Some of you will remember this, some of you will not, but the old school use for toner was to restore skin pH after using stripping products. For years, your routine was not complete unless you ‘toned’ your skin.  That’s old news, but since we’re briefly on the topic, here’s the thing. Splashing a little perfumy liquid on your face after using a harsh cleanser that removed the bad along with some of the good was not going to magically restore your skin’s pH.

Consider this scenario – every day, twice a day, you unknowingly use a cleanser that is inappropriate for your skin type. It smells good, it leaves your skin feeling ever so slightly tingly and taut (is that a good thing?), and your sister loves it too (you know I’m right). The problem is that this incorrect cleanser constantly steals your natural moisturizing factor (NMF), and steadily breaks down your skin’s barrier. Toner can’t fix that level of constant attack.

Forget all of that – it’s 2023 after all, skin care and skin care expertise have come a looong way. That doesn’t mean there aren’t still loads of stripping products on the market or that non skin pros aren’t still using this message, but I’ve got an update for you. These days, not only has toner taken on a new role in your regimen, but it also has friends. Astringents with smart aging actives, triple duty micellar waters, floral waters, glacial mists, herbal hydrosols, and essences crowd the shelf and have a new responsibility – skin nourishment and correction.

3 THINGS TONERS ARE NOT DESIGNED FOR

1. Picking up residual oil, dirt, and makeup post cleanse. If your toner pad is picking up visible debris, your facial cleansing step is incomplete.

2. Toner is not designed to replace moisturizer.

3. Restoring the skin’s pH. Skin with a disrupted barrier (destroyed pH), needs to be granted time to recover.

3 THINGS TONERS ARE DESIGNED FOR

1. Saturating skin with treatment actives – antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, acne fighting ingredients for example.

2. Saturating skin with protective hydration that helps skin stay comfortable and calm.

3. Delivering smart aging, resurfacing ingredients like light acids, probiotic enzymes, antioxidants, and vitamins.

Additionally, toner preps the skin for better absorption of serums and moisturizers, making them more effective. With its ability to hydrate, soothe, and rejuvenate the skin, using a quality toner is an indispensable step in anyone's skin care routine.

TONER TIP: Saturate freshly cleansed skin for maximum absorption, then immediately, while damp, apply your favorite serum before moisturizing, and protecting with SPF.

If you are interested in purchasing a toner, go to my online store on my website or come on in for a sample.

The purpose of Pure Joy Blog is for skin care-related advice only. It is not intended as, nor is it a substitute for medical advice. Information posted should not be construed as personal medical advice. The reader assumes responsibility for advice applied. I strive for accuracy but cannot be held responsible for the current validity of data as best practices are in continuous flux. By consuming any of our content, you agree that you will hold us harmless for actions you made as the result of the data.