The word toning sends shivers through my spine because i’m about as toned as a fluffy pillow. I’m talking about toning of the skincare kind … PHEW.

Toners/clarifying lotions/tonics are the second stage in your skincare routine which, if you’ve found your perfect cleanser, I’m guessing you’re here to find your next purchase towards gorgeous skin.

What are toners?

The term clarifying lotion, tonic and toner may be confusing but they all have the same goal! Years ago, a lotion contained alochol and a tonic did not. Whereas now, the term is irrelevant.

Toners remove any excess dirt and grime which might be left in your pores after cleansing. Do you remember the days when Clean and Clear brought out their deep cleansing lotion back in the early 2000’s? My brother bought it whilst we was on holiday in Devon and we all had a go at rubbing the soaked cotton wool pad over our faces and completely grossing out at how black the pad was. I mean two things, firstly what a weird memory and secondly, that’s probably not going to make my skincare recommendations edit. I remember the smell so distinctively of rubbing pure alcohol on my face!

But this is why I became skincare curious. I was only young at the time, but I remember wondering why washing my face clearly wasn’t cleaning my skin properly. From that point, I would try anything I could get my hands on. I tried all kinds from No7 to Clinique 3 Step Routine to get that deep clean feel.

Toners should be used as part of your routine both morning and night but there are some important points about toners that you should know.

What are the benefits?

As well as keeping your pores clear, toners used as part of your daily routine can help tighten pores and improve the overall appearance of your skin. So for all you worried about ageing, a toner will be as important as a cleanser in your routine!

So there a few different types of toners which will benefit your skin in more ways than one. But which one will be best for you?

Types of Toners

Exfoliating Toners

These types of toners contain exfoliating ingredients such as AHA/BHAs _{(click here to learn about this amazing ingredient!)}. They help gently exfoliate the skin without using physical exfoliants such as microbeads (which are so bad for the planet 🌍 !) which, over time, help renew skin cells to reveal a brighter more even complextion. If you’re new to this type of product, I recommend introducing them slowly. Try 3 times a week and build it up as your skin may increase in sensitivity.

Hydrating Toners

This kind of toner is gentle and ideal for sensitive and dry skin. Although you can use an exfoliating toner which may benefit your skin, harsh products may cause your skin to FREAK out! So having a hydrating toner on alternative days will help your skin chill. They will often contain water-attracting ingredients such as hyaluronic acid and glycerin. One thing to be observant of when looking at this type of toner (i’m looking at you sensitive skin type) is they often contain fragrance which, as you probably already know, can irritate your skin. Not here to drop a sh*t bomb on Garnier but Gariner’s Rose Water range boasts 95% natural ingredients, however it contains parfum/fragrance. Great if you’re on a budget and I have no doubt this product does it’s job, kinda. But that’s it. It doesn’t add any long term benefits or results. If it shouts hydrating and natural, dig a little deeper…

Astringent Toners

Slow the hell down!! Where stripping your skin was probably cool 20 years ago (refer to my clean and clear memory), we are totally not in for that trend anymore. That said, they do carry some benefits. Astringent toners main ingredient is alcohol which helps tighten the skin and reduce the size of your pores. However, these toners can damage your skin and cause irritation and should be used with caution. They should be avoided especially by people with dry/sensitive skin. They can strip your skin of all the good stuff which is not what we are aiming for! BUT alcohol-based toners may be benefical to oily gals. Clinique’s Clarifying lotions contain alcohol which, although they can be amazing, they are really strong. I would ensure I followed up with super moisturising products if I had to use one of these. The 1.0 Clarifying Lotion is alcohol free and my favourite of them all (one which I use regularly).

My Recommendations

I mentioned above that I use the Clinique. 1.0 Clarifying Lotion daily! But there are other toners which I would highly recommend.

Another product for your bathroom shelf you didn’t know you absolutely need.

You are welcome!

Love

Carly 💛