We all want to look good, to have glowing, smooth, flawless skin, and to feel confident about ourselves when we step out of the house. In our desire to look our very best, we use the best skincare products, like exotic face serums, eye creams and body lotions. One product that is often given a miss is the humble facial toner. 

However, it is the toner that prepares our skin for the serums, moisturizers and under eye creams, and that ensures our skin has the correct pH balance. A toner needs to be a definite part of our everyday skincare routine.

Toners for face do more than just cleansing and toning your facial skin. For knowing more about what toners do, and why you need them so much, read on.

What is the purpose of toner in skincare? 

A skin toner forms the basis of your daily skincare routine. 

It serves the following purposes, depending on your skin type:

  • For oily, acne prone skin, a toner is vital to close open pores and to protect your skin.
  • For sensitive skin, a gentle facial toner helps restore the skin’s pH balance that can get disturbed by harsh chemical based cosmetic products.
  • For dry skin, a toner can work as a humectant to provide all day moisture. 
  • Dull, lifeless skin tone can be revived by a skin brightening toner.

For including the right skin toner in your skincare routine, you need to first assess your skin type and understand what your skin requires. 

Should I use toner every day?

Earlier toners had only astringent properties, hence these tended to dry the skin after use. Now, however, you can opt for a water based gentle facial toner that has soothing and skin softening ingredients, and hence is suitable for sensitive skin too. You can use this kind of toner every day. 

Make sure your skin toner has gentle and hydrating ingredients like:

  • Calendula
  • Vitamin C
  • Rose water
  • Squalane (a plant based lipid)
  • Vitamin E
  • Licorice Root
  • Fruit oils

When should we use toner?

You should use a toner after cleansing your face, and before applying moisturizer or serum. Those with oily skin can use it twice daily, once in the morning, and once at night to remove oil and traces of make-up. The only condition is that you need to use an alcohol free toner as alcohol dries out your skin.

If your toner contains active ingredients like Salicylic acid or Glycolic acid, and you find your skin dry after use, stick to using it once a day. The best way to check whether the toner suits your skin is to do a patch test before applying it on your face.

Which toner should I use?

Select as a toner for face per your skin’s requirements.

  • For applying on oily, acne prone skin, select an alcohol free toner that has the soothing and anti-bacterial, anti-inflammatory properties of Calendula flower petals, Burdock Root extract and Allantoin. This toner tightens your facial skin pores, and cleans and purifies your skin without stripping it of moisture. It is a water based cleanser that deep cleanses your skin to reduce facial oil. This is the skin toner for oily and sensitive skin.
  • If your skin is dull and has uneven tone, choose a facial toner with Licorice Root, Activated C (a Vitamin C derivative) and White Birch and Peony extracts that protect your skin from oxidative damage. Vitamin C and Licorice root help in visibly lightening your skin tone, and improving skin clarity and radiance. It is dermatologist tested for safety and suits all skin types. What’s more, this toner keeps your skin hydrated too.
  • For balancing your skin’s pH structure and keeping it hydrated all day, choose a gentle facial toner with Squalane, Vitamin E, and Apricot and Avacado oils. Squalane is effective in strengthening and restoring your skin’s moisture barrier, so you can use this toner to hydrate, soothe and comfort your skin. The fruit oils are rich sources of Vitamin E, Vitamin A, D, and unsaturated fatty acids. Get soft, smooth and pH balanced facial skin with this toner.

Choose your suitable face toner from these time-tested, proven effective skin toners from the house of Kiehl’s, and revive your skin texture. Improve your skin tone and watch your confidence soar. 

Your time to shine is now!