The Most Overlooked Step in Your Skincare Routine: Toning and Why It Matters
If there’s one step in the skincare routine that often gets overlooked, it's toning. We’ve all been guilty of skipping this step at some point, especially when we're in a rush or trying to cut down on the number of products we use. But is toning really necessary? What exactly does it do, and why should we make room for it in our routine? Today, let’s discuss why toners deserve a bit more love in your skincare regimen!
What Does a Toner Actually Do?
Toners are often misunderstood. Some people think they’re just glorified water or assume their only job is to remove any leftover dirt after cleansing. But toners have evolved! While old-school toners were mainly alcohol-based and stripped the skin of moisture, modern toners do so much more.
At its core, a toner helps to rebalance the skin’s pH level after cleansing, which can often leave your skin more alkaline. When your skin is in its ideal pH range (slightly acidic, around 5.5), it’s better equipped to defend itself against environmental aggressors and absorb the products you apply afterward. Plus, toners prep your skin for the rest of your routine, allowing serums and moisturizers to penetrate more effectively.
Try: Hello Glow Get Bright Pore Toner with Kojic Acid and PHA for exfoliation and Happy Skin Ceramide Boost Moisture Ampoule Toner with ceramides for moisture and balance
Hydrating vs. Exfoliating Toners
There are two main types of toners that you’ll come across: hydrating toners and exfoliating toners. Both serve different purposes, and depending on your skin type, you might want to use one over the other (or even both!).
Hydrating Toners: These are your moisture-boosters. They typically contain ingredients like glycerin, hyaluronic acid, or aloe vera, which help to draw water into the skin and keep it plump and refreshed. Hydrating toners are especially great if you have dry or sensitive skin and don’t want to overwhelm your face with heavy creams. They also give that lovely, dewy glow that many of us are after.
Exfoliating Toners: On the flip side, exfoliating toners help to gently remove dead skin cells using ingredients like alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) or beta hydroxy acids (BHAs). These toners are perfect for those dealing with clogged pores, acne, or dullness. They encourage cell turnover, giving you smoother, brighter skin over time. However, since they’re more active, you want to be cautious about using them too often, especially if you have sensitive skin.
Try: Ole Henriksen Glow 2OH Dark Spot Toner for exfoliation (this is my absolute number one favorite toner) and the Kanebo Skin Harmonizer to balance skin oiliness and hydration
Who Needs a Toner?
Honestly, almost everyone can benefit from using a toner, but it’s all about finding the right one for your skin’s needs. If you have oily or acne-prone skin, an exfoliating toner can help keep breakouts at bay and minimize shine. For those with dry, flaky skin, a hydrating toner will quench your skin’s thirst without clogging pores.
If your skincare routine is already packed with actives like retinol or vitamin C, you might want to stick with a soothing or hydrating toner to balance things out. On the other hand, if you’re keeping it simple with just a cleanser and moisturizer, an exfoliating toner can add an extra boost without overwhelming your skin.
How to Incorporate Toner Into Your Routine
Using a toner is super simple and can be done in just a few seconds. Right after cleansing, pour a few drops of toner into your palms or onto a cotton pad, and gently press or swipe it over your face and neck. Some people even like to layer their toners multiple times (a method called "7-skin" in K-beauty) to build up hydration.
If you’re using an exfoliating toner, it’s usually best to stick to once a day or even every other day, depending on how your skin reacts. Hydrating toners, on the other hand, can be used morning and night for an extra dose of moisture.
Do You Really Need a Toner?
While it’s true that toners aren’t as "essential" as, say, sunscreen or moisturizer, they can really enhance your skincare routine and give you noticeable benefits over time. If your skin feels tight after cleansing, or if you struggle with uneven texture or dullness, adding a toner could be the missing step that brings everything together.
In the end, skincare is all about what works best for you. If you feel like your routine is missing something but you're not quite ready to add another heavy product, a toner might be the lightweight, multi-tasking hero you need.
So, next time you're thinking about skipping your toner, give it a second thought—it just might be the step that makes all the difference for your skin!
What’s your favorite toner, and how has it changed your skincare game? Let’s chat in the comments!
