Revival of toners

For a long time toners were mostly a forgotten step of many skincare routines. In the west they were the last step of your cleansing, and if you were a teenager or had oily skin they were astringent and loaded with alcohol and did no favours to you skin. It is a step most people simply skipped because they could not be bothered or were not sure why it’s needed and how it really benefits the skin. I was no better. However, when I got into Asian beauty and tried their toners things changed. These days toner is an essential part of my routine and something I cannot go without.

My toner wardrobe

Why do we need toners?

The purpose of toners is to replenish and nourish the skin after removing makeup and cleansing because even if you use a gentle cleanser it will still somewhat strip your skin. But worry not! Toner is here to make it all better.

Hydrating toner with its light consistency that can be absorbed easily can quickly provide your skin antioxidants as well as soothing and hydrating ingredients. Acidic toner will balance your skin and it also can serve as the last step in your cleansing routine. A good toner will help your skin look healthier and more radiant.

Acid based toners

Exfoliating toners and balancing toners are acid based and they can be the last step in your cleansing routine. They are formulated to gently exfoliate the skin and usually contain either AHA or BHA acids (or both) and are a good choice for people with congested or oily skin as they can help with keeping your pores cleaner thus making them appear smaller (always a good thing). They are especially useful if you still use alkaline cleansers (those with pH 7 and above) as acidic toner will quickly lower your skin's pH to its naturally acidic level and also help prepare your skin for pH depending treatments or rest of your skincare.

How to use: Apply with cotton pad after cleansing by gently sweeping it all over face and neck, avoiding the eye area

I love using exfoliating toners in the summer when my skin gets a bit oily and is more prone to congestion, though in winter I sometimes skip them.

Products: Pixi Glow Tonic, Bravura London Exfoliating Toners, Mizon Aha and BHA Daily Clean Toner, COSRX AHA/BHA Clarifying Treatment Toner

Hydrating toners

Hydrating toners are an essential part of Asian beauty routine and west is catching on. They are used immediately after cleansing or after an acidic toner. Besides giving skin a quick shot of hydration and other goodies like antioxidants and amino acids it will provide the foundation for the rest of your skin care. All your products that you layer after will absorb better. You can use them even if you have oily skin; every skin type can and should use them.

How to use: Forget cotton pads as you just waste product with them. Pour some toner in your palm and pat it onto your skin.

Products: Enprani Dear by Moistful Booskin Toner, COSRX Centella Water Alcohol-Free Toner, Innisfree Ginger Oil Skin,Sulwhasoo Essential Balancing Water