From the Guidelines
Skin toner can be beneficial for some people as it helps to balance the skin's pH, tighten pores, and remove remaining impurities after cleansing, which can improve the appearance and texture of the skin 1. Additionally, toners can deliver active ingredients such as antioxidants, witch hazel, or tea tree oil, which can provide benefits like reducing inflammation, fighting acne, or soothing irritated skin. However, the provided evidence does not directly support the use of skin toner for general skin care, but rather focuses on the management of specific skin conditions such as radiation dermatitis and Stevens-Johnson syndrome/toxic epidermal necrolysis.
- In the management of radiation dermatitis, it is recommended to keep the irradiated area clean and use a pH-neutral synthetic detergent to minimize the risk of infection 1.
- For patients with skin reactions, topical moisturizers and emollients can be used to soothe and hydrate the skin, while greasy creams and topical acne medications should be avoided as they can irritate the skin and worsen the condition 1.
- In the treatment of Stevens-Johnson syndrome/toxic epidermal necrolysis, a conservative approach is recommended, including regular wound cleansing, application of a greasy emollient, and use of a topical antimicrobial agent 1.
Overall, while skin toner may be beneficial for some people, its use should be considered on an individual basis, taking into account specific skin concerns and conditions.
From the Research
Benefits of Skin Toner
- Skin toner can be beneficial when used as part of a comprehensive skin care routine, as it has been shown to improve superficial hydration, deep hydration, skin roughness, mean pore area, melanin heterogeneity, and crow's feet wrinkle depth 2.
- The use of toner in combination with other moisturizers, such as cream, can lead to greater hydration compared to using a single moisturizer 3.
- Toner can be an effective complement to cream, especially for normal skin, and repeated application of toner can be efficacious for skin hydration 3.
Comparison with Other Skin Care Products
- The application of cream only can be an effective and brief way to achieve favorable moisturization, especially for dry skin 3.
- Other ingredients, such as those derived from rice, have been found to have anti-aging, anti-inflammatory, whitening, photoprotective, and moisturizing properties, and may be beneficial for skin care 4.
- Vitamins B3 and E and provitamin B5 have been shown to reduce signs of skin aging, including hyperpigmentation and redness 5.
General Skin Care Advice
- A well-balanced diet, adequate hydration, use of a topical moisturizer, protection from the sun, and avoiding smoking and tobacco are considered the most effective measures for healthy skin 6.