In regard to the skincare ritual, many women follow step 1. cleansing and step 3. moisturizing, however, most skip step 2. the most important step in maintaining a clear complexion, applying a toner. Toners are especially important and necessary help to rebalance your skin after cleansing.  For people with oily or acne-prone skin, applying a toner is crucial. To understand this crucial step in your skincare ritual, we first need to examine exactly what is a toner and when our skin needs it the most?

What is a Toner?  

A toner is a skincare product, usually water-based, (a toner looks like water and acts like water) because it provides hydration, that’s meant to shrink the appearance of large pores and further cleanse the skin, picking up any makeup or debris that may have been left behind and it balances the skins pH level.  A toner not only provides an extra layer of hydration for thirsty skin but also allows it to drink in even more moisture when applied before a serum or moisturizer.

In the past, most commercial toners were made with alcohol, this would cause dryness to the skin. These toners were counterproductive to radiant, glowing and healthy skin.  With the growing awareness of Korean skincare, which utilizes plant essences after cleansing to bring hydration to the skin,  toners that contained alcohol were replaced with toners that included witch hazel, glycerin, hydrosol water, rose water, plant extracts or some other botanical to hydrate the skin. Some green beauty toners are a take on Korean essences, most include some variations of hyaluronic acid, glycerin, natural extracts and hydrosol waters to hydrate and balance the skins pH levels. Still, most toners are water-based liquids composed of specific active ingredients including plant extracts and essential oils, tailored to address a variety of skin types.

When should you apply a toner? and how do I apply it?

A toner should be applied after cleansing or detoxing the skin with a facial mask however you can apply a toner any time of the day. A toner can be applied by three different methods:

1.  Using a cotton ball -  dispense the toner onto a cotton pad and gently wipe it around your face working outwards then inwards.
2. Spraying directly onto the skin - some toners come in a spritz bottle to spray directly onto the face. Make sure you close your eyes while spaying the toner. 
3. The Korean 7 Skin Method - this method became a must-do ritual in Korea last year and it does have many benefits of keeping your skin hydrated. Basically, 7 layers of toner are patted on and layered in succession onto your skin. 

• Pour a small splash of toner onto a cotton pad and rub it all over your face and neck (very similar to step method 1).
• While your skin is still slightly damp, pour the same amount of toner into the palm of your hands and pat it onto the skin and neck. Wait for your skin to absorb the toner and move onto the next layer. Apply the toner to your face 7 times to complete the 7 layers of toner to your face and neck.

What toner should you use for your skin type?

• Oily skin - A toner with exfoliating benefits is perfect for an oily skin type that's also prone to breakouts. That's because these toners include gently effective skincare acids that loosen dead cells and increase the cell turnover rate. Therefore, dead skin is much less likely to become trapped in your pores. Try toners that contain white willow bark.

• Dry skin - choose a toner that will deeply rehydrate and refresh your skin and prepare it for the absorption of a serum or moisturizer. Our No. 26 Toner is perfect for those with dry skin. 

• Combination or Normal Skin - can use any type. 

• Sensitive skin - should stick with an alcohol-free toner and one that's gentle and free essential oils that may irritate the skin. Plain rosewater or hydrosol toner is perfect.