Face Toners Are Very Important. What The Heck Is a Face Toner?

The Ultimate Guide to the Benefits of Face Toners in Your Skin Care Routine

I must admit face toners have been one of those products that you question from time to time, including myself.  Is that extra step really necessary? Well that all depends. Some things are not black and white and that includes coming up with a great skin care routine you can trust to follow month after month. But when it comes to face toners it’s more than just water ladies. 

If you think you’re saving money skipping that extra swipe after you cleanse think again. I’m going to reveal…

• What is it
• Why you should it
• How to use it
• What kind should you pick
• My favorite and why they work so great

What is a face toner?

A face toner is liquid that is designed to; bring your skin to its natural acid level, remove excess oil, dead skin cells, and grime after you cleanse. Plus it prepares your skin before applying your serums and moisturizers. This is especially important during the days when you’re wearing makeup. 

In the past toners would contain alcohol but today’s clean beauty industry has taken it to the next level by adding ingredients like acids, glycerin, antioxidants, and anti-inflammatory. In fact, there are toners for almost every skin concern and not only for those who have combination, oily or acneic skin. 

 

 

Why use a face toner?

Even after I double cleanse (oil balm and cleanser) I always see traces of makeup left on the cotton pad. Do you really want to leave all that gunk on your face? If you do you’re basically inviting all that gunk to fill up and open your pores. Gross right? And there are grave consequences when those pores get clogged. 

How to use it?

As soon as you cleanse your face and pat it to dry then immediately use your toner. The biggest mistake women make when applying their moisturizer is they put it on when the skin is dry. You see your skin is like a sponge. If you apply moisturizer on a dry sponge it won’t be able to sink through easily. So you’re basically wasting all that goodness and your money. 

If you really want to get scientific you need to use your face toner in less than a minute after cleansing because molecules have the ability to penetrate the skin better when they are wet which will give you better results. 

 

 

Patting versus wiping

Some skin care experts recommend you spray toner into your finger tips and tap directly onto your skin. I personally would not use this method the days I am wearing makeup. I know for a fact that NOT using a cotton pad means I’ve left some grime on my skin so obviously patting is not a smart move here. It may make sense if the toner is simply to hydrate or add extra nutrients but I believe using a cotton pad is the way to go. But give both a try and judge for yourself. 

 

 

Which kind should I use?

Choosing a face toner will depend on what problems you’re trying to solve. Here are some ingredients to look for when choosing face toners based on your concern or skin type and skin condition.

Large pores: look for a toner with alpha hydroxy acids like glycolic acid. 

Sensitive skin: look for a toner that hydrates, soothes and calms the skin. 

Acneic and oily skin: look for a toner that is salicylic acid-based or that contains witch hazel.

Dull skin: look for a toner with papaya extracts and lactic acid.

Dry skin: look for a toner with fermented yeast (saccharomyces ferment filtrate) and amino acids.

Aging skin: look for a toner with antioxidants and hydrating ingredients include glycerin, hyaluronic acid, rose water, Sodium PCA, and Lecithin.

My Favorite Face Toner for All Skin Types and Dehydrated Skin

Introducing COQ-10 TONER by Indee Lee!

I love this toner because it is alcohol-free and was soothing to my sensitive skin. I’m making a big deal about this because it took me awhile to find a toner that suited my skin condition including one that didn’t have alcohol and one that was considered clean beauty.

 

 

The Ingredients and Why It Works

Aloe Barbadensis: contains antioxidants, enzymes, Vitamins A and C, and it is highly anti-inflammatory. 

Ubiquinone (Coenzyme Q10): works to help your cells remove what’s irritating cells and your skin. Reduces the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines.

Hyaluronic Acid: helps reduce the visibility of fine lines and wrinkles, which leads to smoother, plumper skin cells.

Anthemis Nobilis (Roman Chamomile): often used to treat pimples or other acne problems. Helps reduce the swelling and redness in skin irritations. Removes toxins from the skin and cleanses the sebaceous glands when we sweat.

Salvia Officinalis (Sage): eliminates toxins, helps to relieve minor skin abrasions, and diminishes the appearance of blemishes. Its moisturizing and conditioning properties help soothe dryness and irritation.

Carica Papaya Leaf Extract: has a rich content of vitamin C and A, which boost skin health and promote healthier and radiant skin. Cleanses your skin of the toxins and provides protection against skin problems like pimples, freckles and acne.

Cucums Sativus (Cucumber) Extract:  reduces inflammation, helps to calm any skin redness and irritation. Cucumbers also contain antioxidant flavonoids, such as quercetin, apigenin, luteolin, and kaempferol, which provide additional benefits. 

Citrus Aurantium Flower Oil:  has powerful antibacterial properties, which makes it a prime ingredient to target breakouts and balance the sebum production. Rich in antioxidants, it combats free radicals, which can soothe acne-induced inflammation and redness.

Summary

As you can see Indee Lee’s COQ-10 Face Toner is not just some pretty water in a bottle. Look at all that goodness that will go on your face. That’s why I use it morning and night regardless of makeup or no makeup days. 

Disclosure: All products featured on my blog are independently selected by Anna Bennett. Please note that the Indee Lee links above are affiliate links, and at no additional cost to you, I will earn a small commission if you decide to make a purchase after clicking through the link. I have personally purchased and used these clean beauty products because they simply work, not because of the small commissions I make. Please do not spend any money on these products unless you feel you need them or that they will help you achieve your skin, beauty, and health goals.