Why Should You Include Facial Toners In Your Skincare Regimen?

Are you following an ideal skincare routine? If you are limiting yourself to just cleansing and moisturizing, then you are doing only a half-hearted job. As a result, you might not be satisfied with the texture of your skin.

Toning is a vital step that comes between cleansing and moisturizing and that makes a lot of difference to the quality of your skin. This article will discuss how facial toners visibly change the quality of your skin. Learn about the type of skin you have and which natural toner benefits you the most.

Our Ayurvedic Doctor Speaks

“Floral waters and soft clays have been used to tone skin since ancient times.”

-Dr. Zeel Gandhi (Bachelor Of Ayurveda, Medicine & Surgery), Chief Ayurvedic Doctor, Vedix

What Is A Face Toner?

Toners are a water-based skin product that plays a necessary role in your skincare regimen. Used after a face wash and before moisturizing, face toners help tighten skin pores on the face and keep your skin intact. They also help to remove the extra dirt and oil that is left behind on your skin after using a face wash. [1]

Toners usually include plant extracts and essential or herbal oils, mixed according to the needs of various skin types and problems. Chemical toners are also available. These are mostly alcohol-based and can be rather rough on your skin. Using natural or Ayurvedic toners can therefore give a healthier result.

“Floral waters and soft clays have been used to tone skin since ancient times,” says Dr. Zeel Gandhi, Chief Ayurvedic Doctor, Vedix

What Are The Benefits Of Face Toners?

Adding a herbal or natural toner to your skincare regimen will have a positive impact on your skin and its appearance. Here are some benefits that your skin can get from toners:

1. Cleansing

Often cleaning your face only with a face wash can leave behind some impurities and excess oil. This extra dirt and impurities are not visible but can cause harm to your skin. Toners can help you to get rid of these impurities.

2. Protection

When you apply a toner to your face, it closes your pores removing the gaps in your skin cells. These can otherwise be home to more impurities and dirt. Also, facial toners are formulated with various natural elements that act as a shield for your skin, protecting it from pollution and to some extent sun damage.

3. Balancing pH Levels

Your skin naturally has a cloak of acidity made up of sweat and oil that your body produces. This helps to prevent the growth or attack of bacteria. When you wash your face with a cleanser, this acidic layer washes away along with the dirt and oil. This disrupts the pH balance of your skin. Toners help in retaining the skin’s acidity and keep the pH of your skin balanced.

4. Minimizing Pores

As mentioned before, toners help in reducing the size of pores to such a level that they are not visible to the eyes anymore. As a result, your skin seems smooth and radiant. Toners also act as rejuvenators for your skin.

5. Soothing & Refreshing

Ayurvedic and herbal toners provide a calming sensation to easily irritated skin, removing temporary red patches from the face and reducing irritation. Using toners in the morning gives your face a freshness, making you feel rejuvenated for the day.

6. Moisturizing

Herbal toners made with ingredients like rose water are naturally hydrating and help with better absorption of moisture in the skin. Avoid alcohol-based products. [2]

Vedix Tip: You can incorporate tea tree oil in your daily toner in order to minimize the appearance of your pores.

How Do You Use A Face Toner?

Unless you have a vata-dominant or dry skin, you can use a toner twice a day, once in the morning and once at night. For vata-dominant skin it is better to use a toner once a day or on every alternate day.

Unlike various other skincare products, toners are very easy to use. Here are some simple steps that you can follow:

Step 1: Clean your face with a mild herbal or homemade cleanser.

Step 2: Dampen a cotton pad with some facial toner and clean your face with it. You can also spray it on using a spray bottle or simply use your hands to apply.

Step 3: Apply a moisturizer to seal the goodness of the toner and hydrate your face.

Here are some alternate ways in which you can incorporate a toner in your skincare regimen:

Method 1

Soak a clean and soft piece of cloth or a few cotton pads with your herbal or homemade toner. Place them all over your face and there you have a DIY mask.

Method 2

People with pitta-dominant or sensitive skin, often experience redness and irritation on their skin after waxing or hair removal. Toners help with soothing irritated skin and reducing redness. They work even better if used after refrigeration.

Method 3

Herbal and natural toners that are made from steam distillation of flowers can also be used as face and body mists during summers. Especially for people who are sensitive to perfumes, this can be a healthy alternative.

Method 4

You can use facial toners as an alternative to water in face packs. This acts as a refreshing and beneficial mixer for herbal packs.

Method 5

People who are often working late nights and getting very little sleep, can spray refrigerated toners on their eyelids for a soothing effect.

How To Choose The Right Toner For Your Face?

Just like other skincare products, be it herbal or chemical, not every toner is fitted for every skin type. The ingredients of your toner might vary depending on whether you have vata, pitta or kapha dominant skin.

