What are toners

Toner – it seems people either love it or hate it.

I understand why many were hesitant in the past. The traditional beauty motto of "cleanse, tone, moisturize" is no longer as relevant today.

When I say toner, I don't mean an alcoholic mixture of water and witch hazel. Those days are over. Personally, I don't want anything that stings when I apply it; a slight tingling sensation is fine, though.

Think of toning as the second phase of your routine after cleansing. Cleansing should really clean your face – that's the whole point of cleansing!

Traditionally, toning was used in two ways: either with products containing alcohol to "tone" the skin - that is, to dry out the epidermis and give the impression that the pores are tightening - or with a mixture of water and glycerin to remove the last traces of makeup. Fortunately, cleansing has evolved to the point that these old applications are no longer necessary.

### Myths about toner

**Toner removes the last traces of makeup and cleanser:**
If your cleanser is not removing all makeup residue, you need a new cleanser, not a toner.

**Toners close the pores:**
Pores are not doors - they don't open and close. A toner that contains alcohol may tighten the skin around the pores in the short term, but this is not sustainable and will ultimately dry out your skin, causing it to overcompensate and become oilier.

Once you leave these old myths behind, you can see toner in a new light.

Think of a toner like the sauce on your sandwich: yes, you can make a sandwich with just bread and ham/cheese, but how much better does it taste with butter or mayo? It ties everything together and makes it easier to enjoy.

### Functions of toners

1. **Balancing:** After cleansing, the pH level of the skin can be disturbed. A good toner helps to gently restore balance.

2. **Exfoliate:** Toners with gentle acids are an effective way to exfoliate the skin without using abrasive particles.

3. **Hydrate:** Dehydration is the most common skin problem. A good toner can act as a humectant, attracting moisture from the air and holding it in the upper layers of the skin.

4. **Penetration:** A good toner improves the absorption of subsequent products, meaning you need fewer serums and creams.

### Application

I usually use two toners: first an exfoliating toner that I apply to cotton wool or pads, followed by a primarily hydrating toner before applying my serum or oil.

Remember to think of toners as the first step in the moisturizing process - not the last step of cleansing. Give them a chance and you will feel and see the change in your skin. Test it yourself by using toner on just one side of your face - after a few weeks you will feel the difference!