How To Use And Apply Facial Toner

Facial toners, known also as tonics, lotions, astringents are solutions that remove surface skin cells, soap residue and oil from the skin. They are often heavy on water and alcohol and sometimes contain other ingredients like salicylic acid, witch hazel, benzoyl peroxide.
A good toner will remove surface oils and debris which may be helpful for oily or acne-prone skin.



A big misconception is that a toner will close enlarged pores, but actually it gives the appearance of minimizing pores as the toner irritate the skin and make it swell slightly. The toners remove excess oil from the skin, whisk away impurities that usually lead to blemishes and breakouts.

• Remove dirt and makeup residue
• Complement the cleansing process
• Refine pores and tighten pores temporarily
• Make skin feel fresh and clean
• Remove excess oil from the skin
• Refresh tired complexion
• Whisk away impurities
• Reduce the appearance of fine lines
• Increase blood circulation
• Restore your skin’s natural pH balance
• Improve skin tone
• Reduce oil secretion
• Improve the elimination of toxins
• Speed up cell turnover
• Promote sloughing of dead skin cells

Most of the dermatologists say that if you cleanse your face regularly twice a day with the appropriate skincare products you can go without a toner, but those with oily or acne-prone skin swear by toners as they keep their skin clean and fresh and remove the excess oil from the surface of the skin. Most of the people with problem skin look for a toner containing alcohol as it dry the pimples faster and there is nothing wrong in that. You should look for a product specifically designed for oily or acne-prone skin, containing salicylic acid, glycolic acid, hydroxyl acid. If the amount of alcohol is too much it can provoke production of more oils which in turn means more pimples, more blackheads, clogged pores.

How to apply facial toner properly:

Step 1 Wash your face
Splash your face with warm water and make sure your hands are clean. Apply the cleanser to your face with circular motions. Make sure you cover all the areas – forehead, chin, nose, cheeks and neck then rinse with lukewarm water.

Step 2 Apply the facial toner
A toner should always be applied to a cleansed face. It should be applied with a cotton pad. Saturate the cotton pad and pat the toner gently over your face and neck area. Apply it to the forehead, cheeks, chin and nose, or to the whole face. Never rub your skin when applying toner.

Step 3 Apply moisturizer
After applying facial toner your skin may feel a little tight and dry and that’s why you need to apply a facial moisturizer after toning your skin.

Common ingredients in facial toners are:
Witch Hazel, Tea Tree Oil, Aloe Vera, Glycerin, Sodium hydroxide, fragrance, Methylparaben, Benzoyl Peroxide, Salicylic Acid, Polyaminopropyl Biguanide, Panthenol, Lactic Acid, Centella asiatica, rose geranium essential oil, chamomilla recutita.
Useful tips:

• When applying toner avoid the eye area
• Some harsh ingredients in the toner may cause irritation characterized by redness, itching, burning, and peeling.
• If your skin is sensitive look for a rosewater facial toner
• Never rub your skin when applying facial toner
• A toner containing alcohol can dry out your skin
• Always apply the toner to a cleansed face.

To learn more see also the articles:

How To Get Rid Of Pimples And How To Treat PimplesВ

How To Use A Facial Cleanser And How To Apply A Facial CleanserВ

How To Select And How To Apply A Facial MoisturizerВ

How To Exfoliate The Face

В How To Treat Oily Skin

Steps To Clean And Gorgeous SkinВ

Recommended Toners:

Nivea Visage Alcohol-Free Moisturizing Toner ($6) – This gentle toner removes all traces of cleanser residue and prepares your skin for moisturizing. Plus it contains Chamomile and Aloe to soothe and comfort the skin.

Neutrogena Pore Refining Toner, Alpha and Beta Hydroxy Formula ($7.80) – visibly reduces the appearance of pores and refines skin to be clear, smooth and more even toned. Skin is left soft, smooth and refreshed.

AHAVA Matifying Toner ($22) – This alcohol-free toner tightens pores, rebalances the skin’s pH, and removes unwanted shine.

Clinique Clarifying Lotion ($19) – Gentle exfoliating lotion developed by Clinique’s dermatologists for skins dry in the cheeks, comfortable to oily in the T-zone. De-flakes skin’s surface to smooth, reveal clearer skin.

Decleor Tonifying Lotion ($31) – For skin that feels unbelievably soft and fresh – finish your cleansing routine with this soft pink toner. Infused with lavender and petit grain essential oils, and orange, kiwi, and mallow essential waters, this soothing toner is ideal for all skin types.

Murad Hydrating Toner ($22) – Murad Hydrating Toner is an alcohol-free formula with a delicious peach scent. This unique formula soothes and hydrates normal, dry, and sensitive skin. With antioxidants and botanical extracts to calm irritated, dry skin, it is the perfect complement to your daily skincare regimen.



Clarins Toning Lotion ($25) – Alcohol-free plant based lotion to refresh combination or oily skin and gently complete the perfect cleansing program.

LancГґme Tonique Clarte Fresh Clarifying and Revitalizing Toner ($23) – For improved skin texture and clarity, this formula contains natural botanical extracts of papaya and pineapple to leave skin feeling soft, refreshed and perfectly clarified.

NARS Hydrating Freshening Lotion ($35) – Refreshing and moisturizing, this multi-beneficial softening lotion instantly supports skin hydration and renewal. Essential moisture is imparted with Nars exclusive Active Phytoseed Complex.

How To Use And Apply Facial Toner

One of the most important parts of a daily skin regime is toner. Unfortunately, this is often times overlooked. Toner helps to balance the skins pH levels, removes oil and dirt residue and helps to keep skin moisturized. Using toner can help to reduce wrinkles, keep skin looking fresh and feeling moisturized. Using toner every day is important in skin health. There are a few tips to using skin toner that can help get all of the great benefits from this skin care product.

Skin toners are a great way to instantly brighten up ones skin. It is also key in getting the skin ready for makeup to be applied. It is important to apply toner to the skin on a regular basis. After washing and exfoliating the skin, toner should be applied to the face and neck. There are many different types of toners available, even some that are made specifically for certain types of skin. There are toners made for oily or dry skin tones and even for specific age groups. Choosing the right toner for your skin type can help to keep skin looking gorgeous.

When purchasing a toner, look at the ingredients to make sure you are choosing correctly. Toners should not have alcohol, ethanol or isopropyl alcohol included in them. Other ingredients to steer away from include acetone, citrus, mint or any type of fragrance. These irritants can cause irritation and damage to the skin.

Once the skin has been cleaned, apply a generous amount of toner using a cotton ball. Wipe the entire face and neck area with the toner. Make sure to use a second or third cotton ball if the toner does not seem to be lasting throughout the face. Toners should work to sooth and comfort the skin, it should not burn or sting.