What is toner and how do I use it

The importance of facial toner in your beauty routine is often underestimated. NIVEA reveals what toners can do and how to find and use the right toner for your skin type.

WHAT IS TONER?

Scientifically speaking a face toner is a fast acting, quick hydration boost to the skin that also helps to remove dead skins cells in the process. It effectively prepares the skin before you apply moisturiser, or makeup, and helps to balance out the natural pH levels of your skin, taking away impurities and helping your skin absorb the skin products you later apply.

Toners effectively clean and close pores and act as a barrier to prevent dirt from entering these freshly cleaned pores - this makes toners especially beneficial to those with acne. It’s important to use a toner that does not contain alcohol as this can disrupt how your skin produces its natural oils, which can cause skin to become unbalanced and can lead to irritated and dry skin.

BENEFITS OF USING A TONER

Toners are now being designed with the goal of removing excess residue, while still maintaining your skin’s natural pH and hydration levels. If you aren’t already using a face toner, these are the reasons why you should consider giving one a go:

1. IT RESTORES YOUR SKIN’S NATURAL PH BALANCE:

Some cleansers can throw your skin’s natural pH level off balance. Toner helps to even things out again and bring it back to between five and six.

2. IT HELPS PROTECT YOUR SKIN:

Toners help to firm up your pores after cleansing. Firmer pores reduce the ability of impurities and pollution to sink into your skin and damage it.

3. IT REFRESHES YOUR SKIN ON THE GO

Toner can also be used to cleanse your skin when you don’t have access water. Next time you’re on a plane or long commute, refresh oily or grimy skin with face toner on a cotton pad and follow up with your favourite moisturiser.

HOW TO USE TONER?

Face toners should be used immediately after you have cleansed your face, but before you apply any oils, moisturiser, or sun cream. This is because it helps to further cleanse the face by removing dead skin cells, and its beneficial properties, such as balancing out the pH levels of the skin, work towards keeping your skin happy and healthy.

It’s best to use the toner as soon after cleansing as possible because the molecules penetrate the skin better when it is wet, and this also allows the toner to lock in more moisture to leave your skin looking hydrated and healthy.

Toners can be applied directly with your hands, or with the use of a cotton pad to gently wipe it onto the face, and should cover the entire face, being careful to avoid contact with eyes.

WHICH TONER IS BEST FOR YOU?

The type of toner you should use depends largely on your skin type - some toners work to soothe skin, some tighten skin, and some focus on helping to balance out the oils on your face. Even if it is one of the best toners on the market, if it’s not suitable for your skin type it will have little effect.

BEST TONER FOR NORMAL SKIN & COMBINATION SKIN:

Choose toners containing the IQ co-enzyme which works as a powerful antioxidant for the skin, and helps hydrate the skin to give it a soft, replenished look. Try NIVEA Daily Essentials Refreshing Toner which clarifies and refreshes the skin while optimally preparing it for the application of a day or night cream

BEST TONER FOR SENSITIVE SKIN:

Look for a toner with skin-calming botanicals to provide relief to irritated skin - Aloe Vera is an excellent example of this due to it’s soothing qualities. Ingredients such as algae are also beneficial for sensitive skin as they contain amino acids, which help to remove toxins from the skin.

BEST TONER FOR DRY SKIN:

The best toner’s to use if you have dry skin contain fermented yeast extract and amino acids, which deeply hydrate the skin and help to lock in moisture helping your skin to look replenished and healthy. Fermented yeast is especially useful for those with dry skin as it helps to break down the active ingredients to aid the absorption of the nutrients and minerals into the skin. This process makes the ingredients overall much more rich in antioxidants and amino acids.

BEST TONER FOR ACNE-PRONE SKIN:

Toners are great at removing excess oils from the face if you have acne-prone skin, salicylic acid is an ingredient you should look for as it gently exfoliates to remove dead skin cells on the surface of the skin, unclogs pores and also contains antibacterial properties.

BEST TONER FOR OILY SKIN:

Toners for oily skin contain clay which helps to purify the skin and control shine, a common issue for those with oily skin. NIVEA Daily Essentials Shine Control Toner reduces shine and gives the skin a beautiful matte complexion. Enriched with natural Ocean Algae and Hydra IQ the skin is deeply toned and mattified giving you a matte, healthy looking skin.

BEST TONER FOR MATURE SKIN:

If you have mature skin it’s important to use toners with soothing non-abrasive ingredients, such as Aloe Vera. Vitamin C is also a beneficial ingredient due to its antioxidant properties which help to protect the skin and combat aging.