What is the Purpose of Facial Toner and How Do You Apply it?

facial toner (photo: www.eminacosmetics.com)

What is the function of facial toner and what is the rationale behind incorporating it into your skincare routine? If you have ever wondered about these questions, you are not alone. Perhaps you have even purchased a facial toner, but were unsure about the proper usage.

We aim to clear up any confusion. Continue reading to gain a deeper understanding of the advantages of facial toner and why it is considered a crucial component of any skincare routine.

What is Facial Toner? 

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Facial toner is a liquid-based product that is applied to the skin after cleansing and prior to using any other skincare products. This product helps to replenish the skin with nourishing ingredients and prepares it to receive the benefits of the rest of your skincare routine.

Toner is a misunderstood but valuable skincare product that is often overlooked. These clear or lightly tinted liquids come in slim bottles and can be found in any drugstore skincare aisle. Toners are water-based liquids that contain skin-nourishing ingredients like eucalyptus, peppermint, and aloe. They are specifically formulated for different skin types and are meant to refresh your skin without stripping it of its natural moisture. This makes toners suitable for sensitive skin and prevents excessive dryness. Additionally, toners prepare your skin to better absorb your post-cleansing moisturizer and any other skin treatments you apply.

It's important to note that toner and astringent are not the same thing. Astringent, often mistakenly referred to as toner, contains alcohol, making it an ideal choice for those with oily skin. Astringents are particularly effective in controlling oil production.

Read More: How to Remove Facial Hair

What are the Benefits of Using Facial Toner? 

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There are many advantages to incorporating facial toner into your daily skincare routine.

1. Cleansing and removing impurities: Toner is part of the cleansing process and helps to remove any remaining dirt, bacteria, makeup, pollution, and dust that your cleanser may have missed.
2. Protecting the skin: By toning your skin after cleansing, you can help to close your pores and better protect your complexion from environmental stressors. This can also help to reduce the appearance of pores.
3. Enhancing the effectiveness of other skincare products: The type of toner you choose can affect how well your skin absorbs other skincare products. Some toners help to balance the pH level of the skin, improving the performance of your other products.
4. Soothing and revitalizing the skin: If your skin is feeling discomfort, a toner, especially a hydrating one, may be able to help. Applying toner before serums and moisturizers can soothe the skin and make it feel more refreshed and revitalized, particularly after a long day.

Who Can Benefit from Using Facial Toner? 

There is a wide variety of toners available to cater to different skin types, so almost anyone can benefit from using it. For example, those with dry skin can benefit from a hydrating toner, while those with oily or acne-prone skin can use purifying toners.

Everyone can benefit from using face toner, but it is especially helpful for those with oily skin, a tendency to break out with acne, or who wear makeup. Toner helps to cleanse and tighten pores, making it an ideal addition to your skincare routine. For those with acne-prone skin, Neutrogena Rapid Clear® 2-in-1 Fight & Fade Toner with salicylic acid is a great option. For those with oily skin, Neutrogena® Alcohol-Free Toner is designed to regulate oil production. To find the best toner for your skin, check out the full range of Neutrogena® face toners and find the one that's right for you.

How to Choose the Right Facial Toner 

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When choosing a facial toner, it is important to consider your skin type and the different types of toners available.

The three main types of toners are:

1. Astringents, which contain a high concentration of alcohol and are best for oily or acne-prone skin.
2. Hydrating toners, which are designed to soothe the skin and often contain glycerin for added moisture.
3. Mists, which contain a variety of ingredients and can be used throughout the day as a pick-me-up

- Facial Toner for Sensitive Skin 

For those with sensitive skin, it is important to choose a calming toner specifically designed for sensitive skin. These toners can help reduce redness and relieve irritation. Look for ingredients such as chamomile and rosewater and seek out products labeled as "hypoallergenic". It is important to avoid alcohol-based toners for those with sensitive skin.

- Facial Toner for Oily/Acne-Prone Skin 

If you have oily or acne-prone skin, consider using an astringent toner to control oil production and reduce breakouts and blackheads. Tea tree oil toners are a popular choice for oily skin, as are toners containing Vitamin A.

- Facial Toner for Dry Skin 

Dry skin is best treated with hydrating toners. Toners containing hyaluronic acid can help skin retain moisture, making it feel soft and plump throughout the day. Using a toner can also help reduce flakiness on dry skin.

- Facial Toner for Normal/Combination Skin 

For those with normal or combination skin, consider using a daily toner that helps balance the skin's pH and removes impurities. Depending on the season, you may want to switch between hydrating and astringent toners to accommodate changes in skin oiliness or dryness.

How to Apply Face Toner 

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Using face toner is a simple process that can be easily incorporated into your daily routine. Here's what you need to do:

1. Cleanse your face thoroughly.
2. Pat your skin dry with a clean towel.
3. Soak a cotton pad with toner.
4. Gently swipe the cotton pad over your face, starting from the center and moving outwards. Avoid the eyes and lips but make sure to include the neck area.
5. Wait a few seconds for the toner to dry and then proceed with the rest of your skincare routine.

Toner is also a convenient product to use on-the-go. You can keep a small mist bottle of toner in your bag and spray it on your skin as needed, especially during dry and heated seasons.

Read More: This is How Often You Should Get a Facial

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