WHY:  Here are a few reasons to incorporate a toner into your daily skincare routine.

• Additional Rinse—Toner is like the “additional rinse” cycle on a washing machine. Using a toner can capture any dirt, oils and dead cells that your cleanser missed and properly prep the skin for moisturizer.
• pH Balance—The pH scale ranges from 1 to 14 (7 is neutral. 1-6.9 is acidic. 7.1-14 is alkaline).  Our skin is most comfortable and able to fight off bacteria at a pH level between 4.0 and 6.0. Cleansers typically have a pH level between 6.5 and 8.0 which helps it cut through oil and dirt, but can strip the skin of moisture and leave your with a skin high in alkaline. Toner can assist the skin in getting back to a comfortable pH level.
• Dry skin? —After cleansing, your skin is left with a high pH level and will have to work at restoring the pH balance. Applying moisturizer directly after cleansing may limit the skin’s ability to absorb the moisturizer because it’s preoccupied in restoring the pH balance. By using toner and restoring the pH balance before applying moisture… your skin will be ready to concentrate on absorbing the moisturizer!
• Blackheads or Oily skin?—Do you have oily skin or blackheads around the nose? If so, I would absolutely recommend the use of toners. Oil on the skin can oxidize and turn black when the pH balance of your skin is off. Pores are generally larger around the nose, so the oxidized black oils get trapped in the pores and you’re left with blackheads. Toners will help thoroughly clean your pores and help with minimizing blackheads!

HOW: Here’s the best way to apply toner.

1. Cleanse face and lightly pat dry.

2. Apply toner onto slightly damp face. The method of application really depends on why you’re using the toner!

• Cleansing purpose: Use with a cotton pad so that you can wipe away the impurities.
• Restoring pH balance or moisture: Use your (clean) hands to press/pat the toner into your skin. Of course, a cotton pad can still be used, but it’s not necessary for this purpose.
• Minimize blackheads: Use with a cotton pad. You want to be able to wipe away the impurities as well as the oil that’s trapped in your pores.
• More than 1 reason for using toner… use a cotton pad.

3) Next comes serums, moisturizers, etc.

ADDITIONAL TIPS: Here are some additional tips on toners!

• Morning Cleanser—If you have dry skin and don’t want to use a cleanser in the morning… consider using water to wash your face and using a toner to “cleanse” and prep the skin for your moisturizer!
• Alcohol Free—Alcohol is very drying for the skin and may harm the collagen in your skin (yikes!). Whether you have oily or dry skin, you should always use alcohol free toners. Stripping oil from the skin may stimulate your skin to produce more oil!
• Additional Treatment—Doesn’t hurt to use toners that contain additional helpful ingredients like antioxidants, alpha hydroxy (lactic, glycolic), beta hydroxy (salicylic) acids, and vitamins for anti-aging purposes. Toners containing salicylic acid are great for blemish prone skin while clearing pores of acne causing bacteria.