What is toner and should you be using it?

With all the skincare products on offer today, it can be challenging to know which ones are a necessity and which ones are more of a luxury. Facial toners have been around for a while, and many people use them as a staple in their skincare routines.
At AP Smilecare, we specialise in clinician-led care for your skin. Rather than relying solely on over-the-counter products, we tailor our treatments to each patient with medical-grade ingredients and products to achieve beautiful and long-lasting results. Now, let’s talk about toners. Many people wonder if toners are actually necessary in their skincare routine – and the answer may surprise you! So, is toner a product everyone should be using? Let’s take a look.

What is toner?

Toner is a skincare step that comes after you wash your face and before you move on to serums and moisturisers. It usually has a thin and watery consistency. When toners first came about, they were used to rebalance the pH of the skin after using an alkaline soap cleanser. These days, the face washes available on the market tend to be gentler; so toners have also evolved out of this bracket to offer many different benefits (depending on the toner you use, of course).

Is a toner necessary?

In short, it isn’t necessary to use a toner as part of your skincare routine, but it can still be helpful in achieving healthy and glowing skin. Many of the benefits offered by toners can also be achieved through the use of other products. For example, if you’re using an exfoliating toner, you can replace it with an exfoliator that offers similar benefits. It all depends on how you prefer to incorporate these steps into your routine.

Which toner would be right for you?

Although it isn’t a necessity like a good moisturiser, cleanser, or SPF, toner can be a helpful step in your skincare routine if you choose to include it. The type of toner you pick should be based only on your skin type. As with any skincare product, sometimes, if you choose without considering the ingredients, it can aggravate your skin and cause flare-ups.

If you have sensitive skin

If you have sensitive skin, consider the ingredients in the toner you choose carefully before you add it to your routine. You’ll want to select something hydrating and gentle like glycerin, and avoid any fragrances so as not to upset your skin barrier.

If you normal to dry skin

If your skin is on the normal to dry side, then try a hydration-boosting toner to help give your skin that plump and supple look and lock in moisture. These toners will have hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid, or even aloe vera.

If you oily skin

If your skin is oilier or acne-prone, look for an oil-free or non-comedogenic toner—which basically means it won’t clog or congest your pores. You’ll also want to look for toners with alpha and beta hydroxy acids like salicylic acid, lactic acid, and glycolic acid, which will help remove dead skin, clear out your pores, and control excess oil.

If you choose to incorporate a toner into your skincare routine, using it once or twice (if the brand recommends) is usually sufficient to reap the benefits. If you have any skin conditions on your face like eczema or psoriasis, it’s best to first consult your doctor or dermatologist before introducing new skincare ingredients into your routine.

If you’re looking to give your skin a real boost, get in touch with our experts! We offer a range of skincare treatments at our local Blackburn clinic to help correct problem skin, prevent ageing and damage, and re-contour facial silhouettes. We’ll help you figure out exactly what your skin needs, and provide you with a tailored treatment that’ll leave your skin looking beautiful. If you’re interested, give us a call on 01254 297000 and a member of our friendly team will be happy to help.