Toners: An Important Step in your Skin Routine

With all the products I am already putting on my face on a daily basis, things to treat this and that, and things to prevent this and that, and things to moisturize, firm, soften and exfoliate this or that, the last thing in the world I want is to add to the list.  I have to admit I have always balked at the use of toner, not really getting it's purpose or being convinced I should spend time/money on it with all the other products I am already using.  So, I put on my detective hat, searched out an expert, and got the 411 on why toner is an important part of our skin care routine.  I think you'll be as intrigued as I was when you get an education on toner and what it can do for your skin.
 
Here's some info from Allyson Rogers, licensed esthetician and Director of Education for DermaQuest :
 

Q. What do toners do?  

A. Toners are part of the cleansing process and benefits include:

1) Toners, if applied with a cotton ball and swiped across the skin, can remove any cleanser left on the skin and remove any dirt left on the skin the cleanser missed

2) Toners are balancing, helping the skin maintain its normal pH.   Toners today also have other benefits with ingredients added to their formulations to hydrate, exfoliate or soothe the skin. 

Q. Why is toner an important part of a total skin care program?

A..Toners are important because it is an extension of the cleansing process and it also helps to ensure the skin is balanced before applying the next steps in a skin care program.  If the skin is balanced, it will more easily "accept" the next product to be applied to the skin.  Also, toners today have the additional benefit, depending on how it's formulated, to hydrate, exfoliate or soothe the skin as well.  I like toners to be applied directly to a cotton ball and swiped on the skin for the most benefit after cleansing but toners can also be sprayed directly on the skin after mineral powders are applied to the skin to help "set" the minerals and help them adhere to the skin.
 
If you are not a regular toner user, try one and see if you notice a difference in the way your skincare products work, the tone of your skin or its level of firmness and softness.  Take a chance on toner; chances are you'll be glad you did!