Are Toners Really For You?
Now that’s a million dollar question! Just like in the nursery rhyme, "First comes love" (First comes love, then comes marriage, then comes baby in a baby carriage), we can also recite the step-wise rhymes of a basic skincare routine: first comes cleanser, then comes toner, serum, moisturiser, and finally sunscreen to keep the burns away. But is toner really that important? Considering how popular toners are, you might be surprised by the answer to that question.
In this post:
- What is a facial toner?
- What are the different types of toners
- Do you really need a toner?
- Our top picks
What Is a Facial Toner?
This is a water-based liquid but it’s more than just water. Depending on the type of toner, it may contain other good-for-your skin ingredients. A toner is multi-purpose, serving as both an after cleanser removing any last traces of dirt, makeup or excess oil as well as prepping your skin for other products in your skincare regimen.
It also helps brighten the skin and rebalance skin’s delicate pH after cleansing. Surprisingly, you can also use a toner to target a specific skin condition just like a serum.
What Are the Different Types of Toners?
So, you want to get a toner? Now to the confusing bits, you’ve just found out that there are actually different types of toners. Which one is right for you?
There are three major types of toner, which are;
1.Hydrating toners
Just as the name goes, this type of toner contains humectants like hyaluronic acid, glycerin or rose water which gives the skin a quick boost of hydration.
2. Exfoliating toners
These are designed for oily, combination or acne-prone skin and contain ingredients such as AHAs (glycolic acid, lactic acid, mandelic acid) and BHAs (salicylic acid) or fruit enzymes.
They gently exfoliate, getting rid of dead skin cells on the top layer of the skin. They also help keep the pores clean and reduce their visibility.
Dermatologist advice that you avoid using an exfoliating toner daily. Twice a week is sufficient.
3. Treatment toners
These target specific skin concerns such as excess oil, sensitivity, hyperpigmentation and so on. They are usually formulated with potent active ingredients and depending on these actives, they are suitable for all skin types.
Do You Really Need Toners?
And now to the question of the moment, do you really need toners? According to skincare experts, toners were once necessary for skin health but not anymore. They were originally formulated to balance pH at a time when people used soap to wash, which put the skin’s pH off balance.
Nowadays, cleansers are used which makes toners not as necessary as they previously were, years ago. In addition, there are other products such as essence, micellar water or even facial mists that offer similar benefits as a toner which makes using toners more of a preference.
Are toners totally useless and a waste of money? No, they have several additional benefits and can be used to introduce an active ingredient in a more subtler way than a serum would. When using a toner, remember that it goes right after cleansing, and preferably not more than a minute later. This is because active ingredients are better absorbed on damp skin.
Our Top Picks
The key to finding the best toner is looking for formulations targeted at your specific skin concern as well as those packed with the right actives. Keep scrolling for an edit of our top picks
House of Coco Blemish Control Toner (₦6,000.00 )
Specially formulated for oily and acne-prone skin types, this toner helps regulate the production of sebum with oil-controlling ingredients like witch hazel. In addition, it includes antibacterial tea tree oil and rose water, which provides a quick boost of hydration.
Skin By Zaron Ultimate Glow - Brightening Toner (₦6,090.00)
This water-based toner is a do-it-all with the right blend of exfoliating (glycolic acid), hydrating (hyaluronic acid) and pore-balancing (niacinamide) ingredients. It is suitable for all skin types and helps accelerate cell renewal to reveal brighter, glowing skin.
Acen Beauty Rebalancing Toner Serum (₦5,500.00)
This surprisingly toner-serum hybrid is a powerhouse that targets dry, dull and irritated skin. It is suitable for all skin types and contains skincare ingredients such as grape seed extract (with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties), rose hydrosol (skin healing benefits) and witch hazel (soothes irritated skin).
At Reine Africaine, we provide you with the most accurate and up-to-date information hoping you make the best choices for your skin’s health. Do you really need a toner? Only you can decide this with the help of a dermatologist.
We advise that you know the purpose of a particular skincare product before using it. For us, skincare isn’t a trend, it is a lifestyle.
