The short answer is: no, you don’t *need* a toner. A toner isn’t as important as say your cleanser or moisturizer. But does it provide a huge advantage to your skin’s health and appearance? YES.
March 14, 2024
Do You Really Need A Toner?
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WHAT'S A FACIAL TONER?
Facial toners are liquid skin care products that have a very important function for skin health. They are typically applied after cleansing and before moisturizing, and their ingredient profile will determine how they affect the skin. They can help remove dirt/makeup that your cleanser missed, help balance your skin’s pH levels, and much much more. See below for a full list of benefits!
So, is it necessary? No. Is it a game-changer? Absolutely! The correctly chosen toner has the ability to completely transform your skin.
SKIN pH
Did you know that healthy skin has a pH level of 4.5 - 5.5? This means skin should be slightly acidic on the surface to prevent bacterial buildup and keep skin protected, balanced, and moisturized. What makes skin slightly acidic is when there is a thin layer of oil that lives on the surface. Things like harsh cleansers raise the pH too high, while using too many acids day after day can lower it too much! It's normal for the pH to of skin to fluctuate after you've used a certain product but if the levels are not balanced shortly after, then you may start to see signs of an imbalanced barrier. Using a toner is that immediate rescue product that helps get your skin back to that sweet spot of 4.5 - 5.5 on the pH scale. I would also recommend implementing an oil cleanser and a good moisturizer to help restore and maintain the balance.
SIGNS YOUR SKIN'S pH IS NOT WITHIN THE HEALTHY RANGE
- Acne
- Wrinkles
- Dryness
- Redness
- Irritation
- Rough texture
BENEFITS OF USING A FACIAL TONER
There are varying benefits of different toners -- it all depends on the ingredients inside of it. For example, some toners contain hyaluronic acid which helps your skin retain water (this is best for dry skin types). Some will contain acids like glycolic, lactic or salicylic to address concerns such as fine lines, pigmentation, or acne. Many will contain antioxidants like vitamin C that help neutralize free radicals caused by the environment (sun, pollution, etc.)
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THE PRIMARY FUNCTIONS OF FACIAL TONERS GENERALLY INCLUDE:
- Hydrates
- Balances pH or skin flora
- Cleanses
- Reduces acne
- "Preps" the skin for better product absorption
Because they are water based, some toners can eliminate any remaining traces of makeup, dirt, or cleanser that the initial cleansing might have missed.Skin soothing and refreshing: Certain toners contain ingredients like white tea, green tea, marine algae and plankton that soothe and calm the skin, reducing redness or irritation. This is especially useful if you're prone to redness or pigmentation.
HOW TO APPLY A TONER
You’ll want to apply your toner after you cleanse and before you apply your serums and moisturizer. There are a few different ways you can apply a toner, including:Spraying directly onto the skin: This is best when using a hydrating toner and is ideal for dry, normal, mature, or sensitive skin. We love our Mermaid Face Toner for this!
Wiping with a cotton pad: This method is typically used for acne skin and with toners that contain salicylic acid. The cotton pad will help to eliminate dirt stuck in the pores or on the skin. Our Seawater Mist Toner works well for oily prone skin! Spraying AND massaging into the skin: This method can be used when you want the ingredients in the toner to act almost as a serum. Usually these toners have a ton of nutrients for the skin to soak up, like vitamin C or seaweed. Our Seawater Mist Toner or Mermaid Face are both perfect for this!
