What does toner do for your skin?

Toner is a skincare powerhouse that lots of people love. Use it as part of a 3-step skincare routine for enhanced cleanliness, which can in turn boost skin clarity.

What does toner do for your skin?

Many people skip the toner, but your skincare routine might not achieve great results without it. Here’s how toner can you help you look your best:

• Restore skin pH post-cleanse
• Remove excess soap after cleansing
• Enhances skin cleanliness by permeating pores
• Toners contain ingredients which can enhance skin appearance, including actives like hyaluronic acid, vitamin C, AHAs (Alpha Hydroxy Acids) and BHAs (Beta Hydroxy Acids).

What is your skin type?

A quick guide on how to find out your skin type: We suspect many people don’t know their skin type, and just assume their skin is a combination. However, knowing your actual skin type can help you choose a toner that’ll compliment you. Although you may once have had oily skin, you may now have dry skin, or a combination – your skin type changes as you age. Some people’s skin type also changes depending on the season. Perhaps you have oily skin in the summer months and dry during blustery winters.

Here’s how to tell what your skin type is:

• Dab your face with a tissue after washing. If the tissue has an oily patch on it, while your skin’s clean, you’re an oily or combination skin type
• Observe how your skin feels post-wash. Those with dry skin types will feel their face is tight after a wash. In contrast, those with oily skin will feel clean. Indications of combination skin are a clean-feeling T-zone, but tight cheeks
• Examine your pores. If your pores are apparent in the mirror, you likely have oily skin. Normal skin types will be able to see their pores, but they won’t be very prominent. In contrast, dry skin types will not have their pores visible at all.
• Pinch your skin with thumb and middle finger. Then, run your index finger across the skin you’ve pinched. If your skin feels plump, you have oily skin, whereas if it’s puckered, you have combination or dry skin.

The best toner for your skin type

Now you know your skin type, here’s how to choose a toner that’ll beautifully complement your skin:

• Oily skin types should choose toners that are alcohol-free for daily use, and incorporate an acid toner into their weekly routine. Acid toners exfoliate the pores to help combat blackheads and other skin complaints that oily skin types suffer from.
• Dry skin types should choose moisturising toners.
• Combination types can use whatever toner they prefer but should avoid those which include alcohol.

How to include toner in your routine

Use toner every time you cleanse and moisturise. Washing each evening removes makeup and environmental grime from the face, whereas cleansing in the morning removes bacteria that’s gathered overnight. Shop Natural Beauty Expertly reviewed by: Last updated: 2 December 2020