Face toner for men: what to choose and how to use it

Do you actually need a toner?

Start with the basics before adding toner. A morning routine needs a cleanser, moisturizer and sunscreen, in that order. Toner is an addition for a specific purpose, rather than something you must use to make the other steps count. More products increase the chances of dryness and irritation, so adding several bottles at once is not an upgrade.1

An effective routine can be quick and inexpensive, despite the skincare aisle's ambitions for your bathroom. Spend on the basics and any particular skin problem you need to address before treating toner as essential. For dry skin, an effective moisturizer is a more direct starting point than an alcohol containing toner.4

Which type of toner should you choose?

Acid toners can make pores look smaller by unclogging them and smoothing texture. They do not permanently shrink pores, whose size is largely genetic. Alcohol based astringents are different from hydrating toners and can be harsh and drying.2

How do you use face toner?

A toner belongs after cleanser and before moisturizer, which gives the extra bottle a job description.2

1. 1Wash your face gently with cleanser and your hands. Avoid abrasive scrubbing.
2. 2Gently swipe toner over your face with a cotton round, or mist it on if it comes as a spray. Do not rinse it off.
3. 3Apply any other routine products from thinner to thicker textures, then moisturizer. Follow your prescription directions if you use medication.
4. 4Finish your morning routine with broad spectrum sunscreen rated SPF 30 or higher. Sunscreen is not needed at night.

A gentle toner can be used once or twice daily. Start a toner with strong acids or other potentially irritating actives every other day, increasing only as tolerated. Morning use after cleansing is one straightforward way to fit toner into your routine.12

Can you use toner with other skincare?

Look at the whole routine before adding an exfoliating toner. Certain toners and serums cause dryness, and using too many products makes side effects more likely. Vitamin C mixed with alpha hydroxy acid exfoliants can also disrupt skin's pH, its level of acidity. Avoid introducing several new products together, and test a new product before making it a regular step.1

Should you use toner if you have acne?

If you are treating acne, prioritize gentle, alcohol free skincare and avoid toners, astringents or exfoliants that irritate or dry your skin. Drying products can make acne appear worse. An oil control ingredient is not a reason to keep using a formula that irritates you.3

Wash gently up to twice daily and after sweating, using your fingertips rather than a washcloth or sponge. Give your acne treatment several weeks to a few months to work instead of repeatedly changing treatments. If breakouts continue despite consistent care, see a dermatologist, who can treat existing acne and help prevent new breakouts and scars.3

What if you have rosacea or easily irritated skin?

If you have rosacea, skip toner and astringents. Rosacea often makes skin sensitive, and alcohol, fragrance, menthol, glycolic acid and lactic acid are among the ingredients to avoid. Choose fragrance free products rather than products labeled unscented, and stop exfoliating.5

For rosacea, cleanse gently twice daily. If you use rosacea medication, apply it before moisturizer. Let your face dry before moisturizing to reduce burning or stinging. Moisturizer matters whether your skin is oily or dry; ask your dermatologist for product suggestions if finding gentle skincare is difficult.5

How long does toner take to work?

Visible changes generally take six weeks to three months and can be subtle. Toners aimed at acne or dark spots can take about two to three months.2

Stop using a product if it causes skin irritation or signs of contact dermatitis, an irritated skin reaction, and make an appointment with a dermatologist. Continuing through irritation is not part of the waiting period for results.1