I get asked this a lot.
"So, do you think I need a toner?"
"Would you recommend me using a toner?"
"Where do toners come in? How do I use one?"
Toners are funny things really as although they can be great, it all depends on the ingredients, the formulation and why you're using it in the first place.
Do I think everybody needs to 'cleanse, tone and moisturise'? No, in all honesty I don't. I think they are great if you have a major skin concern you want to treat or if you're on a full skin regimen that incorporates an 'active' toner, but just your regular 'run of the mill', high street toner sometimes can do more harm than good.
A lot of them contain alcohols and witch hazel which can sometimes dry and irritate sensitive skins. I would say if your skin is dry and sensitive then a toner might not always be for you.
WHAT ARE TONERS?
Toners are liquid products that we tend to use on cotton pads to remove any last bits of oil, cleanser and makeup residue from the skin after cleansing. Some claim to help to close pores and also restore the skin's ph balance as well.
WHEN WOULD YOU USE THEM?
Toners are traditionally used after cleansing the skin. They are usually applied to a cotton pad and wiped over the skin before you follow with your skincare products. Nowadays toners are so much more advanced. If you're doing a double cleanse each evening then a basic toner might not be necessary as in my opinion your second cleanse should have done the job.
I prefer to use toners as more of a prep for skincare or more as a treatment in themselves.
For example...
NIMUE CONDITIONER
The Nimue conditioner is used like a toner but it is so much more advanced and does a lot more too. Containing 7% AHA's to help gently exfoliate the skin and promote cell renewal, it can help to improve the clarity of the skin, degrease and deep cleanse the pores, plus it's also anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory. That is definitely more than your regular high street toner can do.
Nimue Conditioner from £28.00 for 140ml. Contact me here to purchase.
EMMALINE TSUI SKINCARE CLEANSING ROSEWATER
A very gentle and pure Bulgarian Rosewater ideal to use instead of a cleanser in the morning. I recommend this for people without any major skin concerns or are on the dry/sensitive side. It's hydrating and refreshing on the skin and prevents you over cleansing the skin too much. I've used this for years to cleanse my skin in the morning on a cotton pad.
Emmaline Tsui Skincare Cleansing Rosewater £16 for 100ml. Click here to purchase
FORLLE'D REFINING LOTION
So this is technically not a toner but more of a hydrating treatment water (or what I like to call magic water). This contains patented, extremely low molecular weight hyaluronic acid that can quickly penetrate into the skin to help hydrate, plump and regenerate the skin. It also helps to open ionised channels to promote product penetration.
Forlle'd Refining Lotion £84 for 150ml. Click here to purchase
So do you need a toner? A basic, run of the mill high-street one? Probably not. The above toner type products however are incredibly useful and helpful in your skincare routine.
I hope you've found this useful,
Thank you so much for reading,
Emmaline x
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