Do you really need face toner? Let’s find out

We often see toners online getting advertised or being launched by our favourite skincare brands all the time. They are also included in one of the most basic skincare routines out there – CTM, which is an abbreviation for ‘Cleanser, Toner, Moisturizer’. But are toners really that important for a skincare routine? To reach a conclusion, let’s first define a toner’s job description in any skincare routine. 

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What does a toner do?

Toner is primarily a second cleansing step that follows your basic face wash/cleanser. A good face toner is supposed to eliminate any skin impurities, traces of makeup, or oil that might have been left out by your cleanser. This extra cleansing step helps in increasing the efficacy of the rest of your skincare products. Along with all these benefits, toner also helps in balancing your skin’s pH levels and restores your skin’s hydration that might have been lost due to excessive cleansing. 

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Some toners are formulated with skincare actives like glycolic acid, lactic acid, or vitamin C to provide extra exfoliating benefits. This can help target certain skincare concerns one might have in a sensitive yet uncomplicated way. 

How important is toner for skin?

Your skin’s need for toner totally depends on your skin type and concerns. There are people who will never need a toner, while some might feel like their skincare routine completely depends on it. Now if you’re considering the importance of toner for your skin, we’ve got answers for you!

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NO! Not every skin requires toner. However, including one in your daily routine can help in specifically targeting your skin concerns. 

Do you need toner?

Now, are you wondering if you need to start using face toner? Because if you are, we’ve got the correct answers for you.

- If you have dry and dehydrated skin

Increase your skin’s hydration levels with super hydrating toners that can replenish your skin. While maintaining the pH levels of the skin, it can gently cleanse your skin to eradicate any residual impurities.

- For oily or acne-prone skin

For oily or acne-prone skin, you need a toner that delivers a deep cleanse, while maintaining your skin’s oil levels. It can help keep extra oil/sebum secretion at bay, make your skin healthier, and prevent frequent breakouts. 

- For pigmented skin

Pigmented skin can get help from chemically exfoliating agents like glycolic acid, vitamin C, and lactic acid. These types of toners will lightly exfoliate the upper layer of the skin to remove dead skin cells, pigmented skin, and dark spots to reveal brighter skin. 

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It’s a lesser-known fact that some toners for women have astringent properties as well. These properties help in reducing the appearance of pores on the skin, which in turn reduces the possibilities of congested skin, acne breakouts, whiteheads, and blackheads. While using a toner is not a must for everybody, it can help target specific skincare concerns for many. 

Now that it has been established that toners are in fact not a compulsion, but a skippable skincare step, what are your thoughts? Are you team toner or not?

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