The Second Step: 5 Reasons You Shouldn’t Skip Using Toner

Basic skincare usually includes cleansing and moisturizing. Toning, which is considered the second step, is commonly skipped as most people deem it unnecessary with no additional skin benefits. Others, meanwhile, are clueless about what it can do or just don’t know how to choose the best formula for their skin. 

If you haven’t included toner in your daily routine, you could be missing out on some of its skincare benefits. Continue reading as we explore what toners do and why you should think twice about skipping this step.

So, what exactly is toning or toner?

Before, toners were specifically used to get rid of excess oil/sebum and were ideal for those with acne-prone skin. Many also avoid such products due to their high concentration of alcohol and drying effect on the skin. Today’s formulas, however, are different. They can still remove oil and dirt, but can also nourish and replenish the skin.

Basically, toning is used to remove leftover dirt and debris your cleanser might have left behind. It can also tighten your pores and balance your skin’s pH after cleansing. Most formulas today also have the added benefit of helping skincare products penetrate deeper into the skin, which therefore improves their efficacy.  

Why you shouldn’t skip toner

It is mostly because of what toners can do. Apart from going the extra mile in cleansing your skin and pores, it can also pave the way to achieving clear and healthy skin. Below are the reasons you should include toner in your daily skincare routine. 

1. It restores your skin’s pH balance – The skin’s normal pH is slightly acidic. Certain products like soap and cosmetics, along with pollution and aggressive scrubbing, can throw off its pH balance and damage the skin. Toners can help rebalance it and prepare the skin for moisturizing or the application of other products.
2. It calms the skin – Many toners today contain soothing and nourishing ingredients that can be beneficial for those with facial redness or irritated skin. Just make sure to find a formula that is right for your skin type or those with skin-calming ingredients such as chamomile, niacinamide, and aloe. 
3. It primes or preps the skin – Toning completes the cleansing process to make it ready for the next steps.  It can be used as a primer (applied before your moisturizer), as it can improve the skin’s surface by controlling oil and minimizing the look of pores. And as toners bring back the skin to its natural acidic state, other skin care products will sink in more easily and work efficiently.
4. It moisturizes the skin – If you’re dealing with dry skin, toners with humectants like hyaluronic acid can help. This retains moisture while also deeply hydrating your dry skin. It offers additional hydration benefits without leaving the skin greasy or sticky.
5. It can help with stubborn skin issues – Specially formulated toners contain ingredients that can help improve or target several concerns. You can easily find products specifically made for those with acne, enlarged pores, dry skin, and signs of aging. Some formulas can also minimize redness and flaking, as well as protect the skin from damage by free radicals. 

If you have oily or problematic skin

Every skin type can benefit from using toner. It is, of course, important to find a formula that is right for your skin type. If you, for instance, have oily or problematic skin, we recommend Dr. Sylvia’s Refreshing Toner with Herbal Astringents. It has pore-reducing benefits and reduces oil and dirt buildup.

Our Refreshing Toner is also professionally formulated with a blend of astringent Herbal Extracts, along with the well-known Witch-Hazel Extract. This makes the formula ideal and effective for most skin types, especially oily and problematic skin. It can also balance the skin’s pH levels, as well as tighten and protect the skin. 

Level up your skincare routine with the right toner. To check out our medical-grade skincare products, visit drsylviaskincare.com and find the right one for you. You can also browse through our blog for more skincare tips or contact our clinic to learn more about our non-surgical treatments or book a consultation with our aesthetic doctor.