How to use toner

Using toner is an essential step in a good skincare routine. It helps to cleanse, hydrate, tighten pores, balance the skin’s pH, and provides an extra layer of protection against impurities. When adding toner to your daily skincare routine, remember to apply it after cleansing and before moisturizing. Gently swipe it over your face and neck using a cotton pad. When choosing a toner, look for one with natural, soothing ingredients that won’t dry out your skin. You can also create a homemade toner that is perfectly suited to your skin’s needs.

Start by washing your face. Use a facial cleanser with warm water and a soft washcloth to cleanse your face. Gently massage the cleanser into your skin to remove makeup, dirt, and impurities. Rinse with warm water, then splash your face with cold water to close the pores. Finally, use a clean towel to gently pat your face dry.

Apply toner to a cotton pad. Pour a small amount of toner onto the cotton pad until it feels damp but not soaked. You can also use cotton wool for this step if that’s what you have available. However, cotton pads tend to absorb toner less than cotton wool, making them more economical.

Gently apply toner to your face and neck. Use the cotton pad to gently swipe toner over your face, neck, and upper chest. Avoid the area around your eyes and be careful not to get toner on your lips. Pay special attention to hard-to-reach areas like your eyebrows, the sides of your nose, near your ears, and along your hairline. Toner helps to remove impurities missed by your cleanser, as well as any leftover cleanser, salts, chlorine, or chemicals from tap water.

Use a mist or spray toner to enhance hydration. While a spray toner can only help reduce impurities, not fully remove them, it is always best to use a wipe-on toner first. However, if you enjoy the refreshing, cool sensation of a spray toner, feel free to use it as an extra step after the wipe-on toner.

Wait a minute for the toner to dry. Since most toners are water-based, they are absorbed into the skin quickly. Ensure that the toner fully absorbs before applying any other products—this will help your skin retain moisture and protect it from impurities.

Finish by applying treatment products and moisturizer. If you’re using acne treatment products like benzoyl peroxide or other moisturizers, remember to apply them after your toner. Using toner first ensures your skin is completely cleansed, allowing the treatment and moisturizing products to penetrate deeply.

Use toner twice daily. Typically, you should apply toner once in the morning and once in the evening. In the morning, toner will remove the oil produced overnight and balance the skin's pH. In the evening, toner completes your cleansing routine by removing dirt, makeup, or impurities missed by your cleanser, as well as any leftover cleanser residue.

• If your skin is particularly dry, you might start by using toner once a day, in the evening. Overusing toner can cause your skin to become drier. If you notice excessive dryness, consider opting for a formula designed for dry skin to help with hydration.

Use toner with rose water for added hydration. Rose water is known for its moisturizing, cleansing, and skin-boosting properties. This type of toner is perfect for skin that needs extra moisture and oil control. Look for toners that feature rose water as a main ingredient.

Choose a toner with chamomile to soothe your skin. If you are dealing with dry, red, or sensitive skin, try a toner with chamomile. This ingredient can help calm skin irritation, fade dark spots, fight acne, and brighten your complexion.

• The combination of chamomile and aloe vera can even assist in managing eczema and rosacea.

Avoid toners containing alcohol that may excessively dry your skin. Alcohol is often used as an astringent in strong cleansing toners. Many people try toners with alcohol to treat acne, but this ingredient can be irritating and lead to dry skin if used too often. Instead, choose a gentle, alcohol-free formula for your skin care routine.

Look for natural acne-fighting ingredients if you have oily skin. You can manage acne while keeping your skin hydrated by choosing a toner with milder astringents. Look for ingredients like tea tree oil, orange essential oil, and witch hazel.

• When using pore-tightening ingredients, it's best to start by using the toner once a day instead of twice. Once your skin adjusts, you can try increasing to two times daily.

Make a green tea toner for all skin types. Simply mix 1 cup (230 g) of green tea with 1/2 tablespoon of honey. Once the mixture cools, add 3 drops of jasmine essential oil. Store the toner in a sealed jar and keep it in a cool place.

• Green tea is believed to help rejuvenate skin cells.
• Boil the tea water for at least one minute to eliminate bacteria.

Use an apple cider vinegar mix for oily skin. Make an oil-controlling toner by combining the juice of one lemon with 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar. Stir well into 200 ml of mineral water. Pour the mixture into a sealed jar and store it in a cool place.

• Be sure to only use this toner at night, as lemon juice will make your skin more sensitive to sunlight.
• The apple cider vinegar in this toner recipe will help restore the skin's pH balance.

Make a rosewater toner for sensitive skin. Boil 1/2 cup (120 g) of dried rosebuds in water and leave them for 1-2 hours. Strain the rosebuds, then pour the water into a sealed jar and refrigerate.

• Homemade rosewater should be used within a week, so make only what you need for that time—a 1-cup (240 ml) batch is enough.
• For added hydration, you can add a few drops of geranium essential oil to the rosewater.
• You can buy dried rosebuds online or dry your own.

Store toner properly. You can keep homemade toner for up to 3 months after making it. If you plan to reuse the container, be sure to wash it thoroughly and boil it in clean water for at least 1 minute before using it to store toner.