Ah, toners — they’re equal parts essential and mystifying. But are they really a cruicial part of taking care of your skin? Short answer: Yes. So, to put a stop to the confusion once and for all, here’s exactly why you need to be toning your skin twice daily after cleansing, plain and simple.
1. It soaks up every last bit of dirt.
While that should be a cleanser’s job, toners were originally developed as an extra cleansing step to remove dirt and impurities from makeup and environmental conditions. Sometimes, there may be makeup that’s left behind after cleansing, so toners are the best and easiest way to ensure your complexion is squeaky clean.
2. It balances the pH level of your skin.
Our skin’s optimal pH is 5.5 but this is constantly stripped off by a cleanser. Toners are specifically designed to restore pH balance to the skin, so it basically keeps your skin from becoming too dry or oily after you wash your face. Translation? Perfectly prepped skin for your subsequent skincare routine.
3. It solves your skin woes.
We’re talking about enlarged pores and breakouts here. Toners tighten and cleanse your pores, so there’s less room for dirt and oil to penetrate. When you’re experience all-time summer high temperatures in Singapore, it’s not a secret that we simply sweat a lot. And when it mixes with excess oil, dirt, and bacteria, it agitates our skin and leads to breakouts. That’s why it’s important to take this extra step in cleansing your skin!
Just like any other skincare product, it is important to choose a toner based on your skin’s specific needs:
INNISFREE Green Tea Balancing Skin for Dry to Normal Skin
Hydrate and recharge your skin with Jeju Green Tea! Infused with organically grown green tea leaves that are rich in amino acids and minerals, this skin balancing toner provides deep moisturizing and nourishment. With a water-like texture, it applies smoothly and absorbs quickly without any stickiness. Free from parabens, synthetic colorants, mineral oil, urea and animal-originated ingredients, its hydrating formula eaves skin soft and smooth.
$19.50 (was $24), VIIMART.com
LANEIGE Fresh Calming Toner for Combination to Oily Skin
Laneige’s newest collection, Fresh Calming, helps to soothes and restores skin’s balance with a burst of moisture. Infused with rich, plant extracts, this toner balances the oil to moisture ratio of skin. Its oil-free texture provides a refreshing feeling, making it perfect for use as a toner mask. Free of sulfates, mineral oil, synthetic colorants and animal-originated ingredients, this lightweight formula improves skin texture and controls oil production.
$34 (was $40), VIIMART.com
SK-II Facial Treatment Clear Lotion for All Skin Types (including Sensitive Skin)
Infused with hydroxy-acids, soothing moistures and Pitera™, this gentle toning lotion exfoliates dead skin cells and impurities while prepping the face for its subsequent skincare regimen. It conditions and purifies the skin to solve all dullness, unevenness, and dryness woes. Free of alcohol and sulfates, this toner further calms aggravated skin and is fundamentally suitable for any skin types.
$89 (was $116), VIIMART.com
LANCOME Visionnaire Pre-Correcting Advanced Lotion for Mature Skin
Much more than a basic toner, internationally patented [LR 2412] is Lancome’s first advanced collection and vision of skin perfection. It’s capable of re-creating more beautiful skin, visibly correcting wrinkles, pores and imperfections such as signs of UV damage and acne marks. Dermatologist-tested and free of parabens, it allows you to see visible results for beautiful skin in real time — imagine visibly improved skin in just 4 weeks!
$67 (was $83), VIIMART.com
Well-formulated toners loaded with beneficial ingredients can transform the way your skin looks and feels after cleansing. Even if you use the gentlest cleanser, your skin still needs to be replenished with what the cleanser removes. As many of our editors can attest to, it’s a must-have step. To check out the full range of toners available, click HERE for more.
