So what's the deal with toner?

Jun 27, 2011

Laura K.

First of all good morning (here on the east coast lol) and Happy Monday :) Okay, so now to my topic, this weekend I went to get a facial and per the usual routine I had to fill out a paper on my how i treat my skin. So I said (in more detailed words than this but you get the point) cleanse, tone and moisturize. After evaluation the esthetician doing my facial told me that because i was only 24 it was unnecessary for me to use toner?! This surprised me because anytime I went to the makeup counter they expressed the importance for toner...so who is right- the commission making makeup counter or the esthetician? haha that sounds horrible, but I honestly thought that I needed toner...don't get me wrong I didn't go home and throw away my $40 toner (that would be craziness) What do you all think? Toner or no toner?

Jun 27, 2011

Casey C.

Toner is what preps your skin for moisturizer and other products. It cleans away any residue or dirt left over after you cleanse your face. Depending on the toner it might also have some skincare benefits such as extra hydration or acne care properties. I suppose I can see where some people might feel it's an unnecessary step however in the salon and spa where I work we always recommend a toner to go with whatever skincare products the client is purchasing (and we don't work on commission) as well as use toners during our facials. I guess it just depends on whether or not you feel you benefit from using it.

Jun 27, 2011

Laura K.

That is what i was thinking, I just found it odd that she said i didn't need it...Thank you for the input :)

Jun 27, 2011

Laura K.

I agree, I have just heard so many mixed emotions about toner or creams- I do think prevention is important, but others say the simpler the better (don't use what you don't need) I guess i'm just playing devils advocate to educate myself more about different products...Thank you so much for your opinion- other people views really help me round out my own knowledge of products, as they say the more you know, the more you grow :) 

Jun 27, 2011

Ceri G.

The most important role of toner is to balance PH, if you don't have any skin issues its not vital but does help me feel super sqeeky clean!

Jun 27, 2011

Ceri G.

*squeaky lol

Jun 28, 2011

Laura K.

very true Saoirse! I feel like my toner leaves my skin pretty dry but then i moisturize and all is well- I use Lancome Skin Care Tonique Eclat Clarifying Exfoliating Toner...it smells nice which is a positive seeing as though Clinique's smells like witch hazel (eh) I think that i will not use it every day- maybe if I tone every other day or every 3 days...

Jun 28, 2011

Soma S.

I have a toner, but I'm no fan of using it... only if it's necessary. I've learned over time to use as little product as possible, and a moisturizer/cleanser - sometimes a serum works fine for me. All in moderation.  =)

Jun 28, 2011

Laura K.

thank you Soma! I tend to agree with the less the better principle myself :)

Jun 28, 2011

Tamara R.

Personally, I don't like the tight, dry feeling that toners give.. so it's not necessary for me.

I use makeup remover and once the wipe/cotton round comes away clean, that's when I use my cleanser.

Jun 28, 2011

Melanie G.

If your toner is making your face feel too dry, I would suggest trying one that is alcohol free or one that is created for sensitive skin because it will be much more gentle on your skin. I've just started using Clinique's Mild Clarifying Lotion and I love it. It doesn't have alcohol like Clinique's other toners (the ones that have numbers) so it doesn't dry out my skin, and I personally haven't noticed a weird smell. =)

Jun 28, 2011

Laura K.

I don't know which clique one i got (it was some time ago) i just rmeber it was purple and it smelled like witch hazel lol, but i'll check out the mild clarifying lotion :) thank you!

Jun 28, 2011

Dylan P.

I started using a tea tree oil toner a few weeks back and I love it. it helps to restore a natural pH balance t your skin, and the one I use has corn starch that you shake to mix, and it helps to mattify the skin, which I love for summer. It just makes everything glide on that much better, and I find I use less makeup when I use a toner.

Jun 28, 2011

Shirley W.

toner also cleans up that excess dirt in your skin too 

Jun 28, 2011

Laura K.

@Dylan who makes that toner??

Jun 29, 2011

Dylan P.

@Laura - The Body Shop!

http://www.thebodyshop.ca/en/shop-by-line/tea-tree/tea-tree-skin-clearing-toner.aspx

Jun 29, 2011

Nikki Z.

toner no doubt!!! it's what completely preps the skin for everything practically and gets rid of all the junk your facial wash can't do on its own...

Jul 3, 2011

Janis H.

I'm not an expert by any means, but if you wanted to look into a light toner I use Lush's Breath of Fresh Air (I think that's the name of it) and it's just a very refreshing moisturizing toner. It has all natural ingredients and I use it just to further clean my face of makeup that my cleanser missed.

It's nice because it's very refreshing as well. :)

Jul 4, 2011

Kelsea M.

I don't always sue a toner but during the summer, I do every day. Not only does it help to make sure your skin is really clean but it helps to balance the pH levels of your skin so you have a more even skin tone. I find it important when you want to wear less makeup. Another good use for toner is to help prevent styes in your eyes. Styes result from clogged oil glands and when you wipe toner over your eyes (make sure it's actually safe to use around there) it helps to clear out the oil glands.

Jul 4, 2011

Catey P.

I asked my esthetician about it, and she said the main purpose of toner is to restore the pH balance of skin. She said that it's only necessary if your other products change your pH balance. I've never used it myself, but I was wondering the same thing...

Jul 4, 2011

Laura K.

thanks for letting me know Catey!! good info :)