Don’t you believe the common misconceptions or myths about toner?

Some people, like myself, can’t imagine skincare without toner after cleansing. On the other hand, many may not understand the importance of toner or may be confused about its various types. One reason for this is the prevalent misconceptions or myths about toner. Some think toner is only for dry skin or only for oily or combination skin. Conversely, some believe toner is reminiscent of the harsh astringents of the past, which would leave the skin red and irritated. However, toners nowadays are not like that at all. Toners are now formulated for different skin types, and alongside the common toner ingredients, various beneficial elements are added to hydrate, mattify, and balance the skin’s pH level. So, let’s debunk some of these myths about toner that you might have heard but are actually incorrect.

 

Myth 1: Toner is only necessary for oily skin.

According to skincare experts, toner serves two main purposes.

Firstly, it removes any excess oil or impurities left on the skin after cleansing.

Secondly, it prepares the skin for the next step in the skincare routine by balancing the skin’s pH.

It’s true that toners with oil-balancing and astringent ingredients may be more abundant, but there are toners suitable for dry or normal skin types available in the market now. You just need to find the right toner for your skin type and needs. For example, if you have sensitive skin, you can use a rose water or chamomile toner.

Myth 2: Toner dries out the skin.

Many believe that toner excessively dries out the skin. This is untrue. If a toner contains alcohol, it may indeed dry out the skin. If that’s inconvenient for your skin, opt for alcohol-free toners. If you experience tightness or slight irritation after using toner, it might not be suitable for your skin.

Myth 3: Toners are unnecessary if you use a cleanser.

Some people skip toner, thinking that cleanser alone is enough to cleanse the skin. However, toning is an essential step between cleansing and moisturizing. After cleansing, the skin’s pH level decreases slightly, and toner helps to restore it. Additionally, toner can remove any remaining dirt or impurities and refine the appearance of pores, leaving the skin refreshed.

Myth 4: Toners are harsh astringents.

Many believe that toners are alcohol-based and harsh, causing redness and itching when applied. However, not all toners are like that. Light toners can act as gentle exfoliators, removing dead skin cells and rejuvenating the skin. Those with oily skin can use toners containing salicylic acid, while those with dry skin can opt for lactic acid-based toners.

Myth 5: Toners close the pores.

The notion that toners close or tighten pores is not entirely accurate. Toners can help unclog pores by removing oil, dirt, and bacteria. Choosing the right toner according to your skin type can aid in pore refinement and skin preparation.

Myth 6: Toners can’t be used on sensitive skin.

It’s a misconception that toners are not suitable for sensitive skin. Any skincare product, including toner, requires a bit of caution when used on sensitive skin. Because toners can offer benefits to the skin, discontinuing their use based on a myth is not advisable. For sensitive skin, choose gentle toners like rose water or those containing soothing ingredients like beta-glucan or white tea extract.

Myth 7: Toners don’t really do much.

Contrary to the belief that toners are ineffective, they do more than just balance the skin’s pH. A well-formulated toner can provide instant hydration, prep the skin for serums or moisturizers, and help serums penetrate the skin. So, would you still say that toners don’t really do much?

 

These were some of the myths surrounding toners that we discussed today. If you’re still not using toner in your skincare routine, consider finding the right toner for your skin and see if you notice any improvements in your skin.