-
Featured Brands
More to Love
Comments
-
Nov 29, 2011
Andrea F.
I usually don't use toners, when I do, they seem to upset my skin. I have to be very particular with what I use, I have weirdly sensitive skin so yeah! Toners, no bueno!
Nov 29, 2011
Candice K.
is it true if you dont tone after you use cleansing cream your moisturisers doesnt sink in?
Nov 19, 2011
Cindy R.
CLinic toner burns my skin and i feel i get more oily
Nov 23, 2011
Jessica A.
Nov 19, 2011
Anneka F.
I'm not a big toner fan at all - to me, they are unnecessary as long as you have a really good cleanser. (Like Eve Lom or NUDE). If I ever do use one - I just use rose water sprays. My favourites are Chantecaille, NUDE, Aurora Spa Rituals and Mario Badescu. <3
Nov 23, 2011
Jessica A.
Nov 25, 2011
Anneka F.
Nov 19, 2011
Krystal C.
I'm anti-toner, they have always irritated my sensitive skin :(
Nov 18, 2011
Brittany W.
I really like just using witch hazel (T.N. Dickinson's brand is cruelty free) as a toner. It's all natural, and is really gentle, while still being effective. I have combo acne-prone skin, and this stuff has been amazing. I still break out, but the overall complexion of my skin has improved, and it's really soothing on those random spots that pop up.
Not to mention, it's a lot less expensive than commercial toners. You get a giant bottle, and you can use it for a ton of stuff like cleaning cuts, putting it on rashes or sun burns to soothe, or use it for shaving - just to name a few things.
Nov 18, 2011
Bella P.
Aha!! I knew it was important, but didn´t know why. I have extra sensitive skin and don´t know what to use. I will try with a Clinique Gentle Toner (don´t remember the name) or the Tangerine one by Clarins.... They are supposedly the most gentle ones. Anybody else has another suggestion for my fair sensitive rosacea skin??
Thanks beauties!!
Nov 18, 2011
Brittany W.
Nov 23, 2011
Jessica A.
Nov 18, 2011
Icequeen v.
thanks for replaying i wil look for that one
Nov 18, 2011
Shelley W.
I just started using one from Renee Rouleau and its been very good to my skin. No alcohol or fragrance to speak of. The water here in Florida is harsh on the skin so this has been a life saver for me.
Nov 18, 2011
Bidisha D.
shiza S. try using milk or rose water for dry or normal skin...for oily skin use orange water..u cud use cucumber juice tooo...