What Does Toner Do? 5 Benefits + Top 3 Toners for Your Skin Type

Nahomi Villanueva
Young woman with red hair looking at bottle with face toner
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I get it, you’re skeptical. “A facial toner? Is it necessary? Are you kidding me?” But before you write off toner entirely, hear me out. Though it might seem like an extra step in your skincare routine, using a toner can actually make a big difference in the overall health and appearance of your skin. 

And, if you’re still not convinced, take a look at Korean idols! They’ve been using toners religiously and have dewy, glass skin! 

I know it’s hard to believe, so in this post, we'll take a look at the benefits of using toner and decide once and for all if it's a skincare step that's worth keeping in your routine. Stay tuned!

What is toner?

A toner is one of the most effective and underestimated skincare products. It's a liquid-based formula designed to restore the skin's pH balance, remove impurities and excess oils from the surface, and help tighten pores. This liquid goodie can have hydrating, calming, or astringent effects, depending on its formulation and ingredients.  

The purpose of a toner is to complete the cleansing process by removing any remaining dirt, makeup, or oils left on the skin after washing. They can also help normalize pH levels of your skin's surface by erasing excess oil and restoring balance for all skin types. Furthermore, most toner formulations contain active ingredients like antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds which provide deep penetration into the pores to clarify and brighten skin tone. 

Is toner necessary?

While many skin care regimens include a daily application of toner, is this step really necessary? The truth is that 'toner' can refer to a variety of products, ranging from natural ingredients like witch hazel and rosewater to a simplified version of astringent lotions. 

Depending on your skin type and concerns, it's worth considering whether using a face toner might be the extra boost your skin needs. For those with oily skin, for example, it can help remove excess oils and leave your complexion feeling refreshed. Those with dry or sensitive skin may benefit from more balanced formulations that contain moisturizing ingredients instead of astringent options that can irritate sensitive skin and dry out dry skin. 

Additionally, you can customize your routine by selecting toners tailored to other specific needs such as acne control or improving collagen production. Ultimately, you have to experiment with different formulas to determine whether toner could be an effective part of your routine. After all, healthy skin is about finding the right balance — and that includes being informed about the products you use!

Given these benefits (and drawbacks!), ultimately the decision of utilizing toners in one's skincare regimen is entirely up to personal preference - but it just might be the answer you need for perfecting your well-rounded routine.

How to use toner: The best way to get the best out of this step

When used correctly, facial toners can help control oil levels, remove dirt and residue from the skin, minimize the appearance of pores, brighten rough texture, and make skincare products more effective. To use toner properly, first be sure to choose one designed for your skin type: oily, combination, normal/sensitive, or dry skin. 

Next, use a cotton pad to gently apply the toner all over the face – avoiding the eyes and mouth – in upward motions; if using spray-on toner, hold a few inches away then spritz evenly. Finally, gently pat your skin for better absorption – and you’re done! 

With these simple steps, you should start seeing results quickly but don’t forget: consistent application is key! Regularly using a good quality toner can keep your skin looking and feeling healthier than ever.

When to use toner in a skin care routine

Skincare can be a tricky topic to navigate, especially for beginners. One question often on people’s minds is when should toner be used in their skin care routine? Generally, toner should be used on the skin after cleansing and before moisturizing or applying a serum. This is because toners help to wash away lingering impurities or traces of makeup that may have been missed by a basic cleanser.

If you’re using a physical exfoliator or a peel-off mask that needs to be washed out, you should cleanse your skin, apply the mask, remove it, and then apply the toner. 

Facial Toner
Green Plum Refreshing Toner : AHA + BHA
Facial Toner Green Plum + Aha Bubble Toner
$20.00

5 Awesome toner benefits for skin

Almost everyone is familiar with toners, but some may not know all the benefits they can bring to your skin. From unclogging pores to preventing wrinkles and acne breakouts, toners are a great addition to any skincare routine. Here are five awesome face toner benefits for your skin:

1. Removes excess dirt

Typical cleansers are actually adept at removing dust, oil, and bacteria from the skin, but they cannot always penetrate deeper into pores to remove stubborn dirt and makeup residue. This is where toners come in. Toners contain solutions that can penetrate deep into the pores of your skin, eliminating stubborn or buildup residues that other cleansers may not be able to. 

