Before taking my skincare routine seriously, I was not incorporating toners in it. I thought that they were just an extra step that I could skip. However, after incorporating them into my routine, it has been a game changer in my journey. I get why toners are a must in your skincare routine.
If you are like me, you have probably skipped the toner step and even wondered whether they are worth it. I guarantee you they are. You will be able to achieve the healthy and glowing skin you have always dreamt of!
What Exactly Does a Toner Do?
Let’s start with the basics. So, what is a toner, and why toners are a must in your skincare routine? Think of toner as that extra step that ensures your skin is perfectly clean and ready to soak up all the goodness from your serums and moisturizers. After you wash your face and clean it from dirt, oil, or leftover makeup hanging around in your pores. This is where toner comes in—it helps prep your skin for the next step in your skincare routine.
But that’s not all! Toners also help balance your skin’s pH level. Now, this might sound a bit technical, but it’s actually really important. Our skin has a natural pH level, usually between 4.7 and 5.75, which keeps it healthy and protected. Cleansing can sometimes throw this balance off, making your skin more vulnerable. A good toner will bring that pH level back to where it needs to be, making your skin happy and ready for the next steps in your routine.
I remember when I first started using toner regularly; I was shocked at the difference it made. My skin felt softer and somehow more alive. I had always thought toners were just an extra thing to spend money on, but now I’m totally hooked!
The Evolution of Toners: From Harsh to Heavenly
Toners have come a long way over the years. I used to think all toners were harsh, alcohol-filled solutions that left my skin feeling tight and dry. Back in the day, that wasn’t far from the truth! Toners were mostly designed to strip away excess oil, which was great for oily skin but not so much for the rest of skin types.
Thankfully, skincare has evolved, and so have toners. Nowadays, toners are available in a variety of formulas tailored to different skin needs. Whether you’re dealing with dry, oily, sensitive, or combination skin, there’s a toner out there for you. And the best part? Many modern toners are packed with amazing ingredients like hyaluronic acid, glycerin, rice extract, and aloe vera, which help to hydrate and soothe the skin.
In my skincare journey, my favorite toners to use are Korean ones. They are light, soothing, hydrating, and leave my skin perfectly prepped for the rest of my routine.
Types of Toners: Finding Your Perfect Match
Now, let’s talk about the different types of toners and how to find the one that’s right for you. This is where things can get a bit tricky, but don’t worry—I’ve got your back!
1. Hydrating Toners:
These are my absolute favorites. Hydrating toners are all about adding moisture back into your skin. Ingredients like hyaluronic acid and glycerin are superstars here. They’re perfect for dry or sensitive skin types and can really help improve your skin’s texture and hydration levels.
2. Exfoliating Toners:
If you’re dealing with uneven skin tone, texture issues, or breakouts, exfoliating toners might be your new best friend. These contain ingredients like AHAs (Alpha Hydroxy Acids) and BHAs (Beta Hydroxy Acids). They gently exfoliate your skin, remove dead skin cells, and help to reveal a brighter and smoother complexion. Just be sure to start slowly with these, especially if you’re new to chemical exfoliants.
3. Soothing/Calming Toners:
For those with sensitive and irritated skin, these toners are a lifesaver. They often contain ingredients like aloe vera or chamomile that help calm redness and soothe irritation. I always reach for a soothing toner when my skin is feeling stressed out or after I’ve used an exfoliating product.
Choosing the right toner can really make a difference in your skincare routine. I’ve gone through a lot of trial and error to find the ones that work best for me and trust me, it’s worth the effort!
Why Toners Are a Must-Have in Your Routine
If you’re still not convinced that toner deserves a spot in your skincare routine, let me share a few more reasons why I think it’s so important. First off, toners can help minimize the appearance of pores. By tightening the cell gaps, they make your pores look smaller, which not only improves the look of your skin but also helps prevent dirt and impurities from getting in.
Toners also play a big role in improving your skin’s texture. When your skin’s pH is balanced, it’s more receptive to the other products you’re using, like serums and moisturizers. This means those products can work more effectively, giving you better results overall. And let’s not forget about hydration—using a hydrating toner can give your skin an extra boost of moisture, helping to keep it plump and glowing all day long.
My Favorite Korean Toners: What Makes Them So Special
Let’s talk about Korean toners for a moment. If you’re into skincare, you’ve probably heard all about the magic of Korean beauty products, and toners are no exception. What I love most about Korean toners is how they focus on hydration. They’re formulated with natural, innovative ingredients that not only hydrate but also prepare your skin for the rest of your routine.
One of my all-time favorite Korean toners is the Isntree Green Tea Fresh Toner. It’s super lightweight, reduces sebum production, and provides deep hydration, making it perfect for my oily skin. I also love the Isntree Ultra-Low Molecular Hyaluronic Acid Toner, which is also very lightweight and hydrating.
These toners have become staples in my skincare routine, and I’ve noticed such a difference since I started using them. My skin feels more hydrated, balanced, and just overall healthier.