For the longest time, I thought toner was optional in my skincare routine. I mean, why spend the extra money on something that you can just splash some cold water on your face and call it a day? But boy, was I wrong.

Toners are an important step in any skincare routine, but especially if you have acne-prone or sensitive skin. Toners help to remove any dirt or makeup that your cleanser may have missed and can help to restore your skin's pH balance. They also prep your skin for the rest of your skincare routine by helping your serums and moisturizers to better penetrate your skin.

So, if you're not already using a toner as part of your daily skincare routine, now is the time to start! Trust me, your skin will thank you.

What is a Skin Toner?

Toner is a liquid that helps to cleanse and prep the skin. It usually has glycerin or other hydrating ingredients in it to help soothe and nourish the skin. Toners can be applied with a cotton pad or just splashed on with your hands.

How Do I Choose a Skin Toner?

When choosing a toner, it's important to find one that is compatible with your skin type. If you have dry or sensitive skin, look for a toner with hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid or aloe vera. If you have oily or acne-prone skin, look for a toner with ingredients like witch hazel or tea tree oil that can help to control oil production and fight breakouts.

The ideal pH level for healthy skin is between 4.5 and 5.5—slightly acidic. Unfortunately, many things can disrupt our skin's delicate pH balance, including pollution, artificial fragrances, and even some cleansers. This is where toner comes in; it helps to restore your skin's pH levels, which in turn helps to protect it from environmental aggressors and keeps it looking its best.

Think of toner as the primer of your skincare routine. It creates a clean slate for the rest of your products to work their magic. We recommend using a cotton pad to apply toner after cleansing; this will help to remove any lingering dirt, oil, or makeup that your cleanser may have missed.

Most toners are packed with hydrating ingredients like glycerin and aloe vera, which help to soothe and nourish dry, tired skin. If you suffer from dryness, using a toner is a great way to give your skin an extra dose of hydration—just be sure to follow up with a good moisturizer!

Enlarged pores can be caused by a number of factors, including genetics, age, and excess sebum production. Toners that contain ingredients like witch hazel or tea tree oil can help to minimize the appearance of pores by absorbing excess oil and keeping them free from build-up.

Toner is the perfect pick-me-up for dull, lackluster skin; just a few spritzes will leave you with a healthy glow that lasts all day long. For an extra boost, try storing your toner in the fridge; the cool temperature will help to wake up tired skin (and it feels amazing on hot summer days!).

As you can see, there are many good reasons to use toner as part of your skincare routine. It's not just an optional extra; it's an important step in keeping your skin healthy and hydrated. So next time you shop our store, make sure to check out our fan favorite Clementine Complexion Enhancing Milk Toner. Your skin love it.