If you're looking to enhance your basic skin care routine, it might be time to consider adding a toner to your daily lineup. Toners can offer a wide range of skin benefits, from calming redness to reducing the appearance of pores. Keep scrolling to understand how to use toner, when to use toner based on your skin type, and recommendations for choosing a formula that helps transform your skin.
The Key Benefits of Toner
Toners are liquid-based solutions, typically with watery or milky consistencies. Depending on the formula, these products can restore the skin's pH balance, hydrate and soothe skin, and facilitate absorption of subsequent products, helping your serums, moisturizers, or other targeted treatments work more effectively.
How to Use Toner in Your Routine
Introducing new products into your routine can leave you wondering where they fit in. Use this step-by-step guide on how to use toner to apply with confidence.
Cleanse
Start with a gentle facial cleanser suitable for your skin type to remove makeup, dirt, and oil. PCA SKIN Facial Wash cleanses, hydrates, and smooths balanced, combination, and sensitive skin, making it a go-to for most skin types.
Apply Toner
After gently patting dry, apply toner to restore balance and provide additional skin benefits.
Apply Treatments
If you use any targeted treatments, like serums, exfoliating acids, or spot treatments, apply them next. These products often contain active ingredients that work best when applied to clean, prepped skin.
Moisturize
Finish your routine with a moisturizer for your skin type to lock in hydration and keep the skin soft and nourished.
How to Apply Toner
Applying toner properly is fairly straightforward. Follow this guide for best results.
1. Dispense the Solution
Pour a small amount of liquid (about the size of a coin) onto a cotton pad or directly into your clean palms.
2. Apply to Skin
If using a cotton pad, gently swipe it across your face, neck, and décolletage. If using your hands, pat the toner into your skin, pressing gently to enhance absorption.
Most toners aren't formulated for the delicate skin around the eyes, so avoid this area unless the toner specifically says it's safe for use around the eyes.
3. Proceed with Next Steps
Depending on the formula, allow the toner to absorb for 20 to 30 seconds or apply your serum or moisturizer to still-damp skin to support optimal hydration.
When to Use Toner
You can use toner daily, both morning and night, depending on your skin type and the product's formula. Most toners will include instructions for frequency of use on the bottle. In general, avoid overusing products with astringent or exfoliating ingredients as they can dry out the skin. For example, if you're using a toner with a potent exfoliant like Salicylic Acid, try applying it a couple of times a week and gradually build to daily use. Refine your regimen based on your skin's tolerance and professional guidance if needed.
Choosing the Best Toner for Your Skin Type
Toners come in various formulations, so narrow down your options based on your primary skin concerns and needs. Here are some recommendations.
For Dry or Sensitive Skin
Opt for toners with calming, hydrating ingredients that nourish and strengthen the skin barrier. PCA SKIN Hydrating Toner hydrates skin and improves moisture retention while preventing free radical damage with powerful antioxidants.
For Oily or Combination Skin
The right toner can benefit oily and acne-prone skin by balancing excess sebum production and calming inflammation. PCA SKIN Smoothing Toner contains a blend of Aloe Vera Leaf Juice, botanical extracts, and Lactic Acid to calm skin and reduce the appearance of enlarged pores.
For Mature Skin
Toners with ingredients like Vitamin C, Hyaluronic Acid, and chemical exfoliants can help improve skin texture, tone, and hydration for a healthy glow. Look for toners with a mix of nourishing and pore-refining ingredients like PCA SKIN Nutrient Toner with Pumpkin Wine, Lactic Acid, and Aminoguanidine.
Trusting Your Skin Care to Deliver Results
Incorporating toner into your skin care routine can provide numerous benefits, from balancing the skin's pH to enhancing hydration and refining skin texture. The key is to choose a toner that suits your specific skin needs and gently apply it to clean skin. When used correctly, toner can help improve the effectiveness of your entire skin care regimen, leaving you with smoother, healthier-looking skin.
Author: Kaleigh Fasanella
Kaleigh Fasanella is a New Jersey-based beauty and wellness reporter with over a decade of experience writing for both digital outlets and brands. She previously worked at magazines like Allure and Teen Vogue before going freelance to write for a variety of publications. While she loves all aspects of beauty, she's especially passionate about skin care and helping others learn about and care for their skin.