If you grew up like me, in the 80s, with horrible acne as a teen, then you probably remember using Seabreeze toners? You may recall the strong scent of the liquid that we would apply to our faces soaked into cotton balls? And you probably also remember how it stung and dried out our skin?

The toners we remember of the past certainly got a bad rep and somewhere along the way, we all stopped using them because they were too astringent and too drying. That is because the toners of old were mostly alcohol.

So What is a Facial Toner?

Toner’s are intended to be used as part of your skincare routine to help remove excess dirt and dead skin left behind by your cleanser. As well as help to balance your skin and prep your skin for the rest of the products you use in your skincare routine.

So why should you use a toner? Well basically they help to balance the PH levels in the skin, help to reduce the appearance of pores, remove excess dirt and dead skin and work as a primer for the rest of your skincare.

Today’s toners are more hydrating than the toner’s of the past. Ingredients in toners can now help with exfoliation, hydration and much more. Toners, and I’m including facial sprays/mists in this category, can now be a beneficial step in your skincare based on your skin’s individual needs.

What Facial Toner is Right for My Skin?

As with any product you put on your face, you want to make sure that it is right for your skin type and addresses your skin’s needs.

Large pores? Look for toners with a chemical exfoliant added such as glycolic acid to help remove dead skin cells that clog pores, making them appear larger.

Sensitive or Dry Skin? Find a toner or mist with hydrating and soothing botanicals such as rose or lavender. I really love the Mario Badescu ones for my skin which is prone to eczema breakouts.

Acne Prone Skin? Look for a toner with salicylic acid or even a witch hazel toner. These help to rid the skin of excess oils without drying them out

Let me know if you have any questions on which toners will work for your skin. Drop me a comment below and I’ll be happy to answer any questions.