We receive many questions about toners. Most want to know what it does, if they need to use it, and which one is best for their skin type.
Many times when purchasing cosmetic products, toners are not recommended as a basic step or we simply consider them as an optional step. However, a toner, as long as it is well formulated, is a fundamental part of the cleansing routine. and they are increasingly being used as an essential product in the care protocol to achieve a result of radiant, beautiful and healthy skin.
Once we understand how toners work, it is important to know which are the beneficial and non-recommended ingredients used in toner formulations.
All about toners
Toners are designed to be used after cleansing .
Long ago, they used to be recommended for removing the greasy residue left by ordinary cleansers due to being formulated with mineral oils and also for restoring the pH balance in the skin after using a bar of soap or cleansers that altered the skin. the natural Ph of the skin at a non-beneficial level as they are formulated with aggressive sulfates or irritating ingredients, which altered the barrier function.
However, this does not happen with the water-soluble cleansers that we have, since none of them contain aggressive sulfates nor are they formulated with irritating ingredients, always respecting the pH of the skin and protecting our barrier function.
Therefore, this leads us to the fact that tonics are currently fulfilling a new concept in the function they perform.
Its new and differentiating concept is the purpose of providing valuable benefits to our skin by keeping it hydrated, healthy, balanced, with a strengthened protective barrier, and even helping to regenerate our cells.
How to find the right toner?
When looking for it, it is advisable to look at its formulation, so that it incorporates beneficial ingredients that restore and repair our skin.
For example, formulations with antioxidants, repairing ingredients such as Glycerin, Essential Fatty Acids, Ceramides and we can even find it with Exfoliating Actives. Thanks to all these ingredients, toners fulfill several functions since they help improve the appearance of pores, provide luminosity, minimize redness, tone, hydrate, soothe and, in addition, keep the skin perfectly prepared to receive all the active ingredients that we are going to use. Then apply through serum or moisturizing cream.
A suitable toner can offer a very good dose of these ingredients, for younger, fresher and softer skin, after cleansing and throughout the day.
What differences exist between tonics?
Finding the perfect skin toner is not easy, especially since there are many toners with different formulations on the market. Basically, toners can be classified into three types:
- Alcohol-based formulas , which are formulated with “astringent” ingredients. Toners with alcohol and astringent ingredients should always be avoided because they cause irritation and impair the skin's ability to self-repair by damaging its ability to produce healthy collagen.
- Formulas based on water and glycerin or glycol with aromatic extracts , such as rose or citrus water. These toners are labeled as air fresheners or refreshers. These toners incorporate perfumes, and can be the common cause of skin reactions.
- And thirdly, those that we always recommend are toners with respectful formulas for our skin , with a water base loaded with beneficial ingredients, which provide functions to our skin such as repairing, soothing, moisturizing, protective, or exfoliating, and depending on the type of skin and need you have, we will help you choose the best one for your skin.
Which toner is right for me?
Although each toner contains a number of ingredients that provide multiple benefits, each has distinctions that make them preferable for certain skin types or needs:
Toners for oily or acne-prone skin
If you have oily or acne-prone skin, you need to be especially careful when purchasing a toner. We should avoid toners that contain irritating ingredients (such as alcohol, witch hazel or menthol) since instead of helping they will further harm the skin's healing process and breakouts.
Using a toner with this type of formula on oily or acne-prone skin guarantees that we observe more shine, general redness and more persistent red marks, in addition to a dehydrated surface while destroying the skin's natural protective barrier. Therefore, for oily and acne-prone skin, the ideal toners are those whose ingredients help repair the surface of the skin and make it feel softer, that help reduce enlarged pores, always combined with ingredients that regulate the sebaceous gland.
Some of the ones we recommend are:
Heroine Mandelic & Licorice Superfood Glow Toner by PSA
It is an exfoliating toner with 6% Mandelic and Lactic Acid, with Licorice Root, Kombucha, and Centella Asiatica, perfect for an immediate glow effect, in addition to minimizing the size of pores, and making the skin feel increasingly softer. , radiant and clean.
Clear Skin Tonic by Alpha-H
It incorporates 2% BHA perfect for unclogging pores and eliminating acne breakouts, combined with anti-inflammatory ingredients such as chamomile, arnica, thyme and cucumber and rebalancing inflamed, stressed skin by reducing active redness, irritation and swelling.
Toners for combination skin
If your skin is oily on the forehead, nose and chin and dry on the cheeks and jaw area, then you have classic combination skin: in this type of skin the dry areas are pronounced and the oily areas worsen. What is the solution? Combination skin needs toners with ingredients that help normalize and balance the protective barrier, this way you will feel less dehydration and excess sebum will be reduced. With continued use as part of a complete skin care routine, you will also see enlarged pores improve their appearance and skin will feel balanced and fresh.
We leave you some of the most recommended:
Pro Balance Biotics Toner by Dr. Ceuracle
Formulated with biomimetic water, it provides optimal hydration as well as probiotics, helping to balance combination skin and reinforcing the hydrolipid barrier.
Utopia Microflora Toner by Holifrog
Using this toner is giving the skin a dose of beneficial microflora for clean, balanced and healthy skin. Helps kill bacteria that cause acne and blemishes. Utopia is ideal for all skin types, especially if it is combination, with some breakouts and sensitive, thanks to its content in Probiotics, Aloe Vera, Apple Cider Vinegar, Jojoba and Rice Extract.
5α Control Clearing Toner by Dr. Ceuracle
Its formula is capable of controlling the hormone 5-Alpha Reductase, which causes oily skin, leaving the skin fresh and controlling areas of excess sebum production. It leaves a perfect balance thanks to its soft texture, with a feeling of relief and calm skin.
Toners for dry or sensitive skin
The right toner for dry or sensitive skin can create a before and after in the skin, thanks to the fact that they help reduce redness, reinforce the weakened protective barrier, improve peeling, and make the skin feel calm, hydrated, flexible and with a comfortable feeling.
We suggest some of the toners for dry and sensitive skin that you should try. You will be pleasantly surprised at how your skin will feel.
Liquid Hydration by Geek & Gorgeous
A facial toner with a mist loaded with 5% Panthenol + Natural Moisturizing Factors to hydrate and soothe.
Hyal Reyouth Toner by Dr. Ceuracle
Formulated with 6 types of Hyaluronic Acid for deep hydration and vitamins B5 (Panthenol) and B3 (Niacinamide), which form a strong protective barrier on our skin.
Skiintegra Nectar
It combines moisturizing ingredients with the soothing effects of the plant agents of Aloe Vera, Ginseng, Cucumber and Olive Leaf extract, which are combined with Urea, Hyaluronic Acid, as well as Amino Acids.
Conclusion
All of the toners are great options for treating any skin type and concerns, as well as skin aging , for which we recommend Liquid Gold , and even for repairing sun damage for which we recommend The Cool Rescue .
We already know that toners packed with beneficial ingredients and active ingredients create a before and after for any skin type.
What are you waiting for to get your toner?