TONER? Yes or no???

[Rileyycampp]

Hey guys I’ve been dealing with my crazy skin for as long as I can remember but recently I’ve heard that there is no need for toners and that they’re pointless... I really like the thought of them and I’ve only gone through a couple the past years... Should I be using one??? My skin and super dry and pores are huge!!! Thanks

[Lola94]

I really see a difference with toners that I did not think I would! I have pores and acne prone skin and I love using the thayers witch hazel in the morning and then PIXI glow tonic at night , but the glow tonic really dries up your skin so i would say if you even consider it do it every other night. 

[Anonymous]

You should definitely use a toner. I started using the Dickinson’s witch hazel toner a month ago and I’ve seen a huge improvement in my skin. It creates almost a “blurring” affect on your face and reduces the size of your pores. Basically, my skin looks smooth and even, less cracked and irritated.

[quspork]

I think it's a stretch to say that any particular aspect of skincare is "pointless" as skincare can differ so widely amongst different people. Some people may not want or need toner and that's fine. Some people prefer to use them. And there are so many kinds, as was mentioned below. I keep both an exfoliating and a hydrating toner on hand usually and use whichever one I feel like my skin needs on a certain day. I've also used pH balancing ones in the past. 

[Llamamama2]

Hi @Rileyycampp. If you are going to use a toner, choose a moisturizing one without alcohol. Or you can use an essence, which is what I use, which seals the moisture in. Korean beauty is big into toners and essences, so they have a wide range that you can find on Amazon (just search under Korean beauty toners/essences) and they work fantastic. Sephora also has a nice selection of toners and essences.

[6come6]

@Rileyycampp ~ I agree with the previous poster on more than one level: with dry skin as you described, I would avoid toners with alcohol. I, too, have dry skin and avoid all skincare products with alcohol. Toners can have different functions, from balancing the skin’s ph level toexfoliating to hydrating. I personally like using a toner as it preps my skin for following skincare steps. Generally, I just don’t see myselfgoing straight to a serum right after cleansing. Toners vary so have fun trying them out! Hope this helps!

[greeneyedgirl107]

@Rileyycampp Toners can be a mixed bag.  Some are excellent and others are irritating.  Which ones have you tried in the past?  I rec reading beautypedia's "best of" list and seeing which one(s) meet your needs.

As for if you need a toner, I think it can be debatable.  Many BICers love toners, so I don't what to knock them.  It's just that I don't think they are necessarily for everyone.  For example, some people think you need a toner to remove anything that your cleanser didn't.  This is legitimate, but it also begs the question if you need a better cleanser.  🙂  Some people think you need a toner for all the good stuff in them, like antioxidants, cell communicating ingredients and skin identical ingredients.  It's true that we need those things, but there is more than one delivery system - like a serum.  And on and on.  It just really comes down to one's preferences and individual skin.

The only other thing I have to say about toners is to avoid those with alcohol!

Best of luck!  🙂