From the Guidelines
Skin toner can be a beneficial addition to a skincare routine, particularly for individuals with specific skin concerns such as acne, large pores, or imbalanced skin pH. The benefits of skin toner are largely dependent on the individual's skin type and needs, as well as the specific ingredients and formulation of the toner itself. Toners can help to balance the skin's pH, which can become disrupted after cleansing, and prepare the skin for further products. Additionally, toners can contain ingredients such as witch hazel, tea tree oil, or salicylic acid, which have antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties that can help to reduce acne, minimize pores, and soothe irritated skin 1. For example, 2% salicylic acid ointment may be used for its combined emollient and mild keratolytic effects, either alone or as pretreatment for topical treatments. However, it is essential to choose a toner that is suitable for one's skin type, as some toners can be harsh and strip the skin of its natural oils, leading to dryness and irritation.
Some key points to consider when selecting a skin toner include:
- Avoiding toners with high concentrations of alcohol or other harsh ingredients
- Looking for toners with soothing and calming ingredients, such as aloe vera or green tea
- Choosing a toner that is formulated for your specific skin type, whether it be dry, oily, or combination skin
- Being mindful of the potential for toners to interact with other skincare products, such as moisturizers or serums.
It is also important to note that while skin toner can be beneficial, it is not a necessary step in a skincare routine, and its benefits can often be achieved through other means, such as using a gentle cleanser or a moisturizer that is formulated to balance the skin's pH. Ultimately, whether or not skin toner is useful depends on individual skin types and needs, as well as the specific ingredients and formulation of the toner itself.
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.
- A study found that a guava toner significantly reduced oiliness of the forehead and nose, making it a potential treatment for oily skin 3.
- Another study found that the combination of cream and toner led to greater hydration change rate compared to using cream or toner alone, especially for normal skin 4.
Comparison with Other Skin Care Products
- The use of a skin care routine that includes a toner, cleanser, eye cream, serum, and day and night cream was found to outperform a simple routine that only includes a cleanser and day cream in terms of improving skin hydration and reducing signs of aging 2.
- A review of delivery systems for skincare formulations found that toners can be used as a carrier for cosmetic ingredients, offering advantages such as transport and protection of sensitive active compounds, and controlled and targeted release of active ingredients 5.