Do You Really Need A Toner In Your Skincare Routine?

 

Toner may be the most divisive product in the realm of skincare!

Ardent fans of toner swear by the product due to its pH balancing effect and myriad of skincare benefits. On the other side of the fence, skincare minimalists argue that toner is non-essential and some may go as far as to denounce the product’s bad reputation of being harsh and drying. With everyone holding differing viewpoints, it can be confusing as to whether or not toner should be a staple in our skincare routines. In this article, we examine the various sides of the story and get to the bottom of whether it is a skincare necessity.

 

What Is A Toner?

Traditionally, toners are lightweight water-like solution used to restore the skin’s pH balance. The skin is naturally slightly acidic with a pH of around 5.7. However, as most soaps and cleanser tend to be alkaline, many people apply a soothing toner immediately after cleansing the face to minimize disruptions to the skin’s natural pH.

Today, most toners not only serve to balance the skin’s pH, they are formulated with beneficial skincare ingredients as well. Toners play a part in double cleansing the complexion, ridding it of leftover soap, makeup residue, oil and grime. They are fast-acting solutions that deliver an instant hydration boost and prime the skin to effectively absorb ingredients in subsequent skincare steps. Some toners even contain AHAs and BHAs that slough off dead skin cells for supple, glowing skin.

 

Should I Incorporate A Toner Into My Skincare Routine?

A toner can be beneficial, but is not essential.

Choosing to use a toner in your daily skincare is wholly up to you. Unlike a cleanser or a moisturizer, a toner is not a necessity. “Originally toners were used to pH balance the skin after using a cleanser. Since you can easily get pH-balanced cleansers these days, toners are no longer necessary in a skincare regimen,” explains Dr Ted Lain, board-certified Dermatologist and Chief Medical Officer at Sanova Dermatology,

That being said, toners can be a helpful tool on your skincare journey as modern innovations have given rise to toners that help to remove makeup residue, boost skincare barrier and feature many beneficial skincare properties depending on the ingredients that they are formulated with. Soothing toners developed with Aloe Vera or Rosewater can reduce irritation and signs of inflammation. Exfoliating toners with Lactic Acid or Glycolic Acid can help to remove dead skin cells which can in turn minimize the likelihood of clogged pores.

“Toners are not necessary for everyone, but they can offer additional benefits if you have a specific skin concern to target,” says Dr Nikoleta Brankov, board-certified Dermatologist and Host of Millennial Doc podcast. “The key here is to know which ingredients to look for and which ingredients to avoid and to find a toner that best suit your skin type.”

 

I’m On Team Toner! Which Product Is Right For Me?

If you have oily skin, a mattifying toner that contains Salicylic Acid or Glycolic Acid can help to gently exfoliate the skin and prevent pore congestion. Opting for non-comedogenic products goes a long way in managing acne-prone skin as well. Look out for toners formulated with Niacinamide as not only does it help to regulate oil production, it improves the appearance of enlarged pores as well. 

If you have sensitive skin, soothing toners with compounds such as Chamomile can calm irritated skin giving it a chance to heal. If you have dry skin, select toners with moisturizing ingredients such as Glycerin or Hyaluronic Acid to lock in moisture and keep your complexion hydrated and looking fresh all day.

 

I’m Not Keen On A Toner. What Should I Look Out For?

Should you decide to skip using a toner, ensure that the cleanser you use is close to the skin’s natural pH. A cleanser such as the LumiPure Anti-Blemish Cleanser is gentle, effectively removes impurities without disrupting the complexion’s pH balance.

You may wish to check the ingredient list of the products in your current skincare routine. For example, if they already have ingredients that exfoliate or hydrate the skin, then you do not need an additional toner that promises the same results.

Lastly, the ‘less is more’ approach to skincare is a golden rule for acne battlers. Instead of piling on layers of skincare products that may end up clogging the pores and triggering another breakout episode, thoughtfully selecting versatile products that multitask will be your best bet! For instance, our LumiShield Anti-Bacterial Facial Mist is not only an on-the-go facial mist that kills bacteria, the lightweight solution can also double up as a toner after you have cleansed your skin during the day and night.

 

There is no right or wrong answer when it comes to your decision on whether or not to include a toner in your skincare routine. A toner can give your quest to clear skin an added boost but it is not a necessity. Pay attention to what your skin needs in order to decide what is best for it!

 

Have a question on Lumipeau skincare or anything related to acne? Reach out to The Lumipeau Concierge via email at concierge@lumipeau.com or Whatsapp at 6338 8183 and the team will be glad to assist!

 

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