Cleanse, tone and moisturize – anyone who knows anything about skincare knows these are the three steps to follow for better skin. A three-step guide seems so easy, right? But when you factor in the MILLIONS of products, all with different miracle ingredients, it gets a little… Okay we admit, it’s confusing AF. Even choosing your toner is a dilemma! But skipping it would be a huge mistake, and so would be using the wrong one for your skin concern.
What Does Toner Do?
The right toner is an essential step between your cleanser and moisturizer, not only will it remove any residue from your cleanser or any makeup trapped around the hairline, but it also removes skin-irritating chlorine and minerals from your water. As well as giving one last sweep of your pores, a toner helps to restore your skin’s pH balance, as many cleansers have an alkaline base, while your skin is naturally slightly acidic.
How to Choose the Right Toner
Depending on the type of toner you use, it can tighten pores or treat pimples, hydrate or brighten the skin. There are so many formulas now, and it’s important to choose one that works for your skin type. If you do have a toner that’s exfoliating, we recommend using it only as part of your nighttime routine and depending on how your skin feels, swapping it out every other evening for something more hydrating and soothing. Listening to your skin is always key. You could consider having two toners so that you could use something hydrating in the mornings or if your skin feels a little irritated, dry or sensitive, and something more powerful with AHAs in for when your skin needs a good detox.
are great as they’ll help replenish your skin, giving it a more even tone. You can also use gently exfoliating AHA formulas, which help to improve the appearance of wrinkles and gently slough away dead skin cells that can make your skin look dull.
Here's our handpicked toners from various Korean beauty brands.
Tony Moly Goat Milk Whitening Toner
