Considered as optional skincare products, toners don’t receive the same attention as face cleansers and moisturizers. While many skip them, others swear by their benefits, especially in refreshing, hydrating and smoothing the skin, as well as readying it for other skin care formulations. 

Face toners, including what their purpose and who they are suitable for, can be a little confusing because of the misconceptions around them. Read on as we discuss what toners can actually do for your face and debunk the biggest myths about these skincare formulas. 

1. Toners are only for oily skin and can dry up the skin.

In the past, toners used to contain high levels of alcohol to get rid of excess oil and residual impurities that cleansers have left behind. Today’s toners, however, are nothing like in the past; they provide other skin care benefits such as hydration, brightening, toning, and supporting the skin’s natural pH.

Modern face toners gently refresh the skin and remove impurities left by the cleansers. The right formulas, especially those without drying alcohols, can be soothing and will not strip the skin of its natural moisture. Other benefits of toners include: 

• Soothe/calm the skin 
• Prep the skin for the next steps
• Help hydrate the skin 
• Improve/ target certain skin concerns (specially formulated toners) 

2. Face cleansers can replace what toners do.

Cleansers and toners have different purposes and cannot replace one another. The latter can take off excess oil, as well as traces of dirt and impurities left behind by your cleanser. They complete the cleansing process and get the skin ready for the next steps or other products you’ll be applying.

Toners, furthermore, help restore the skin’s pH balance and bring it back to its natural acidic state. This then allows skincare products to sink in more easily and work efficiently. You can elevate your skincare routine by using a face toner after cleansing. Just make sure to choose a product that suits your skin type. 

For further reading: 5 Reasons Why You Need to Use a Toner After Cleansing

3. Toners can shrink/close pores.

It is a myth that pores open and close. Your pores cannot change in size, but they can be clogged with dirt, oil and dead skin cells that can make them look larger or more noticeable. Toners, especially acid-based ones, can help clean and clear out pores, which can make them look smaller or refined. 

Using a toner, furthermore, adds extra vitamins and nourishment to your skin. Dr. Sylvia’s Purifying Toner is a gentle formula with hazel water and white willow bark extracts. It effectively exfoliates dead skin cells while balancing oil production. It removes dirt and makeup residue, leaving the skin refined and smooth.

4. There is a correct way to apply toner.

The truth is there are many ways to apply a toner. The most common way is using a cotton pad or round with the formula and gently sweeping it over your face and neck. Some products can also be applied using your fingertips, while others come in spray form, which enables easy and convenient application.

Your preference and your goal can also play a part on how you want to use the product. If you, for instance, have acne- or blemish-prone skin and want to avoid touching your face, you can use a cotton pad. You should also check the product’s directions for correct usage.  

5. Those with sensitive skin can’t use toners.

All skin types, including sensitive skin ones, can benefit from using a face toner. This is especially true for formulas with soothing and nourishing ingredients or those that are specifically formulated to calm irritation and inflammation. Just make sure to choose an alcohol-free toner or product with ingredients specially formulated for sensitive skin.

You may also want to avoid several ingredients to reduce potentially irritated skin. 

• Alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs)
• Synthetic fragrances
• Essential oils

For further reading: 5 Misconceptions About Sensitive Skin

You always have the final say in what you want to include in your skincare regimen. If you think you can benefit from using a toner, be sure to choose a formula that is right for your skin type. You can also browse through our blog for more skincare tips or contact Cutis Medical Laser Clinics in Singapore to schedule a consultation with our aesthetic doctor.