Facial toners come as a liquid product that usually comes in a plastic bottle. They will also sometimes have a spray applicator that allows you to apply them directly to your face and then there are those toners that need to be dispensed onto a cotton pad before use. Toners are intended to be used after you’ve washed your face. Their purpose at this stage in your skincare routine largely depends upon the formulation of the toner.
Some toners are astringents that help to dry up oily acne spots while encouraging large pores to temporarily contract. This can lead to the appearance of a smoother, firmer face. The benefit is temporary and comes at the expense of drawing moisture out of your skin. If you have very oily skin, you may feel tempted to use an astringent toner.
While it might seem to work, you run the risk of encouraging your skin to produce more oil as a response. It could send you into an endless cycle. Acid toners are toners that help to exfoliate the skin. They often contain ingredients like glycolic acid or alpha hydroxy acid. These acids help to gently remove the top layer of dead skin cells from the surface of the skin.
People with dry skin or dry patches may benefit from using these toners on occasion, as they help to prevent flaky or dull buildup on the surface of the skin. There are also toners designed to be moisturizing. They’re usually made with floral extracts and ingredients like hyaluronic acid. These toners leave behind more moisture than they take away, making them a better option for combination, normal, and dry skin types.