Do you need a toner?

"Trista, do I need a toner?" I am asked this question all the time and it is a great question! While toners aren't necessary, they can definitely enhance your skin care routine.  Are toners for everyone? Why exactly would you want to add this step to your skincare routine? Read on to learn what you need to know about toners and if they're right for you.

THE WHY

Sometimes called clarifiers or refreshers, toners can provide many benefits when added to your daily skincare routine, including:

• Improve texture and helps prevent blemishes, blackheads, and milia
• Boost hydration
• Helps to remove excess makeup, dirt, oil, and sebum
• Prepares skin for remaining treatment products​

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THE when

Toners fall into the prepare portion of your skincare routine. They are applied after cleansing and then followed by serums, moisturizer and sunscreen. Some Toners have multifunctions and can be used as a hydrating mist throughout the day, to set make up and refresh the skin, or for use on other areas of the body to help with breakouts and other skin conditions. 

Here are three simple ways to use a toner in your daily routine:

1. As an added boost to your cleanse and an enhanced makeup remover. Wipe face (post-cleanse) with a (toner) saturated cotton round.
2. To control oil production, decongest the skin and purify the pores. Wipe face (post-cleanse) with a (toner) saturated cotton round.
3. To brighten the skin and give it a dewy airbrush finish, apply a spritz of toner after makeup application. Once you finish applying makeup, mist toner over face, neck, and décolletté, then gently press into the skin.

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what to look for

How to Choose a Toner
First you should identify what you would like to to accomplish with your toner.

• Do you need hydration?
• Do you want to combat oily skin?

Most formulations state which skin type they are for. However, while that's a great starting point, it shouldn't be the deciding factor. You should always consider your skin type and all of the other factors that go into creating your skin statement. If you haven't created your skin statement yet, you can do so here.

Equipped with your skin statement, here are my recommendation for each skin type: 
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Oily/Acne-Prone Skin: A toner with willow bark extract has antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties clear pores of impurities. You will want  Purifying Toner.

Dry/Sensitive Skin: Reach for a toner with humectants or peptides to boost hydration and calm inflammation. You will want Boost Hydrating Peptide Mist or Balancing Toner.

Normal and Combination Skin: It's your pick, do you prefer something hydrating and nourishing or do you need to address some clogged pores and blemishes? This may change seasonally.  You can choose any of the above options, they are all great for your skin type. 

putting it all together

The choice to use a toner all depends on your skin care goals and skin type. ​Toners are optional, but they can really enhance your current skin care regimen by preparing the skin and providing a boost of additional skin nurturing ingredients.

Remember, skincare is not one size fits all. Want help figuring out what will work for you? Contact me to help choose the perfect toner for you!