2. Balances pH levels

When it comes to skincare, pH levels are extremely important. The acidity of our skin can be affected by superficial elements such as pollution and harsh products, which is why many experts recommend correcting the pH balance with a toner. Toners contain ingredients that can help restore the natural acid mantle of our skin, bringing its pH back to a balanced level that's optimal for moisture retention and healthy cell regeneration. 

3. Control sebum production

Sebum is an important ingredient in maintaining healthy skin, but too much of it can be a problem. Fortunately, toners can help control sebum production to avoid a greasy, shiny look. Toners contain astringent ingredients like witch hazel and tea tree oil which gently remove excess oils from the skin. They also tighten pores, making them less likely to be clogged with excess sebum. 

4. Restores hydration

Not only do toners help balance the pH of the skin by removing any excess dirt or oil, but they also inject moisture back into the skin using a variety of natural ingredients such as aloe vera or rose water. When applied directly after cleansing, toners provide an extra layer of protection against damaging environmental aggressors while helping to plump up and improve dehydrated skin. 

5. Treats specific skin concerns

There are a variety of toners available to suit all skin types and concerns. For oily and acne-prone skin, an astringent or alcohol-based toner will help remove excess oils and impurities while minimizing the appearance of pores. If you want to give your complexion a boost of antioxidants, then look for a green tea or herbal-infused toner. 

Dry skin can benefit from an oil-rich toner made with calming ingredients like aloe vera or chamomile that help replenish lost moisture. And if you're looking to even out skin tone or reduce the signs of aging, there are many toners featuring active ingredients like glycolic acid or kojic acid that can deliver long-term benefits.

Toner vs. Cleanser: The difference

When it comes to skincare, many are confused about the difference between toners and cleansers. The simple answer is that toners work to tone the texture of your skin, while cleansers are used to purify the surface of your skin. 

Toners typically come in liquid form and contain nourishing ingredients like acids, aloe vera or green tea extract which helps to restore pH balance to help shrink pores, and remove residual makeup or dirt, as well as prep the skin for any serum or moisturizer you may apply afterward. 

Cleansers can be found in liquid, gel, oil, and foam forms, boasting deep-cleaning benefits that aim not only to remove dirt and impurities but also to provide a layer of protection against bacterial damage. Different combinations of these two powerful products have the potential to fight signs of aging and reduce blemishes – making it worthwhile for all beauty buffs out there to invest in a suitable combination!

Our top toner picks for your skin type

Whether you have oily, dry, or combination skin, finding the right toner can be a challenge. After all, every skin type is different and requires different levels of hydration and nourishment. Fortunately, with the right products, you can care for your skin while also making sure it’s properly balanced.

Our team of experts has rounded up the best toners on the market, depending on your skin type: 

Best toner for oily skin and combination skin

Facial Toner
COSRX AHA BHA Clarifying Treatment Toner - Refine, Hydrate, and Exfoliate in One Step
Facial Toner AHA/BHA Clarifying Treatment Toner
$23.00
Facial Toner
AHA BHA PHA 30 Days Miracle Toner
Facial Toner AHA-BHA-PHA 30days Miracle Toner
$22.00

Best toners for acne-prone skin

Facial Toner
One Step Original Clear Pad - Asian Beauty Essentials
Facial Toner One Step Original Clear Pad
$22.00

Best toners for dry skin

Best toners for sensitive skin

Facial Toner
Yuja Niacin Brightening Toner - Asian Beauty Essentials
Facial Toner Yuja Niacin Brightening Toner
$22.00

Facial toners: Where to find them?

Now that you know what does toner do and why this product is a must-have in any skincare routine, it’s time to do some shopping! 

Whether you have dry, sensitive, oily, or any other skin type, in Asian Beauty Essentials you’ll find our top picks for you so you can start including a face toner into your routine and see your skin change in front of you! 

Visit our store and check out our facial toner collection!

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1 comment

mor.luxury

mor.luxury

The post provides a clear and concise explanation of the purpose of toner in a skincare routine, making it a helpful resource for those looking to improve their beauty regimen.

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