When people don’t use toner as part of their daily skin care routine, it’s usually because they’re not clear about its purpose. They see it as an unnecessary step in an otherwise well-rounded routine. They wonder, Is using toner really worth it? And, How much can a toner really do for my skin?
As an esthetician and product developer with over 30 years of experience, I’m here to tell you that toners are extremely important and can benefit your skin in many ways—five ways to be exact. In this post, I’ll discuss the game-changing benefits of toner that will convince you to introduce one into your skincare routine if you haven’t already.
5 important advantages of graphite
1. Toners can give your skin a drink, offering instant hydration
I always say that skin cells are like fish in that they need water to survive. An easy way to hydrate your skin is by using a toner. Here’s how I recommend using one: cleanse your skin, apply toner, let the liquid sit on your skin, then immediately move on to your next product. Doing so will provide an instant hydration boost to thirsty skin cells.
Leaving the toner wet on your skin before applying your next product is key. I call this the golden minute rule. It’s the easiest way to get firm, hydrated skin and avoid unnecessary moisture loss.
Just make sure you use one alcohol-free toner because, in general, toners containing alcohol are extremely drying to the skin. (Every Renée Rouleau toner is alcohol-free and there’s one for everyone Skin type. If you don’t know your skin type, you can get it Skin type quiz to learn. At the end of it, you’ll get personalized product recommendations.)
Reading Drinking water won’t hydrate your skin, but these three things will.
2. Toners can remove chlorine and minerals found in tap water
Chlorine, salts and minerals go into tap water to make it safe to drink and bathe in, but they can be very harsh on the surface layers of the skin. You know all that fuzzy white stuff you have to clean off your shower doors? This is what is left behind on your skin after cleansing. Using a toner is like a rinse cycle for your skin after using a cleanser.
Reading more about tap water and how it can affect your skin.
3. Toners can balance your skin’s pH
If you use soap or a foaming face wash that is too strong, it can dry out your skin due to the high pH. One of the many benefits of toner is that it can help counteract the dryness that occurs. However, I never recommend washing your face with a cleanser that leaves your skin tight and dry. You should only use a gentle, low-foam, sulfate-free cleanser.
Reading the importance of your skin’s pH level;
4. Toners often contain active ingredients that enhance your skin care routine
Toners often contain active ingredients that help calm skin, control oil production, provide antioxidant benefits, help fight spasms, and more. It is also believed that moist skin is actually 10 times more permeable than dry skin. This means that by leaving your skin moist after applying toner and applying the next product right after, you allow the active ingredients to penetrate deeper into your skin. This can, in turn, improve the results of your skin care routine.
Reading If you want to improve your skin, use these 20 active ingredients.
5. Toners can support your moisture barrier
By providing your skin with the necessary hydration and nutrients, you support its moisture barrier. This is the outermost layer of skin that provides protection to help retain water and protect against external irritants such as bacteria and environmental debris. Think of it as your skin’s personal bodyguard. It keeps the good in and evil outside. It is made up of lipids (oils) that bind your skin cells together and when intact, is responsible for keeping your skin soft, calm and healthy looking.
Reading more about the moisture barrier and what to do if it is damaged.
The bottom line
Incorporating toner into your skincare routine is an easy way to give your skin a boost. I recommend everyone to use one, regardless of their skin concerns and goals. Like I said before, every Renée Rouleau toner is alcohol-free and there’s one for every skin type! I know from experience how beneficial they can be, so I use toner every day.
Next, find out whether or not you should avoid alcohol in all skin care products.
Celebrity Esthetician & Skin Care Specialist
As an esthetician trained in cosmetic chemistry, Renée Rouleau has spent 30 years researching skin, educating her audience and building an award-winning line of products. Her hands-on experience as an esthetician and trusted skin care expert has created a real solution — products designed to nine different skin types so your face will have exactly what it needs to look and feel its best. Trusted by celebrities, editors, bloggers, and skincare enthusiasts around the world, her vast real-world knowledge and constant research is why Marie Claire calls her “the most passionate skin professional we know.”
