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 irritated skin. Toners can help balance the skin's pH, remove remaining impurities, and provide antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory benefits through ingredients like salicylic acid, which has been shown to have keratolytic effects and provide a small additional benefit in treating actinic keratoses 1. Additionally, toners can offer hydration, brightening, or exfoliating benefits depending on their formulation. However, it is essential to choose a toner that is suitable for one's skin type and concerns, as some toners can be drying or irritating due to high concentrations of alcohol or other astringent ingredients.
- Key benefits of skin toner include:
- Balancing the skin's pH
- Removing remaining impurities
- Providing antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory benefits
- Offering hydration, brightening, or exfoliating benefits
- When selecting a skin toner, consider the following:
- Look for ingredients like salicylic acid, which has been shown to be effective in treating acne and actinic keratoses 1
- Avoid toners with high concentrations of alcohol or other astringent ingredients that can strip the skin of its natural oils
- Choose a toner that is suitable for your skin type and concerns, such as a gentle, fragrance-free toner for sensitive 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.
- A study found that a guava toner significantly reduced oiliness of the forehead and nose, making it a potential solution for oily skin 3.
- Skin toner can also be used to complement other moisturizers, such as cream, to achieve favorable moisturization, especially for dry skin 4.
Comparison with Other Skin Care Products
- When compared to a simple skin care routine, a comprehensive routine that includes a toner can lead to better skin outcomes, such as improved skin brightness and reduced nasolabial wrinkles 2.
- The application of cream only can be an effective and brief way to achieve favorable moisturization, especially for dry skin, but repeated application of toner can be a useful complement 4.
Considerations for Skin Toner Use
- The choice of skin care products, including toners, should be based on an accurate assessment of the skin and concomitant health conditions, as well as a clearly defined outcome 5.
- Skin toner can be formulated with various ingredients, such as guava extract, which can have anti-sebum efficacy and other beneficial properties 3.
- Delivery systems, such as emulsions and lipid nanoparticles, can be used to enhance the effectiveness of skin toners and other skincare products 6.