Toners have become more popular recently, yet there are still misconceptions around what they really do to the skin and if they are even necessary to include in your routine.
You may remember that toners were once really strong products filled with alcohol that would dry your skin out with one use (we do not miss those days). But now, toners have become a staple in skin care routines as they are more gentle, alcohol-free, and they contain ingredients to address skin concerns.
So, what exactly is toner?
Toner is used directly after washing your face and is designed to remove any last traces of dirt or oil, as well as to prep the skin for serums and moisturizers.
There are many other benefits to toners, including:
- Evening out skin tone
- Shrinking the appearance of pores
- Moisturizing the skin
- Refreshing the skin
But the most important quality of a toner is that it balances out the skin’s pH levels.
Knowing how pH affects the skin is important because repeatedly disturbing the skin’s pH levels can lead to the worsening of skin problems, like skin drying out due to using products that are too alkaline (such as bar soaps or liquid soaps).
Typically, toners contain pH levels of about 5-7 which is in the same range as the skin’s natural levels. This makes most toners gentle but it also means that they most likely do not produce any real results. Products with active ingredients such as AHAs and BHAs contain pH levels between 3.2 - 3.9, making them highly effective for targeting skin concerns.
Did you know that Glycolic Acid loses its effectiveness by more than 60% with a pH over 4? Exfoliating acids are very sensitive to pH, and a small change can mean a big difference.
With a pH level of 3.5, our Glycolic Acid toner works as an exfoliant that really penetrates the skin effectively to give you clear youthful skin. Although the really low pH level of the toner makes it acidic, it also contains ingredients such as aloe vera and rose water, two ingredients that soothe and calm skin.
How should you apply toner?
Toners typically work best when applied right after cleansing the skin. Apply using a cotton ball or pad, or you can empty the toner into your hand and pat it into your skin. With our Glycolic Acid toner, use no more than once per day.
Extra Tip: Apply your toner no later than 1 minute after cleansing the skin! Applying active ingredients to wet skin allows the molecules to penetrate better, delivering the best results.
So, do you really need a toner?
Many people will argue the necessity of a toner. And if your toner contains a pH level close to your skin’s pH level, then it’s not all that necessary and it’s really just an extra step. But with a toner that has a lower pH level (like our Glycolic Acid Toner), your skin gets extra exfoliation that can lead to brighter, healthier-looking skin.
With the effectiveness of Glycolic Acid combined with the soothing ingredients such as aloe vera and rose water, our Glycolic Acid toner is the best addition to your skincare routine as it works to target skin concerns without over-drying the skin.
If you want to include an effective toner into your routine, check out our Glycolic Acid toner for proven results!
