3 Myths About Using Toner - A Girl's Gotta Spa!

3 Myths About Using Toner

Which of these myths have you believed about using toner? via @agirlsgottaspa Toner is one of the biggest misunderstood skin care products out there. And to be honest, at one point when I was younger, I also believed some of these myths. What about you? 1. Toner is a cleanser. This one bugs me the most. I've read blogger reviews where the person clearly didn't understand the role toner plays in a skin care routine. They'll say, "It worked great removing the makeup my normal cleanser leaves behind." Yes, you may see remanents of your makeup on the cotton pad you just applied your toner with, but that's because anything wet applied to a cotton pad and rubbed on your face will do that if you didn't do a good job of cleansing in the first place. 2. You don't really need toner; it's a marketing ploy. If you don't understand how toner plays an important role in the line up of skin care products recommended for your skin type, then it is easy to write it off as one of those add-ons or up-sells at the cosmetics counter. This isn't the case though. 3. Toners are intended to tighten skin/shrink pores. NOPE. First off, pores do not shrink. I repeat, there is no way to shrink your pores (now THAT is a marketing ploy.) Second, if your toner is making your skin feel tight, then it is possible that you may be using one with too much alcohol or it's one that is not suitable for your skin type. So what is the purpose of toner? It balances the pH level of your skin, preps the skin for your serum and moisturizer, and when left damp on your skin, it allows your moisturizer to seal in the water (toner is mainly water) and keep your skin hydrated. So why not just splash your face with water if that's the main ingredient in toner? Because most toners also include a variety of special ingredients that target specific skin care issues. For example, I love Paula's Choice Resist Advanced Replenishing Toner because it includes licorice root. Licorice root fades hyperpigmentation, which I have quite a bit of due to poor skin care choices in my youth (i.e. not wearing sunscreen.) Renee Rouleau Elderberry Toner is another alcohol-free toner that I love that has anti-inflammatory properties (and you HAVE to grab her Toning Cloths, which are amazing.) So please don't skip the toner, your skin will reap the rewards. Subscribe to A Girl’s Gotta Spa! beauty blog. Watch our reviews on YouTube, see our pins on Pinterest and check us out on Instagram and Twitter. Got a Kindle? We’re on Kindle too!

11 comments

Kristina
Kristina
I have to say that I do usually skip a toner, but I always mean to start using one regularly again. I have been itching to try the one from Pixi
Honeygirlk
Honeygirlk
Great post about toner. I like toner though I don’t use it daily… it’s still a great thing to have :)
Lisa
Lisa
Amazing post! I had a friend who skipped everything and ONLY used toner, and didn’t get why her skin was still freaking out! It’s NOT an all in one product!
Bailey
Bailey
I was iffy about toner for some time, but am now a bit of a toner junkie. I especially like the mist-able ones.
Erika
Erika
I have always thought that toner is a meh! don’t need it kind of thing but after reading this article, I think I was mistaken. I think I’l be more consistent using mine, after all. I LOVE the Paula’s Choice toner, when I actually use it. It makes my skin feel nice.
Babi
Babi
I love your posts, Shannon! So informative!
Kathryne
Kathryne
Toner is my second step in skincare
MarciaF
MarciaF
I love reading this because there’s so much misinformation about toners. With the right one your skin only benefits. I’m using the same PC one you mentioned.
Julie
Julie
Great info!! I never bothered with a toner, because it seemed like just another step I didn’t benefit from. I’ve never seen it described as a cleanser though, that makes me giggle lol
Lola Seicento
Lola Seicento
What an excellent article! Thank you for stating that pores don’t shrink!

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