Best Toners For Your Skin

Cleanse, tone and moisturise. These are the three steps I was taught when I was younger, and at that time, it consisted of a Nutrimetics cleanser, cheap supermarket toners and a Ponds or Nivea moisturiser – or if I was ‘in the money’ I’d lash out and purchase an Olay moisturiser. If I was feeling really indulgent, I’d treat myself to a St Ives Apricot scrub.

Now aside from showing my age with those products from the past, I also should confess that I had terrible skin. Terrible acne prone, oily and also dry skin. I cannot remember a day in my teen years where I had clear skin – there would always be a pimple somewhere on my face – or body for that matter – and it was only later in life that I realised that all of the acne anguish I felt could have been fixed if I’d gone and seen a professional – or used less astringent products – which brings me to the topic of this article – TONERS! 

 

We get asked so often by our customers if they should be using a toner – especially by those suffering acne, or those above the age of 40 – because of the information we grew up with – cleanse – tone – moisturise.

 

If you had asked me a couple of years ago whether or not you should use a toner, I would have said a big NO – and this was due to the fact that so many toners – almost all actually – contained so much alcohol (or ethanol) that they would do nothing other than dry out the skin, making it feel tight, irritated and further exasperating any acne and inflammation. This was because the alcohol would severely dry out the skin, causing an impaired epidermal barrier. But since then, toners have come a long way, and although they are not necessarily an essential step in your skin care routine, for some people, they can make a real difference.

 

What is the benefit of toners and do you need one?

Traditionally, toners were used to remove excess oil, hence the drying out, but now, the toners that we stock, are quite multifunctional and are usually made of plant acids and botanical extracts. Designed to be used straight after cleansing, toners can remove any excess product, exfoliate and remove surface dead skin, clear congestion, break down pigment spots, hydrate, calm inflammation and can strengthen the epidermal barrier.

 

What toner is right for you?

Just like choosing serums, working out which type of toner is suitable for you is just as important. Salicylic or lipo-hydroxy acid toners are best for those with acne, while toners that contain glycolic acid are best for those looking for more of a resurfacing result with hydration benefits. There are some toners that are purely designed for calming the skin, and these traditionally include ingredients such as witch hazel, rosemary, aloe, and chamomile, all ingredients that promote a softer skin while soothing and toning.

Here are our suggestions for toners, depending on skin type:

 

Oily, congested, acne prone skin:

• Cosmedix Purity Balance. This toner will remove impurities from the skin and encourage healthy sebaceous activity. The active ingredients are tea tree oil, a wonderful antibacterial that also soothes the skin as well as lactic and salicylic acids to remove impurities, add hydration and strengthen the skin. The benefit of this toner is that it is great for managing oily skin without stripping the skin or drying it out.
  If you suffer from back or chest acne, this is a great product for those areas. Also super easy to apply to the back, with its spray function.
• SkinCeuticals LHA Toner is a purifying solution with lipo-hydroxy acid to decongest pores and remove dead cells from the skin’s surface. The toner contains 5% key active ingredients and addresses breakouts and improves visible signs of ageing.

 

Sensitive, red, irritated or dry skin:

• Medik8 Press and Glow is designed for those who have sensitive skin and are looking for an alternative to the typical glycolic toners. Instead, this toner works using a high performing polyhydroxy acid that both resurfaces your skin and breaks down stubborn pigmentation. Leaving you with a smoother and brighter complexion. Not only that, but it acts as a moisture magnet, which leaves you with a naturally stronger skin barrier.
• Cosmedix Benefit Balance uses the power of potent antioxidants to tone, soothe and nourish the skin. Aloe Vera, green tea and chamomile are used in this product as they contain healing, soothing and calming properties. Also containing Witch Hazel, a natural astringent which can help reduce inflammation, decrease redness as well as oil. Lactic acid is used for its AHAs. Lactic acid is a popular exfoliant for ageing skin as it is so gentle, and yet incredibly effective. Lastly, shea butter and D-glucuronic acid are added to assist with moisture loss. Shea butter is particularly efficient at healing blemishes and wrinkles due to its high levels of vitamin A and other rejuvenating antioxidants.
• SkinCeuticals Phyto Corrective Essence Mist is designed as a lightweight hydrator with the effect between a toner and serum. Adding a soothing and strengthening action to your skin, reducing redness and boosting your skins natural barrier. The mist function is designed to allow a hygienic and friction-free application, making re-application easy throughout the day when your skin is impaired.

 

Ageing skin:

• Osmosis Boost has taken the beneficial frequencies of added active ingredients including proprietary frequencies such as keratinocyte growth factors, epidermal growth factors as well as being antibacterial, antiviral and antifungal. Sprayed onto the face following your serums it will help them penetrate as it soothes, hydrates, firms and nourishes and all with a light citrus scent. The science behind harmonised water has been used again in this high-quality skin product in order to stimulate firmness, hydration and nourishment for a clear and glowing complexion. A firm favourite in our clinic, especially if used in conjunction with Osmosis Catalyst AC-11.
• Medik8 Press and Glow is also great for ageing skin – so check the description above. This toner works using a high performing polyhydroxy acid that both resurfaces your skin and breaks down stubborn pigmentation. Leaving you with a smoother and brighter complexion. Not only that, but it acts as a moisture magnet, which leaves you with a naturally stronger skin barrier.

 

Pigmented Skin:

• Medik8 Press and Glow is one that can also be used for pigmentation. Personally, I was quite surprised to see the effects of using this toner and how it helped to remove pigment and give a more even tone. The added benefits of this toner is that it also keeps my enlarged pores clear.

 

We have many other toner products that all have multifunctional benefits. If you are looking to up your skin care game, without spending a lot of money, perhaps adding a toner will be the difference you’ve been looking for!

 

Best Selling Toners

If you need any help in choosing your skin care, you can email us at info@theskincareclinic.com.au.

 

 

 

 

 

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