What is a facial toner and what is it used for?

by Maria / On 22 March, 2024 / In Beauty

Do you know what a facial toner is used for and what its benefits are? This cosmetic is one of the basics that should not be missing in our skincare routine, as it will help you to solve a wide range of skin issues.

There is a variety of facial toners from all brands adapted to various goals and made with different substances. Choosing the right one is not always a simple task.

If you want to discover what this beauty product can do for you and how to acquire the best one for your situation, don’t miss this article.

What is a facial toner

To leave no doubt, let’s start by explaining what a toning lotion is.

It’s a basic treatment that helps us achieve good facial hygiene. It’s the second step we should implement in our beauty routine, as it is used after cleansing and before the moisturizer.

What are its benefits

The main benefits it provides are the following:

Helps to restore the skin’s pH after having been cleansed.
Assists in shrinking pores.
It balances the face.
Prepares the skin to receive subsequent treatments.
Rejuvenates and revitalizes tissues.
Increases blood flow to the area.
Refreshes and moisturizes.

At what age should you start using it?

It’s a product that can be used at any age. Since there is a wide variety with different goals, it is used from the youngest to the most mature skins.

You will find toners to solve excess sebum, combat acne, soothe irritations, provide extra nutrition, etc.

How to apply it

Its application is very simple. Follow these steps:

Clean and remove makeup from your face properly until it is free of impurities. For this, there is a wide range of products: cleansing milks, wipes, gels, soaps, etc. We recommend a micellar water, as it is usually a less aggressive cosmetic.
Next, take a clean cotton pad and pour some toning lotion on it. The amount should be moderate, that is, not soaked, but not excessively dry either.
Apply the cotton with small, light taps all over the face, neck, and décolleté. Without exerting pressure.
Some products come in a spray format. In this case, you can opt to spray it directly onto the area.
You can also pour the liquid onto the palms of your hands and spread it gently over your face. First wash your hands with soap and water to make the process hygienic.
Lastly, you just have to wait for it to dry to proceed with your other treatments.

Other uses of toner

Did you know that this cosmetic can be used for other purposes? We reveal some of them:

It’s perfect for reducing eye bags caused by lack of sleep or fatigue. Take two cotton pads and soak them in lotion. Place them over your eyes and wait about 10 minutes. When you remove them, you will notice relief instantly.
It can be used as a mask. For this, saturate a clean cloth with a little toner. Place it over your face and wait about 20 minutes. Then, remove it and rinse with cold water to improve circulation.
If you have a vaporizer, you can spray it on your face to set makeup.
It’s also a good idea to carry it with you when you go out to refresh yourself from time to time.
Men can use it as aftershave to soothe the skin.

Similarities and differences with micellar water

As we mentioned earlier, sometimes there is some confusion between toning lotion and micellar water.

Let’s see what similarities and differences both cosmetics have:

Both micellar water and facial toner have a very light aqueous texture.
The colors of both are transparent.
They manage to soothe the skin.
They have a refreshing effect.
They serve to set the makeup.
Both close the pores and moisturize the dermis.
Their prices are usually not very high.
Micellar water is used to cleanse and remove dirt from the skin, while toner does not serve this function.
The toning lotion prepares the skin for subsequent treatments.

Can micellar water be used as a toning lotion?

Although there are some differences, many people decide to use micellar water as a toner.

For this to be effective it is very important to choose a quality micellar water, otherwise, you will not achieve the desired effects.

Even so, our recommendation is to combine the use of both cosmetics, that is, clean and remove makeup from your skin with micellar water, and then apply the toner to achieve a more professional result.

Homemade versions

Another option is to make your own homemade version. Here are 3 remedies adapted to different types of skin.

For oily or combination skin: Use a quarter of apple cider vinegar for every three quarters of water. Combine both ingredients in a container, shake them and it’s ready! You can also check out this article with the best toners for oily skin.
For sensitive skin: Thanks to the properties of rosemary, you will be able to soothe the dermis and combat redness and other alterations. Mix 10 ml of water with 20 drops of rosemary essential oil.
For dry skin: For this lotion, you will need 20 ml of almond oil, 100 ml of natural water, and 20 drops of rosehip oil. Mix all the substances well in a bottle.

Also try: This rosewater toner.

If you decide to make any of these versions, use a disinfected glass bottle with a practical dispenser. You can also use a spray bottle. Store the mixture in the fridge or in a dry and cool place.

Pay close attention to the quality of the ingredients. For example, in the case of oils, they should not contain artificial perfumes or other chemical substances.

Are homemade versions effective?

Many users wonder if homemade versions really provide results. The truth is that although they offer great benefits and you can see some changes in the skin, commercial ones are more potent.

However, to choose a commercial version we must be very cautious and pay attention to its composition. Keep in mind that the combination of chemical substances can cause irritations, redness, flaking, itching, and even the appearance of skin diseases.

How to choose a facial toner

Want to know what aspects you should consider to choose the best toning lotion?

Start by analyzing your skin type. Perhaps you have oily or combination skin, but it also dries out in certain areas. Before choosing a cosmetic, we must be clear about the problems we want to combat.
Select a product that is appropriate for your skin and age. Some people start using products for mature skin too early. This is a big mistake that will cause more harm than good.
Take a look at the composition and ingredient list. It should be low in preservatives and free of parabens, silicones, and other harmful substances.
For sensitive skin, it is ideal to choose soothing substances like aloe vera, witch hazel, thermal water, etc.
If you have excessively dry skin, your main goal is to provide extra nutrition. Choose ingredients like almond extract, allantoin, and hyaluronic acid.
Are wrinkles and expression lines your issues? In that case, use some antioxidants like green tea, vitamins C and E or pomegranate.
If you want to eliminate excess sebum and annoying shine, opt for purifying and astringent substances. Examples include lemon extract, salicylic acid, or menthol.

Here are some options: Clinique, Pixi, Garnier or Mercadona.

Conclusion

We hope it is now clear to you what a facial toner is used for. This product should become one of the mainstays of your skincare routine. With continuous use, you will surely notice great changes in the appearance of your skin.

Remember to choose the one that suits your age and skin type, and avoid chemical and disrespectful versions. Also, as you have seen, you can give it a variety of uses. And you, what have you decided to use it for?