Have you ever felt toner is an additional part of the skincare routine? But the fact is they provide a unique role in your regimen. The toners were initially harsh and alcohol-based. But now, they are designed in a way which transforms your skincare routine. They help in balancing skin’s PH, hydrates skin, works on active acne, and even exfoliates skin minimally. 

This guide helps in making you know what toner is and how they can create an impact in your skincare routine. Also you will get to know the routine for healthy and radiant skin.

When Exactly Should You Use Toner in Your Routine?

Toner is generally the second step in skincare routine, which is post-cleansing your skin. You can also use it in between the day, to get an instant dose of freshness and refreshment. They will be mostly preferred before any kind of treatment products like serums, moisturizers, and spot creams.

Toner helps in ways like:

1. Removes residues if any post-cleansing

2. Helps in balancing skin’s natural PH level

3. Make the products like serums or moisturizers absorb better, when the skin is damp.

Morning Routine Application

1. Start with a gentle cleanser based on your skin type.

2. Use toner mist based on your skin needs or concerns

3. You can use any treatment products like serums or spot creams.

4. Hydrate your skin with the right moisturizer

5. Finish your routine with a good SPF.

Evening Routine Application

1. Double cleanse your skin - oil cleanser/micellar water followed by face wash.

2. Spray toner and gently pat them all over your face

3. Use serums like Hyaluronic Acid Serum or Vitamin C serum, based on your skin concerns.Follow with the moisturizer or night cream.

Tips while using Exfoliating Toners

If you are using an exfoliating toners, make sure you follow these guidelines:

• Start with two times in a week, and increase gradually based intolerance.

• Can be preferably used in PM routine

• Ensure to never miss your SPF/Sunscreen the next day.

Ways to Use Toner

Proper application technique significantly impacts how effectively your toner works. The method varies slightly depending on your toner's formulation and your personal preferences.

• If it’s a mist, you can directly spritz in your face

• You can also use cotton pads, swipe all over your face and neck

• One more method includes, you can take them into your palms and press them  into your skin.

Some tips and tricks for getting maximum benefits includes:

• Applying toner on damp skin enhances the level of hydration.

• If you have extremely dry skin, go with layering toners in thin layers.

• If you have combinational skin, you can play with toners.

• Make sure to swap toners based on seasonal changes or weather changes.

Choosing the Right Toner for Your Skin Type

Not all toners work for all skin types. Selecting a formula targeted to your specific concerns ensures optimal results and prevents potential issues.

DRY SKIN:

1. Go with hydrating ingredients like Ceramides, Rose water, etc.

2. Intensely hydrates and keeps skin barrier healthy.

3. Applying multiple layers of hydrating toner gives glowing and plump skin.

OILY SKIN

1. Going with ingredients like Salicylic Acid, Niacinamide works.

2. Controls excess oil secretion and prevents acne!

3. Apply focussing on T-Zone areas.

4. Using exfoliating toner twice or thrice in a week does wonders to your skin.

COMBINATIONAL SKIN

1. Choosing ingredients which are hydrating and mildly exfoliating works wonders.

2. Mix-and-Match the toner for balancing the skin.

SENSITIVE SKIN

1. Choosing ingredients like Centella asiatica, chamomile,etc helps.

2. Never go with toners filled with alcohol and fragrance.

3. Helps in reducing skin redness.

4. Calms skin barrier.

5. Patch test before incorporating in full-face.

Dont’s While Using Toners:

Even with the right product and timing, improper use can diminish toner benefits or cause skin issues.

• Using too much exfoliating toner might damage your skin barrier.

• Applying toner post serums or moisturizers is not effective.

• Wait until the product is absorbed before using the next product. Keeping skin damp is different from keeping skin wet.

• Choose toner based on your skin type, to avoid problems like skin dryness

• Gently apply with a cotton pad, and don't stress your skin much.

• Never use expired products on your face.

• Keep the product closed and not under direct lights.

Conclusion: 

Incorporating toner in the right way can help in elevating your skin to a different level. Using them in-between your routine gives you a dose of refreshment and freshness. Also, when you apply them using cotton pads, you will also remove the left-over residues in the skin. No matter if your skin is dry, oily, sensitive, or combination, choosing the right toner can help in making your skin glowing and refreshed throughout the day.

FAQs: When to Use Toner on Face

What is the difference between hydrating toner and exfoliating toner?
Hydrating toners are generally water-based with ingredients like hyaluronic acid, glycerin, etc; While exfoliating toners contain mild acids like glycolic acid, lactic acid, etc.

Can I skip toner if I already use serum with similar ingredients?
Yes, you can skip; But using toner before serum helps in preparing your skin better or proper absorption.

Is it safe to use toner every day for sensitive skin?

Yes, if your toner is hydrating and does not cause any irritation.

Should I apply toner before or after face mask treatments?
Applying before face masks helps in preparing your skin; You can even use post mask especially if the masks are drying.

What type of toner is best during hot or humid weather?

Light-weight and refreshing toners are perfect for hot and humid weather. Go with aloe vera based toner, rose water toners, etc.

Can toner replace a moisturiser?
No, toner does not replace moisturizer. They prepare your skin for locking your skin hydration.

Are there toners that help reduce dark spots or hyperpigmentation?

Yes, you can use toners which have brightening ingredients like vitamin c, niacinamide, etc.

How do I patch test a toner to check if it suits my skin?

Take the required amount in a cotton ball, and apply it on the jawline. Let them sit in your skin for 24hrs. If no irritation occurs, then you can use it further.

Can men use toner differently than women or does gender matter?
No, they work the same of all skin types irrespective of gender.

How long should I wait between toner and applying sunscreen or makeup?

Wait for a couple of minutes until the product gets absorbed before using toner.