I was not a toner fan; it was just one more step in my already busy skincare routine, says editor Trudi Brewer. But after I was schooled in the brightening benefits of this extra step in my skincare routine by a London-based celebrity facialist, I am now a convert.
Image katekerrlondon_facialist
Toner? I didn't think my skin needs it, and I thought it was a waste of time. But learning what it does and why your skin needs it from celebrity facialist and New Zealander Kate Kerr of London Skin Clinics, that old mantra: cleanse, tone, and moisturise makes sense. Here's why incorporating a toner into your daily skincare routine has loads of unexpected benefits; read on to learn Kerr's tips and the team's BeautyEQ team's top products.
Toner should follow cleansing, right?
If you're unsure when to use a toner, it should follow cleansing. In the morning, after cleansing and exfoliating the skin and before applying a serum. "This is so any actives from your serums and moisturiser can be better absorbed into the deeper layers of the skin," says Kerr. At night-time, apply your toner immediately after you cleanse your skin, then lock in the benefits by layering a moisturiser on top. Doing that in the evening will encourage gentle exfoliation, too."
MEDIK8 Press & Glow, $69
This exfoliating, acid-based toner gives the skin a noticeable glow within days. It works with all your active skincare, including vitamin A-infused serums and creams thanks to a PHA (a hydroxy or fruit acid), which removes that dull, dead skin build-up, while enzymes from prickly pear extract help with the natural exfoliation cycle of your skin. Finally, aloe vera and acai extract calm inflammation and any irritation hydrating the skin simultaneously. After a few weeks, your skin not only takes on a youthful glow, it feels smoother too - promise.
Toners encourage healthy skin, yes?
According to Kerr, a toner's prime job is to exfoliate the skin and naturally break down the oil within it. "While we all need some level of oil, too much can impede the efficacy of our skincare regime because products can't penetrate through it as effectively." She believes a toner can break down that oil, boost exfoliation and encourage a more radiant glow. "A toner mimics the effect of natural exfoliation and prevent issues like dullness and inflammation – both of which can be caused by a lack of skin cell turnover." For Kerr, a toner is one of the best products for maintaining a healthy skin barrier and rebalance pH levels.
Avène Gentle Toning Lotion, $35
If you have sensitive skin, this is the toner for you. Free from alcohol and nasties chemicals, it’s enriched with skin-soothing silicates minerals, with a base of Avène’s soothing thermal spring water, It removes every trace of makeup and reduces those potential flare-ups.
Toners help every other product you apply
Today's toners are not like those our grandmother used. "Toners tended to be extremely drying and quite unnecessary for most people. But they've recently transformed, making them a great tool for preparing the skin for more active ingredients within the rest of your regime." Kerr believes they are also an excellent treatment to target different skincare concerns. "If you have acne-prone skin, look for a toner that controls oil, while anyone with sensitive skin should look for formulas containing lactic acid."
Glow Recipe Watermelon Glow PHA+BHA Pore-Tight Toner, $55
If you have open pores and occasional breakouts, this exfoliating watermelon-infused toner is both exfoliating and hydrating. BHA (beta hydroxy acids) from willow bark and watermelon containing hydroxy fruit acids exfoliate. In contrast, the cactus water is electrolytes and antioxidants to the skin, and hyaluronic acid floods your complexion with moisture. Without nasties and mineral oil, it's also cruelty-free.
Used daily toners work wonders for your skin
"Consistency is key in any skincare regime, so if you start incorporating a toner, stick to it," says Kerr. "They'll gradually work to remove that dead skin cell build-up and open the channels in the skin for all your products to penetrate easier. Having said that, if you're using a drying toner (for oily or acne-prone skin), it's best to use it every other day and gradually increase your usage as your skin adjusts."
Shiseido Revitalizing Treatment Softener, $109
Much like an essence, a softener hydrates and helps combat those signs of fatigue; with magnesium and calcium-enriched Kirishima mineral spring water. At the same time, prepping the skin for a serum, which your skin will drink up more readily. Anyone with skin that looks dull and is dehydrated will adore this soothing skin boost.
Ingredients are key to finding your best toner fit
Acids such as lactic, salicylic or glycolic combined with anti-inflammatory ingredients help exfoliate the skin, ensuring dead cells (which often block pores) are removed, keeping your complexion clear of any build-up. "Toners can help protect against any inflammation from exfoliation – and glycolic acid is excellent if you're after a formula that targets those signs of ageing." If you have sensitive or dry skin, avoid alcohol-based toners and choose toners with ingredients such as glycerine, niacinamide (vitamin B3), and hyaluronic acid to hydrate and nourish the skin."
Sebamed Clear Face Facial Toner, $18
It's more about what's not in this toner that could irritate and inflame already sensitive skin that we respect. For exfoliating those open pores, lactic acid, fruit, and Virginiana bark and leaf extract buffs away the grime, while vitamin B5, panthenol, glycerin soften and soothe the skin. So while this toner is ideal for those with sensitive skin, those battling breakouts will love it also.
Toners help minimise pores
"It's important to emphasise 'minimise' here, says Kerr. "Any toner containing exfoliating ingredients will help tackle large pores, but nothing will physically shrink them. The only way to do that is to stimulate collagen production, which puts pressure around your pores to shrink their size." Instead, says Kerr, toners work to soften the pore; think of them as being shaped like a 'V', softening the thinner parts of that 'V' by way of exfoliation." She adds, "If open pores are your bugbear, always look for a toner with salicylic and glycolic acid to break down excess oil, and in turn, issues like open pores and blackheads."
Environ Focus Care Youth+ Concentrated Alpha Hydroxy Toner, $110
Those with oily congested skin can relax. This gentle exfoliating toner will help. The AHA (glycolic acid) in this formula helps remove the build-up of dead skin from your complexion. At the same time, it helps all the other active skincare penetrate faster and deeper into the skin. Use a small amount on a cotton wool swab twice daily. If you feel a slight tingling sensation, pre-dampen the cotton wool pad with cool water before use.
Toners take seconds to use
"Toners don't necessarily need to be applied with a cotton wool pad. Countless new formulas come as a spray to mist on the skin. Some even come as essences, designed to be splashed on the skin, requiring minimal faff, so ideal if you're someone who prefers a quick routine." Important to note the differences. Essences help increase moisture and deliver ingredients to the skin - a pre-moisturiser of sorts ideal for dry, dehydrated skin. While Kerr, a toner devotee, says, “Toner is all about exfoliation and breaking through the surface of your skin to deliver ingredients that are proven to have an impact and help conditions like rosacea, sensitivity and even dermatitis."
me today Women's Daily Mist Toner, $25
If you're busy but want to benefit from a toner, then invest in a skin mist. This 97 per cent natural formula takes seconds to apply, and it's packed with nine skin-loving nutrients. From ginkgo, grape seed and cranberry extracts, antioxidants CoQ10, and the alphabet of vitamins including A, B3, B5, C and E. After cleansing, close your eyes and mist the skin to instantly hydrate, boost the skin's clarity, and protect the precious skin barrier, which keeps nasties out and locks moisture in.