TONERS

Using a toner after cleansing has a variety of benefits for the skin. In addition to removing any dirt, debris, and excess oil that remain after washing, facial toners with hydroxy acids can help exfoliate the skin. This extra exfoliation removes the uppermost layer of dead skin cells to help promote the absorption of the skin care products that follow. Eliminating these dead, dull cells with a facial toner helps enhance the skin’s radiance, smooth surface texture, and promote healthy-looking complexion as well.

A facial toner, especially those with witch hazel or hydroxy acids, is especially useful for those with oily or acne-prone skin, as this extra step helps reduce the excess oil and dead skin cells that can clog pores and lead to breakouts.

Some facial toners can help maintain the skin’s pH balance, which is associated with optimal skin-barrier function. A primary role of the skin’s barrier is to help the skin retain moisture. In those with dry skin, a toner may help improve flaking and the appearance of dullness.

The best time to use a facial toner is immediately after cleansing. This post-cleansing step is also an opportunity to incorporate extra exfoliation (as long as your toner contains exfoliating ingredients), which can provide additional benefits for all skin types as well as specific skin concerns. And perhaps the most important reason to use a facial toner after cleansing is to prepare the skin to help optimize the absorption of serums, or moisturizers, and other targeted treatment products that follow.

All skin types require hydration whether using a toner or not. An additional benefit of using a moisturizers after facial toner is that the skin is better prepared to absorb its hydration as well as other ingredients you may be using for specific skin concerns such as acne, fine lines and wrinkles, and discoloration.

At SkinCeuticals, we believe a toner is an essential skin care step that helps maximize the results achieved with at-home products as well as professional office-based treatments and procedures. With benefits that include removing any debris left behind after cleansing, helping to balance the skin’s pH, or providing exfoliation, facial toners are beneficial for your skin.

The ideal toner for oily and acne-prone skin should contain lipo hydroxy acid or salicylic acid since these ingredients are able to help clear pores and exfoliate dull surface cells that can contribute to blemishes. Blemish + Age Toner is formulated with lipo hydroxy acid, salicylic acid, and glycolic acid to exfoliate dull surface cells that contribute to breakouts and visible signs of aging. Conditioning Toner also features salicylic and glycolic acids which help renew skin and minimize the appearance of pores.

Yes. Some toners contain humectants, which are ingredients that help bind moisture to the skin. Our Equalizing Toner is formulated to remove residue after cleansing and help balance the pH of dry, normal, and combination skin. In addition, this formula features botanically-based ingredients (including witch hazel, rosemary, aloe, and chamomile) to help soften and soothe skin.