Toners are often used as a second cleanser in your regular skincare routine, but they’re more than just that. Aside from cleansing the skin, some toners can moisturize, adjust your skin’s pH balance, exfoliate, and nourish the skin — and sometimes all at the same time! Does that mean you should get the most “all-in-one” toner right away? As it turns out, that’s not always the case.
Different skin types have different sets of problems that make it impossible to have a toner that suits all scenarios. For example, an ideal toner for oily skin will just make things worse for people with dry skin. If you’re having trouble finding the right skin toner for you, check out the following tips.
1. Avoid the Price Trap
Not all toners are made equal, and the same can be said for their prices. Here’s the catch: the best toner for you isn’t necessarily the most expensive one. Instead of looking for each product’s price tag, it’s better to start your search by evaluating what your skin type is. Otherwise, you might just end up paying too much for poor results later.
2. Know Which Ingredients to Watch Out For
Finding the right toner for your skin depends on what your skin needs and what you should avoid. Do you have sensitive skin that’s prone to irritations? Avoid toners with harsh exfoliants or alcohol and look for something with anti-inflammatory ingredients such as aloe vera. People with balanced skin types have more options compared to others so this shouldn’t be an issue unless you’re allergic to certain active ingredients.
3. Listen to the Right People
Even if you narrow down your list of options to those that have the right ingredients, you’re still likely to end up with a handful of brands to choose from. You might be tempted to choose depending on which brand is the most popular, but you should understand that popular doesn’t always mean right. Visit online forums and look for people that have a similar skin type as yours – it’s the closest thing you can get to trying out the product without using it on yourself. Speaking of which…
4. Try It Out!
You narrowed down your choices and finally picked one based on recommendations from people that have the most similar skin type as yours. Before you start using the toner regularly, test it on a small area on your skin. See if there are any signs of mild irritations or other reactions after a few minutes. Some toners, especially those with alcohol can make you feel a stinging sensation if your skin is sensitive. It’s better to be safe than sorry!
5. Think of How You Will Apply It
Toners come in different forms. Some toners are available as creams, lotions, gels, and even mists. This is mostly a matter of personal preference, but you also should consider when or where you usually apply the toner. Need something on the go? Lotions and mists are easy to apply and clear up fast. Looking for something to use exclusively at home? Creams and gels are excellent for this situation.
6. Switch If Necessary
Sometimes, a toner will just not do its job. Different factors such as weather changes and even your skin’s condition can affect how well a toner works. Suddenly had an acne breakout? You might want to switch to something more appropriate for acne-prone skin. Feeling a bit dry because of the weather? Switch to something with moisturizing ingredients. You should make sure you’re always using the right toner for the situation.
Picking the right toner is just part of keeping your skin perfectly healthy. No matter what kind of toner you’re using, you’re bound to get better results if you complement it with cleansers and moisturizers for the complete skin care treatment.
I can’t agree more with you that all Toners are not created equally. The older I become, the more I focus on good skin care products. Thank you for these tips and pointers.