What is toner and why is it important?

Before diving into the benefits, let's start with the basics: what exactly is a toner? In essence, toner is a liquid moisturiser, usually formulated with a water base, designed to balance the skin's pH levels, remove impurities and prepare the skin for subsequent skincare steps – giving the skin what it needs to look fresher and smoother. It’s best used just after cleansing, but before applying serums or moisturisers.

Historically, alcohol-based toners were once notorious for their astringent and drying properties, as they used to contain high concentrations of alcohol to remove oil. However, thankfully modern formulations tend to be much gentler and kinder on the skin. Here are the top six benefits to using a facial toner:

1. Hydrates and nourishes skin

Contrary to popular belief, not all toners are drying. Many toners are formulated with hydrating and nourishing ingredients, such as hyaluronic acid, glycerin or botanical extracts, to replenish the skin's moisture barrier. Incorporating a hydrating toner into your skincare routine can provide an extra layer of hydration, leaving your skin feeling soft and suppler and looking radiant.

2. Restores skin's pH balance

One of the primary benefits of using some toners are their ability to restore the skin's pH balance. Our skin is naturally acidic, with a pH level ranging from 4.5 to 5.5. However, factors such as cleansing with harsh products or environmental stressors can disrupt this delicate balance, leaving the skin vulnerable to the appearance of breakouts. Some toners, formulated with ingredients like witch hazel or rose water, can help rebalance the skin's pH, for healthy-looking skin.

3. Tightens pores

The appearance of enlarged pores are a common skincare concern, often attributed to excess oil production and environmental pollutants. Toners can help tighten and minimise the appearance of pores, giving the skin a smoother, more refined texture. Look for toners containing ingredients like niacinamide or salicylic acid, known for their pore-refining properties, to achieve a more even complexion.

4. Help to enhance absorption of skincare products

Applying skincare products to unprepared skin can hinder their efficacy, as the skin may not fully absorb the active skincare ingredients. Toners are known to help prepare the skin, removing residual impurities and excess oil, allowing subsequent skincare products to penetrate deeper into the surface of the skin. By enhancing the absorption of serums, moisturisers, and treatments, toners can help you maximise the benefits and get the most out of your skincare regime.

5. Helps to soothe and calm irritated feeling skin

For those with sensitive or irritated-feeling skin, incorporating a soothing toner into your routine can work wonders. Toners formulated with known soothing ingredients like chamomile, aloe vera, or green tea extract can help calm the appearance of redness and help promote the feeling of overall skin comfort. Using a gentle, alcohol-free toner can hydrate to leave reactive feeling skin to feel more comforted.

How to choose the right toner for your skin

With an abundance of toners available on the market, finding the right one for your skin can seem daunting. Here are some top tips to help you find your new skincare match.

Know your skin type:

Determine whether you have dry, oily, combination, or sensitive skin, as this will dictate the type of toner best suited for your needs. For dry skin types, milky, hydrating formulas are best. Normal, oily and combination skin types should look for lightweight formulas, that help to improve the appearance of uneven skin tone and reduce excess oiliness. For sensitive skin, specially formulated toners are best to help soothe the appearance of redness and leave skin feeling calm.

Read the ingredients list:

Look for toners free from problematic ingredients such as alcohol, menthol and harsh chemicals, especially if you have sensitive skin. Instead, opt for formulas containing hydrating, soothing, or exfoliating ingredients such as hyaluronic acid, glycerin or chamomile.

Consider your skincare goals:

Whether you're targeting pore refinement, hydration, brightening, or visible signs of ageing, choose a toner formulated with ingredients that address your specific skincare goals.

Perform patch tests:

Before incorporating a new toner into your routine, perform a patch test to ensure compatibility with your skin. Apply a small amount of product to a discreet area and monitor for any adverse reactions over 24 hours.

How to apply and use a toner

Now that you've selected the perfect toner for your skin, it's time to learn how to apply and effectively use a toner in your skincare routine:

Cleanse your skin:

Start by cleansing your face to remove make up, dirt and impurities. We recommend our bestselling Cleanse & Polish™ Hot Cloth Cleanser – expertly designed to deeply cleanse while infusing skin with an instant moisture boost, for radiant, clearer-looking skin.

Dispense toner onto a reusable facial pad:

Pour a generous amount of toner onto a reusable facial pad and sweep across your face, avoiding the delicate eye area. Alternatively, lightly pat the toner into your skin using your fingertips. If you want to replenish your skin with soothing hydration, turn to our award-winning Instant Boost™ Skin Tonic Toner. This formula comes packed with powerful ingredients such as aloe vera to hydrate, chamomile and cucumber to soothe and refresh for skin that looks radiantly healthy.

Follow with facial serums and moisturiser:

Once the toner has fully absorbed into your skin, carry on with your regular skincare routine, in order from thinnest to thickest texture – and don’t forget sunscreen during the day! For the morning, try Skin Repair™ Light Cream. Offering 72 hours of refreshing hydration, this fast-absorbing moisturiser restores balance when it needs shine-free hydration. In the evening, reach for Superskin™ Advanced Firming Serum-in-Moisturiser, a rejuvenating blend combining a serum with a moisturiser, for skin that feels more resilient, firmer and shows a reduction in the appearance of deep lines and wrinkles after just two weeks.

Use morning and night:

Incorporate a toner into your skincare routine both morning and night to reap its full benefits and help maintain skin health. For the daytime, they serve particularly well at prepping the skin, or for removing any impurities or make up that may have been missed during your night-time routine.

The benefits of using a toner extend far beyond cleansing. From restoring the skin's pH balance to hydrating, soothing, enhancing absorption, providing antioxidant protection and beyond, toners play a vital role in achieving healthy-looking, radiant skin. By selecting the right toner for your skin type and concerns and incorporating it into your daily routine, you can elevate your skincare routine to new heights, revealing a lit-from-within look!