Who would benefit from using a toner in their skincare routine?

Who Would Benefit from Using Toner in Their Skincare Routine

Individuals with acne-prone skin, those using prescription acne treatments, and people seeking enhanced hydration would benefit most from incorporating a toner into their skincare routine. 1

Benefits for Specific Skin Types

Acne-Prone Skin

• Toners containing ingredients like witch hazel, niacinamide, or tea tree oil provide anti-inflammatory benefits that help manage acne 1
• When used as part of a comprehensive skincare routine, toners can help improve:
  • Superficial hydration
  • Skin roughness
  • Pore appearance
  • Overall skin brightness 2

Dry or Sensitive Skin

• Hydrating toners with glycerin, hyaluronic acid, and aloe vera provide moisture without irritation 1
• These ingredients are particularly beneficial when using potentially drying acne treatments like benzoyl peroxide or retinoids 1

Combination or Oily Skin

• Toners can help balance sebum production, especially those with ingredients that have antiseborrheic properties 3
• Research shows that appropriate toners can decrease sebum secretion by up to 33.4% after 60 days of consistent use 3

Proper Application in a Skincare Routine

For optimal results, toners should be:

1. Applied after cleansing and before moisturizer
2. Followed by moisturizer to lock in hydration
3. Used with caution when containing exfoliating ingredients like AHAs, which require daily sunscreen use 1

Ingredients to Look For

• Hydrating ingredients: Glycerin, hyaluronic acid, aloe vera, and panthenol (Vitamin B5) 1
• Anti-inflammatory ingredients: Niacinamide, witch hazel, and aloe vera 1
• For acne-prone skin: Tea tree oil, salicylic acid, or witch hazel 1, 4

Ingredients to Avoid

• Alcohol-based formulations which can be drying and irritating, particularly for those with sensitive or acne-prone skin 1
• Harsh astringents that may disrupt the skin barrier, especially when using prescription acne treatments 1

Evidence of Effectiveness

Research demonstrates that incorporating toner into an advanced skincare routine (cleanser/toner/eye cream/serum/day & night cream) provides superior results compared to a simple routine (cleanser & day cream) in terms of:

• Improved superficial and deep hydration
• Reduced skin roughness
• Decreased pore size
• Enhanced skin brightness
• Better management of fine lines 2

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

• Using alcohol-heavy toners that can over-dry the skin and potentially worsen acne
• Failing to match toner pH (ideally 4.5-5.5) to maintain the skin's natural acid mantle 1
• Not considering specific skin needs when selecting a toner (e.g., hydrating for dry skin, balancing for oily skin)
• Skipping moisturizer after toner application, which may lead to inadequate hydration

By selecting a toner with appropriate ingredients for your skin type and concerns, you can enhance your skincare routine's effectiveness and improve overall skin health and appearance.