| Hydrating toner | Exfoliating toner | |
|---|---|---|
| Main job | Add water to the outer skin and support hydration. | Use acids to loosen or dissolve dead surface cells. |
| Common ingredients | Many formulas contain hyaluronic acid or glycerin. | Alpha hydroxy acids, such as glycolic or lactic acid, and beta hydroxy acid, such as salicylic acid. |
| What it can do | Increase the skin's water content and help other products absorb. | Help unclog pores and smooth skin texture; pores can look smaller, but their size is largely genetic. |
| Choose it if | You want a water based step after cleansing. | You want exfoliation and can use acids without irritation. |
What is a hydrating toner?
A hydrating toner is a water based lotion or tonic used after cleansing and before moisturizer. Toners have high water content, and many contain hyaluronic acid or glycerin to increase hydration. Applying toner after cleansing can also increase water in the outer layer of skin, which helps other products absorb. If your skin feels dry after washing, a hydrating toner can be a useful step. A toner is not a mandatory checkpoint; your face can decline the paperwork. You can skip it if you do not need another step in your routine.1
What is an exfoliating toner?
An exfoliating toner uses chemical exfoliants, commonly alpha hydroxy acids such as glycolic or lactic acid, or beta hydroxy acid such as salicylic acid. Chemical exfoliation loosens or dissolves dead cells on the skin's outer layer. Alpha hydroxy acids loosen the material holding surface cells together so they shed. Toners with alpha or beta hydroxy acids can help unclog pores and smooth texture. They can make pores look smaller, while genetics keeps actual pore size outside the toner department. Toner can also be called a tonic, an essence or an exfoliating acid, a job title with remarkably little paperwork, so check the ingredients to see what the formula is meant to do.123
How often should you use exfoliating toner?
Gently swipe or mist it over your face; toner does not need to be rinsed off. General toner use can be once or twice a day, but if a formula has strong acids or other ingredients that could irritate, start every other day and increase only as your skin tolerates it. How often to exfoliate also depends on skin type and method; stronger exfoliation should be used less often. For alpha hydroxy acid leave on products, DermNet advises nighttime use and says twice daily can be used if necessary. Apply moisturizer after exfoliating, and protect your skin from the sun when using alpha hydroxy acids. Toner effects can take six weeks to three months to appear; results for acne or dark marks can take about two to three months.123
If your skin is dry, sensitive or acne prone, choose a mild approach; sensitive skin can sting or burn after products, and mechanical scrubs may be too irritating. Avoid strong exfoliation if you have a darker skin tone or develop dark spots after burns, bites or acne, since aggressive exfoliation can increase pigmentation. Do not exfoliate open cuts, wounds or sunburned skin. If your skin becomes red or irritated, reduce or stop exfoliating. Check your routine before adding acids: exfoliating while using prescription retinoid creams, retinol or benzoyl peroxide can worsen dryness or breakouts. DermNet describes alpha hydroxy acid preparations as safe in pregnancy. If you are unsure whether exfoliation suits your skin or medication routine, a dermatologist can help you decide.23
Where this answer comes from
- 1What Does Toner Do for Your Face? 5 Benefitshealth.clevelandclinic.org
- 2How to safely exfoliate at homeaad.org
- 3Alpha hydroxy acid facial treatmentsdermnetnz.org
