What are the benefits of face toner?

What is face toner?

Toner is usually a watery lotion applied after cleansing and before moisturizer. Modern toners can moisturize and soothe rather than strip away oil, so the category has changed jobs without changing its name. Alcohol based astringents are different: they control oil but can dry out skin.1

Which toner benefits fit your skin?

How do you use face toner?

1. 1Cleanse your face.
2. 2Gently swipe toner over your face with a cotton pad, or mist it on if it comes as a spray.
3. 3Leave the toner on.
4. 4Follow with your other skincare products, moving from thinner textures to thicker ones, then moisturizer.

A toner can fit a morning or evening routine, once or twice daily. For strong acids or potentially irritating actives, start every other day and adjust to tolerance. Follow the particular product's directions rather than treating every toner alike.1

How long does toner take to work?

Visible improvements usually take six weeks to three months and can be subtle. Toners targeting acne or dark marks can take about two to three months. Pick a benefit you actually want rather than expecting every toner to deliver every benefit.1

What are the benefits of glycolic acid toner?

Glycolic acid is an alpha hydroxy acid, or AHA: an acid that encourages surface skin cells to shed. It loosens the substances holding those cells together, helping reveal a more even colour and smoother texture. Regular AHA use can improve fine lines and brown marks. Glycolic acid can also help skin prone to acne, though an exfoliating toner is not automatically an acne treatment.23

The amount of exfoliation depends on the acid type, concentration, product acidity and other ingredients. The word 'toner' covers different kinds of products, which is a tidy label for a less tidy shopping decision. An AHA included to adjust acidity does not make a product equivalent to a dedicated exfoliating treatment.3

For consumer glycolic and lactic acid products, the Cosmetic Ingredient Review safety criteria include an acid concentration of 10% or less, a final pH of at least 3.5 and protection against increased sun sensitivity or directions requiring sun protection. pH measures how acidic or alkaline a formula is. A percentage alone is not enough to choose a suitable formula.3

How should you use a glycolic acid toner?

Evening application suits leave on AHA products. They can be alternated with retinoid creams or vitamin C rather than layered in the same session. For example, The Ordinary's Glycolic Acid 7% Exfoliating Toner spotlight describes application after cleansing, on dry skin, avoiding the eyes, followed by a hydrating serum or moisturizer once absorbed.24

The Ordinary's Canadian directions specify once daily, ideally in the evening, while its New Zealand spotlight recommends exfoliating once or twice weekly. These are different instructions, not a reason to increase use. Follow your own bottle's directions and start cautiously. The brand advises alternating this toner with retinoids, copper peptides and vitamin C on different evenings to reduce irritation risk.45

Who should be careful with toner?

Sensitive skin needs particular care with heavily fragranced toners. If you have rosacea or use prescription skincare, consider tolerance before adding another product. The Ordinary's glycolic toner directions specifically exclude sensitive, peeling or compromised skin and advise patch testing before use.15

Glycolic acid is considered safe in pregnancy. That does not settle the suitability of every toner formula, which can contain other ingredients.2

AHAs increase sensitivity to ultraviolet light. Use sunscreen, wear protective clothing and limit sun exposure while using an AHA toner and for one week after stopping. Applying an acid toner at night does not remove the need for daytime protection.3

Burning, rash, swelling and blistering are reported reactions to AHA products. More irritation does not mean better results. The Ordinary's glycolic toner directions say to rinse thoroughly, stop use and consult a physician if eye or skin irritation occurs. Excessive exfoliation can damage the skin barrier and cause redness, irritation or breakouts.345

Does steaming before toner help?

Steam can make skin more permeable and help topical products absorb. It is not a suitable addition for everyone: heat can worsen redness and rosacea, and steaming can aggravate very sensitive or eczema prone skin. Persistent breakouts, redness or irritation warrant a dermatologist's assessment.6