Toner, overlooked by the many and adored by the few, is a category which is growing incredibly quickly. We turned to skincare expert and founder of male grooming blog, His Habits, Shaun to find out the what, why, who and how of using a toner. Here's what he had to say...
Is a toner what your skincare routine is missing?
The answer is yes.
We all want healthy skin. After all, that’s why we have a skincare routine. But have you ever been in a situation where no matter what you do, your skin always seems to want a bit more? Well, I’m here to help.
I can pretty much guarantee that you don’t use a toner. If you do, carry on doing what you’re doing. But if you don’t, you might want to carry on reading. A toner is a skincare product that most people actually ignore, but it’s quite possibly one of the most important.
Toners are used after your face wash, and before your moisturiser. They work to bridge the gap between the two products and come in a variety of formulas that have extra benefits for the skin.
What actually is a toner?
A toner is a skincare product that is typically loaded with skin-replenishing ingredients that really take your skincare routine to the next level. They work to bridge the gap between your cleanser and moisturiser, and come in a variety of formulas that have extra benefits for the skin.
A cleansers main job is to clean out your pores, and it typically does this by removing any excess dirt or oil. What you might not know is that this leaves your pores open and puts them at risk of being clogged by any heavy product or environmental aggressors.
Toners typically help to close your pores, remove any excess oil or product, and help increase the effectiveness of your moisturiser.
Which toner is right for my skin?
Toners have advanced massively over the recent years and are more effective than ever. They come in a variety of textures and depending on your skin type, there’ll be a specific one you should look out for.
Normal or Dry Skin – What you should be looking for is a toner with a milky texture. They’ll help to hydrate the skin and soothe dryness. There are some clear formulas that are great for normal or dry skin, but to play it safe, look for something that’s milky.
Combination or Oily Skin– If your skin appears shiny, you want a lightweight toner. They might be more astringent than others, but they’ll help remove any excess oil and prevent any further clogged pores. If you find that your toner is too harsh, you can always alternate with something that’s more gentle.
Ageing or Sensitive Skin – If you have a specific skincare need, you can find a specially formulated toner. They’ll be packed full of ingredients to help target specific concerns, but you’ll just need to spend more time reading the packaging.
How do you use a toner?
They’re actually really easy to use. All you have to do is apply some of the product to a cotton pad, and smooth across your skin after you’ve cleansed. Some toners actually come in a spray, and I find them a lot easier to apply. Give the product a couple of seconds to dry and then apply your moisturiser. Simple.
Check out the incredible selection of men's toners available here at The Grooming Clinic. If you have any more skincare questions, feel free to contact me via HisHabits or message The Grooming Clinic on Instagram.
Shaun.
