Facial Toners: How To Use Them And What Are They For?

Facial toner is one of the products that cannot be left out of your routine to keep your skin healthy, hydrated, and looking nice. Skin care is very important and although over time many people are more aware of it, there are still some points in facial cleansing and care routines that go unnoticed.

The steps and products you should use to cleanse your face vary depending on your skin type, age, and needs. However, some are essential for everyone, such as cleansing soap or foam and facial toners. The latter product is often skipped in the routine because its function is not as obvious as that of cleansing products and perhaps not as much is known about its benefits.

According to dermatologist Alicia Illescas, the main function of a facial toner is to balance the skin’s pH. It also closes pores, refreshes the skin, removes makeup remover residue, and prepares the face for any necessary care.

Regarding how often it should be used, Alejandra Samayoa, founder of Look & Beauty Handmade, explains that it is recommended to do so every day after washing your face.

How to choose a toner that suits your skin type?

“First we must learn to recognize what type of skin we have and choose a toner based on that,” explains Samayoa, who shares the following tips:

If you have sensitive skin, it is recommended that you use a toner that contains calendula, lavender, or aloe vera, because these ingredients help to calm and relax the skin.

If you have dry skin, it is best to choose a toner that contains moisturizing active ingredients such as keratin, hyaluronic acid, and glycerin, among others. This will help retain moisture in the skin and keep it hydrated.

Finally, if you have oily skin, your best bet is toners that have astringents and purifiers like melaleuca (tea tree) essential oil, lemon extract, and others. This will help regulate oil in the skin and prevent acne-causing bacteria.

Applying a facial toner is the second step in a facial care routine. It is done after cleansing and before moisturizing. (Photo Prensa Libre: Shutterstock)

Samayoa also explains that in addition to being suitable for your skin type, you should avoid those that contain alcohol among their ingredients because they dry out the skin.

How to apply it?

Use a cotton pad and apply the product to your face using gentle tapping or circular motions.
For toners that come in a spray format, apply it as a “mist.”