Is skin toner beneficial?

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Last updated: January 27, 2025View editorial policy

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From the Guidelines

Skin toner can be beneficial for some people, as it helps to balance the skin's pH, tighten pores, and remove any remaining impurities or residue after cleansing, which can improve the appearance and texture of the skin.

  • The provided evidence does not directly support the benefits of skin toner, but it discusses various treatments for skin conditions such as systemic sclerosis, acne, and actinic keratoses.
  • However, some studies suggest that certain ingredients, such as tea tree oil and witch hazel, may have beneficial effects on the skin, including reducing inflammation and fighting acne 1.
  • Additionally, topical treatments such as tretinoin cream have been shown to be effective in reducing actinic keratoses, with a dose response observed in some studies 1.
  • It is essential to note that the effectiveness of skin toner may depend on individual skin types and concerns, and further research is needed to fully understand its benefits and potential drawbacks.
  • In general, a well-formulated skincare routine that includes a gentle cleanser, toner, and moisturizer, as well as sun protection, can help to improve the overall health and appearance of the skin.

From the Research

Benefits of Skin Toner

  • Skin toner can be beneficial when used as part of a comprehensive skin care routine, as it can help 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 also be effective in reducing oiliness, as seen in a study where a guava toner significantly reduced oiliness on the forehead and nose 4.

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, but the use of toner can provide additional benefits 3.
  • The order of application of cream and toner has little effect on skin hydration, but repeated application of toner can be efficacious for skin hydration 3.

Specific Ingredients and Their Effects

  • Certain ingredients, such as vitamins and botanical antioxidants, can be delivered to the skin through moisturizers, including toners, and can provide additional benefits such as reducing signs of skin aging 5, 6.
  • A study on a facial lotion containing vitamins B3 and E and provitamin B5 found that it improved skin tone and texture, and was well tolerated in Indian women with facial signs of aging 6.

Professional Medical Disclaimer

This information is intended for healthcare professionals. Any medical decision-making should rely on clinical judgment and independently verified information. The content provided herein does not replace professional discretion and should be considered supplementary to established clinical guidelines. Healthcare providers should verify all information against primary literature and current practice standards before application in patient care. Dr.Oracle assumes no liability for clinical decisions based on this content.

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