There are mixed opinions when it comes to the need to include a toner in our skin care routine.
Unlike cleansers and moisturisers which are known to be non-negotiables, many people are still unsure about what a toner does and how it benefits our skin.
Necessity or just a nice-to-have? You decide after reading our take on this product below.
What exactly is a toner?
A toner is a water-based skin care product that is used right after cleansing to prep your skin for the remaining steps of your skin care routine. Depending on the ingredients used in the product, toners offer a wide range of benefits from removing impurities to nourishing, hydrating and brightening.
How does a toner benefit our skin?
1. It balances our skin’s pH level
Toners help to balance our skin’s pH level after cleansing. Our skin’s normal pH value is approximately 5.4 to 5.5. The natural secretion from our skin, such as sweat and sebum, forms an acid mantle which usually has a pH level of 4 to 5.5. This acidic environment plays a key role in protecting our skin from bacteria.
When we cleanse our face, the acid mantle gets disturbed. This is even more so when stronger or harsher cleansers are used. The resulting shift towards the alkaline pH leaves the skin vulnerable to bacterial infections.
Here’s where toners come into play. Including a toning step right after cleansing helps to balance the pH level of our skin, protecting the acid mantle. This ensures that our skin maintains a healthy barrier and preps the skin to be more receptive to absorbing subsequent skin care products.
2. It soothes and hydrates the skin
A gentle toner is a great way to calm skin irritation or redness while giving your skin a quick hydration boost. Some toners are formulated with calming and nourishing ingredients, which help to alleviate any irritation or discomfort your skin might be feeling.
Most toners contain hydrating properties, and using one helps your skin to stay moist, preventing it from drying out after cleansing.
3. Some toners help to remove impurities when used with cotton pads
Those who tend to wear makeup frequently may find certain toners helpful in giving their skin one last “cleanse” to pick up any residual impurities that were not removed during cleansing. These toners tend to be used by rubbing a cotton pad across the skin.
While some may find this step useful, we find that doing double cleansing thoroughly and using a gentle but effective cleanser does the deed more effectively. Besides, rubbing a cotton pad on the skin leads to more frequent tugging that’s unnecessary – think wrinkles and fine lines!
So… do you need to include a toner in your routine?
Well, we think there are useful benefits to it, but it really depends on your skin concerns too! The key is finding one that suits your skin needs and brings the benefits that you are looking for.
What about alcohol-free toners?
In the past, alcohol (here we’re referring to simple alcohol such as denatured alcohol and ethanol) is often added to toners as it helps certain ingredients absorb into the skin better and remove excessive oil. This also gives the skin an oil-free and tight feeling after use.
Those with sensitive skin may be concerned about alcohol-based toners drying out your skin when applied right after cleansing. But with better ingredients and technology now available in the skin care scene, consumers are able to reap the benefits of well-balanced, hydrated skin without having to risk potentially drying out the skin.
If you are looking for an alcohol-free toner that balances, soothes and hydrates the skin, Toner T2 is one to try.
Toner T2
Toner T2 is an alcohol-free hydrating toner that lavishes your skin with hydration and delivers soothing and calming effects to your skin. This 3-in-1 multitasker acts as a toner, hydrating lotion and a treatment essence. Toner T2 helps to:
- Balance skin’s pH level
- Hydrate the skin
- Soothe and calm irritated skin
The formulation containing Sodium Polyglutamate and Sodium Hyaluronate provides intense moisturisation for our skin. A blend of skin-loving botanical extracts, such as Horse Chestnut Seed, Matricaria Flower and Licorice Root extracts, makes Toner T2 especially calming and soothing for those experiencing skin irritation or redness.
Applying Toner T2
With a more viscous consistency, the application method differs slightly from regular toners. Skip the cotton pads when you’re applying Toner T2 and swipe it gently across your skin with your fingertips instead. This makes your skin care routine more eco-friendly and you won’t waste a single drop of product too!
Is toner currently a part of your routine? Let us know in the comments below!