Make sure the toner you have chosen does not have harmful chemicals, alcohol, parabens or artificial fragrances. Always go for natural, plant or herb-based ingredients.

1. For Oily Skin

If you have kapha-dominant or oily skin, you should choose an alcohol-free natural toner that also has exfoliating properties. You can go for toners that have amino fruit acids or glycolic acid.

2. For Dry Skin

If you have vata-dominant or dry skin, go for toners that have rose water in them. This helps in the hydration of your skin and also makes it easy for moisturizers to seep into your skin. [3]

3. For Normal Skin

For people who have balanced, normal or combination skin, any toner will work as long it is not alcohol-based.

4. For Sensitive Skin

Any harsh chemical can irritate sensitive skin, so avoiding any chemical-based or alcohol-based toner is a must. Even if you are using herbal toners, consult your dermatologist regarding the ingredients.

5. Things You Should Strictly Avoid In A Toner

• Avoid alcohol-based toners if you have dry or sensitive skin.
• Avoid toners with salicylic acid as they are harsh on the skin and make your skin dry.
• Toners with benzoyl peroxide might be beneficial for acne-prone skin but not for others.
• Also, avoid parabens and artificial fragrances in a toner.

What Kind Of Face Toner Is The Best Choice?

There are basically three types of toners

1. Bracers

These are absolutely water-based toners with less than 10% alcohol content.

2. Tonics

These contain more than 20% alcohol and other natural ingredients.

3. Astringents

These are alcohol-based toners containing unhealthy amount of alcohol.

The best kind of toners are homemade and made with herbal and natural ingredients. Dr. Zeel Gandhi, Chief Ayurvedic Doctor at Vedix says that, “Floral waters and soft clays have been used to tone skin since ancient times.”

Here are some homemade toner recipes that you can follow:

A. Green Tea

Studies have shown that green tea infused toners reduce facial sebum level after 14 and 28 days of application. [4] This herbal ingredient is high in antioxidants and if used as a toner can rejuvenate your skin. It contains polyphenols that help in removing excess oil from your skin.

Step 1: Prepare the green tea

Step 2: Store it in the refrigerator and spray on your face

B. Coconut Water

Coconut water mixed with milk works great on blemishes and dry skin. [5]

Step 1: Take 1 cup of coconut water and half a cup of milk.

Step 2: Mix them together and store the mixture in the fridge.

Step 3: Dip a cotton ball in the mixture and apply on your face.

C. Chamomile

If you have combination skin that is also acne-prone, chamomile will be soothing and healing for your skin.

Step 1: Take a cup of rose water and add a few drops of chamomile oil in it.

Step 2: Mix them well and store in a spray bottle.

Step 3: Spray the mixture on your face after washing your face.

D. Aloe Vera

Aloe vera has a soothing effect on sensitive and inflamed skin. [6]

Step 1: Take 2 tbsp of aloe vera gel.

Step 2: Add a few drops of orange juice to it.

Step 3: Mix them and store in a container.

Step 4: Use it with the help of a cotton pad or simply your hands.

How Do You Know If A Toner Is Working?

If you see that your pores are not visible anymore and your skin does not look tired at the end of the day or in the morning, then it is a sign that your toner is doing its job efficiently. Also if you use makeup every day or have to stay outdoors for a longer period of time, then you might have to increase the frequency of using a toner or else you might not get the results you need.

Who Should Use Face Toners?

Toners can be used by all skin types but, if you have oily skin or have to wear makeup frequently, then you need toners the most. When your skin comes in contact with harsh chemicals and cosmetics every day, it loses its original luster, shine and softness. Toners can then help you in retaining the natural moisture of your skin.

While a person with dry skin can also benefit from regular usage of a suitable toner, those with sensitive skin must consult a professional before using any kind of toner. All skin types should strictly avoid alcohol-based toners.

When Should You Use Toners For Your Face?

Our Ayurvedic doctors suggest that the right time to use a toner is after washing your face with any cleanser and right before applying any moisturizer on your face. Ideally, almost all skin types should use a toner once every day. People with oily acne-prone skin can use a toner twice a day.

What Are The Side Effects Of Using Toner On Your Face?

Most alcohol-based toners make your skin dryer than usual.

Certain toners can irritate your skin or cause redness especially if you have sensitive skin. It is better to avoid toners totally in that case or consult a dermatologist.

Excessive use of toners can dry out your skin causing it to produce excess oil and hence leading to acne breakout.

The Last Word

Did you know that using a toner can make such a difference on the quality of your skin? Be it a bracer, tonic or an astringent, all toners benefit your skin one way or the other based on your skin type and your skin’s needs. Always consult your doctor before using a toner and learn about its ingredients and its effects.

Know Your Dosha Now