How to choose the perfect toner for your skin
There was a time when toners were responsible for damaging our skin barrier, leaving us with a host of other skin concerns, including dryness and irritation. This was mainly because most toners back then contained harsh alcohols such as denatured alcohol. However, the toner landscape has evolved significantly in recent years.
The Purpose of a Toner in Your Skincare Routine
Toners are primarily formulated with water, allowing us to dissolve higher concentrations of water-based skincare active ingredients and effectively address various skin concerns. This is why you need to be smart in selecting your toners. A toner can help:
- Balance your skin’s pH level
- Remove any residual impurities
- Hydrate and prep your skin for better absorption of the next products
Look for toners that contain ingredients tailored to your specific needs, whether it's hydration, hyperpigmentation, brightening, or anti-ageing benefits.
Key Ingredients to Look For:
- For dehydrated or ageing skin: Opt for toners enriched with hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid, glycerin, ceramides, and peptides.
- To strengthen the skin barrier: Look for anti-inflammatory ingredients such as Centella Asiatica, aloe, panthenol, and bisabolol.
- Protection against environmental stressors: Toners infused with soothing antioxidants like green tea extract and resveratrol protect against environmental stressors while promoting skin health.
- For glowing and brightening effect: Toners containing niacinamide and glycerin offer targeted solutions for achieving a radiant complexion.
- For oily or acne-prone skin: Instead of a toner, use a salicylic acid exfoliator to help unclog pores and regulate oil production. Niacinamide is also a fantastic ingredient to control sebum production.
Ingredients to avoid:
When selecting a toner, it's essential to steer clear of certain ingredients that may have adverse effects on the skin.
- Witch hazel: Often distilled in alcohol, witch hazel can lead to increased transepidermal water loss and dryness. This quick-drying effect provides instant gratification but is not good for the skin in the long term.
- Menthol: Despite its cooling sensation, menthol can sensitise the skin, making it unsuitable for acne-prone or inflamed skin types.
- Denatured alcohol is another volatile ingredient to avoid. It generates free radicals in the skin and dries out the skin. Then, the negative loop happens whereby removing oils from the skin encourages skin to produce more oil for the skin and so it is one of those quick fixes but in the long term, it’s not ideal.
- Fragrance: Fragrance has no skincare benefits, and it is mostly included in the skincare products to either mask the smell of other ingredients or for sensory purposes. However, fragrance is the leading cause of contact dermatitis and may sensitise the skin in the long term.
- Essential oils: Similarly, essential oils are not good for the skin. It can irritate the skin and sensitise skin.
Where Should Toner Fit into Your Routine?
- Double cleanse: Properly cleansing the skin is important to remove impurities and prepare the skin for optimal absorption of active ingredients. First, use your oil-based cleanser to remove all the makeup and sunscreen and then, use your water-based cleanser to wash off all the rest of the grime.
- Toner: Apply toner immediately after cleansing to restore the skin's pH balance and prep the skin. Dr Vanita Rattan Super Hydrating Toner is a hydrating toner, packed with antioxidants and anti-pigmentation ingredients such as niacinamide to minimise pores, fine lines and pigmentation, glycerin to plump and smooth skin, and buddleja davidii leaf cell culture extract for hyperpigmentation.
- AHA/BHA: Once or twice a week, apply your acids such as mandelic acid, and salicylic acid to remove the dead skin cells. Since acids can be irritating to the skin, it is always a great idea to use it after a toner as it will minimise the change of irritation.
- Serum: Follow up with antioxidant-rich serums. If you have exfoliated your skin, make sure not to apply irritating ingredients such as retinol and ascorbic acid. Go for derivatives such as retinyl palmitate or tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate (a non-irritating form of vitamin C).
- Moisturiser: Seal in the moisture with a moisturiser designed for your skin type, such as Dr Vanita Rattan Cera Pep Moisturiser for normal/dry/combination skin, or for oily and acne-prone skin try TRIO Blemish Gel PM Moisturiser.
Remember to listen to your skin and adapt your routine accordingly for the best outcomes.
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