Toners: Useful or No??

 

 

   

   Toners seem to hold a traditional part of most skincare routines, plenty of people deem them as unnecessary. However, they hold an important part in my routine however. Many years ago, toners were specifically used to get the soap excess residue from cleansers left behind. Cleansers now are much more gentle though in this day & age, so that necessity is no longer in terms of its original purpose from the beginning. Toners if alcohol-free, could offer hydrating benefits after cleansing or even exfoliating benefits when combined with alpha hydroxy or beta hydroxy acids.

   Many skincare experts & dermatologists think it's an unnecessary step though. However, I think it still holds a place in the skincare game though. Astringents though are normally alcohol-ridden formulas meant to control excess oil production and acne breakouts, although it can create more problems than good. Most cleansers are pH-adjusted so your skin is left balanced. Therefore, toners is not needed for that either. Though, you can still use them in case you happen to be more self-cautious to make sure your pH-balanced. 

   I personally prefer to use them to make sure I get any extra traces of dirt, grime and excess oil. I also prefer ones with acids in them to get to help chemically exfoliate and slough off dead skin cells. Not a total necessity in a toner but still helpful for cell turnover. There's other ingredients that are beneficial to deliver into the skin as well, such as antioxidants and other skin repairing ingredients & actives. Toners are still up for debate though, use it if you love it. No harm however... Works for me though and my skin to use a toner, also with myself being acne-prone, I feel it can somewhat help with a dedicated skincare routine and targeted ingredients as well. As long as it's a well-formulated product, definitely go for it, but it's not a complete must. Although, a very nice addition to have. No complaints! I don't mind having a few extra steps in my regimen. Just doesn't have to be 10 steps is all (LOL).  ^_^

P.S. They should not be an expensive product as part of your regimen, in my overall humble opinion.

Thank you for reading!

Yours truly always,

Mr. Skin Care Guru