To Tone or not to Tone?
This is a question that everyone has an answer for, and it’s either a “yes I do” or it’s a “no thank you”. The no thank you is usually because people think it’s not necessary OR that it’s a beauty business scheme to persuade you to purchase more. Both these assumptions are false.
The idea that toners are a beauty industry lie is ridiculous, because the invention of the toner came many hundreds of years before the notion of “marketing ploys”. And it is very necessary for all skin types to use a toner.
When we wash our skin with water it can contain some elements that are not H2O and can disrupt the delicate PH balance of the skin. But a toner will neutralize those irritants and soothe the skin. It also helps to reduce oil (if that is an issue) and or add moisture. And all toners ready the skin for what most people do next which is moisturize.
The last reason why anyone would be opposed to a toner is they have had the wrong one for their skin type. Some toners are harsh and aggressive, because those toners are for acne prone or oily skin and they are chalk full of alcohol or a harsh AHA to clean and disinfect skin. On a dry or sensitive skin type these sorts of toners are disastrous and can cause great havoc on the skin, and can subsequently turn someone off a toner for life.
But if you get the right one it’s so worth it, and you’ll wonder what you’ve been doing all this time without one.
So for the different types of skin here are my favorites, or ones that I know my customers/ friends / coworkers have told me about.
Acne:
Neostrata Toning Solution
With 8% Glycolic Acid and an unfiltered, natural alcohol this toner is ideal for anyone with hormonal to complicated acne. The glycolic acid performs cell renewal that removes dead cells (skin). This works well with oily skin because this clears any debris under dead cells that would cause acne, and allow for great tone and texture to be revealed. This toner also comes highly recommended by dermatologists and pharmacists. However if you have very sensitive skin, then I would maybe skip this one because the glycolic acid may be a little too harsh for those skin types.
Combo/Combo Oily/ Combo Dry:
Kiehl’s Cucumber Herbal Alcohol-Free Toner
This one is fresh and has my two favorite ingredients, cucumber and witch hazel. This toner will not strip your skin, nor will it leave it oily. It is a perfect balance for all combo skin types. The witch hazel will gently disinfect skin, and the cucumber will soothe. It’s so basic and simple that one will not be surprised that the formula has been around for a while (the company has been making people pretty since 1851).
Use this product in the morning to freshen skin and in the evening to soothe it. You can even take a cotton pad with the toner on it and use it as an eye treatment. Just lie back with a pad on each eye and let the coolness of the liquid and the cucumber ease away puffiness.
Normal to Dry:
Clarins Extra Comfort Toning Lotion
With Sweet Almond and Marsh Mallow this toner is super moisturizing. It’s meant for a dry skin tone and is also good for sensitive skin. It is best used at night to replenish the moisture that the day had stripped away.
Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Toner
Had to add this one! It’s loaded with Apricot Kern Oil, Avocado Oil, and Squalane it’s soothing and super moisturizing. It has a milky texture and feels soothing when you apply it on.
As with my professional job as a skin care consultant I would love and encourage feedback if you try or have tried these toners, even if you didn’t like it. And also any questions are welcome.
