These days women seem to be using more and more products on their skin. A recent survey found that Korean women commonly use up to 14 face products a day! But there is one product that seems to be falling away, and we decided to investigate its use…

What does a toner do?

A toner used to be an important part of a three-step skincare regime: cleanse, tone and moisturize. But, with so many products on the market- eye creams, serums and brightening gels to name a few- it may have become a step we’ve forgotten about, or find ourselves wondering if it’s necessary.
Traditionally, toner was seen as essential after cleansing to close up your pores (which are opened during the cleansing process). While no product can really reduce the size of pores, toners and astringents work by irritating the skin, causing it to swell, and making your pores less noticeable. Toner also brings the skin back to its natural pH balance, which is disrupted during cleansing, and picks up any dead skin or dirt that the cleanser might have missed.

Who should use a toner?
“Often sold as a must-use step, toners are truly optional.” — Bobbi Brown in “Bobbi Brown Beauty”
Toners can be used by anyone, but are best suited for ladies with oily or combination skin. Most women find that their skin is oilier in summer and may only use a toner in the hot months of the year. Toners containing glycolic acids which help remove excess oil and keep pores clean, and are the best to use on acne-prone and oily skin. Stay clear of toners containing alcohol however, as they strip the away the natural oils that your skin really needs.
Today most dermatologists agree that toner isn’t necessary, and it can in fact be very drying on everything but the driest of skin. Nowadays most decent cleansers perform the primary function of a toner as well (removing all dirt) and they rinse off easily, therefore making the toner redundant. Some women like the feeling that toner gives your skin- tight and smooth. But in actual fact, that tight feeling indicates dryness.

My conclusion

Toners may be incorporated into the skincare regime of those with excessively oily or acne-prone skin, but add no extra benefits for those with normal or dry skin- and could just add to the dryness. So, I’d say you don’t necessarily need to use a toner, unless specified by your dermatologist or a beauty professional. And of course, a splash of cold water after cleansing will do the trick of closing your pores, and improve the skin’s texture.

Give this Johnson’s Healthy Skin 3-in1 Alcohol Free Toner a try.

Browse toner product reviews by our Beauty Bulletin community here.

Article written by Claire