WHAT DOES TONER DO IN SKINCARE AND IS IT NECESSARY?

Especially for those with an established skincare routine, there must be a compelling reason to introduce a new product to your beauty shelf. Toners – a mainstay of Korean beauty regimes – have been reinvented in recent years, so you’re not alone in being unfamiliar with all that they offer.

If you’re unsure about the role of toner in skincare but want to understand its advantages for your skin, this article is for you. The best-formulated toners retain skin’s natural moisture and assist in revitalising your complexion – and many skin types can benefit greatly from them.

So, why is toner important in skincare? The below guide demystifies this skincare hero and discusses how to use toner in skincare routines for radiant results. Explore Lancôme’s bespoke formulas and elevate your daily routine.

What is toner in skincare?

Toners are a skincare product used between cleansing and applying face serums. Traditionally, toners have been associated with a high alcohol content. These formulas were recommended to those with oily and/or mild acne-prone skin, to restore balance to the skin’s pH levels and remove excess buildup of makeup and oil.

Modern toners, in contrast, have a water-like consistency and have been developed to target a host of different skin concerns. The role of toner in skincare now supports hydration, aging signs, sensitivity, enlarged pores and pigmentation.

What does toner do in skincare?

So, we know the importance of cleansers, moisturisers and serums, but is toner necessary for skincare? Toner acts as a bridge between your cleansing and moisturising stages, prepping the skin and providing a damp base for the application of serums and moisturisers. We can view toner as both the final step in the cleansing process (removing any lingering dirt molecules) and the first step in nourishing the skin after the pores have been opened.

How to use toner in skincare routine

Alongside imparting its own benefits, toners also promote the effectiveness of your other skincare products. Now that we know why toner is important in skincare, let’s look at where and how you should apply your toner:

1. Once you have cleansed your face, your skin is ready for toner. You can either apply toner by saturating a cotton pad or placing a few drops into your hands.
2. Disperse the product evenly on your face, neck and chest, gently pressing into the skin. Much like cleansing products, Lancôme recommends using toner twice a day: once in the morning and again at night. However, if you experience sensitive skin, introduce toner slowly. Begin with application once per day and gradually increase to morning and night usage. This will allow your skin to acclimate to the new product.

Ingredients to look out for in toners

There is no one-size-fits-all approach when it comes to choosing a toner. The purpose of toner in skincare depends on your needs, concerns and skin goals. When integrating a new product into your skincare routine, you want to ensure that each step includes ingredients supportive to your skin type. Below, we’ve identified some of the key ingredients to prioritise when choosing a toner.

1. Hyaluronic acid

A shining star in skincare, Hyaluronic Acidhyaluronic acid encourages greater water retention, giving the skin natural plumpness and improved elasticity with regular use. Hyaluronic acid is one of the primary ingredients in Lancôme’s Tonique Confort, a toner that has been formulated to target dry skin. If you’re still experimenting with the role of toner in skincare, then this formula is the perfect entry point for enhanced radiance and refined texture – hydrating, comforting and softening skin.

2. Lipids

Lipids are naturally produced in the body and are associated with healthy fats. The production of lipids declines with age, leading to a weakened skin moisture barrier and skin texture prone to dryness, dullness and a roughened appearance. A toner that is rich in lipids will fortify the skin moisture barrier. Lancôme’s lipid-infused toner, Rénergie Multi-Lift Gel-in-Lotion Face Toner, harnesses ingredients like apricot kernel oil and shea butter to instantly lift and plump dehydrated skin. If you feel like your skincare regime needs a more potent overhaul, we recommend the Absolue Rose 80 Lotion Face Toner with linseed extract, an ingredient renowned for its glow-giving properties.

3. Comforting properties

For sensitive skin types searching is toner necessary for skincare?, the answer could be yes! Toners have a comforting effect on skin and can do a lot to support sensitive complexions. Lancôme’s Tonique Douceur is infused with comforting ingredients like rose water which help to minimise sensitivity and visibly reduce redness. This toner helps to refine texture, remove remaining impurities and leave the skin feeling refreshed. If you’re wary of how your skin may react to certain products, we encourage you to seek out toners with natural and gentle extracts, and always speak to a healthcare professional if concerned.

Now that you know the role of toner in skincare, discover how to formulate your ultimate anti-aging skincare routine.