What is toner?
A toner is used to re-balance the pH levels in your skin after cleansing. Our skin is naturally acidic, however that balance is disrupted after cleansing due to the alkaline ingredients in facial cleansers. After cleansing your skin tries to naturally restore the acid levels, which can lead to your skin generating excess oil which can result in breakouts. A toner helps to quickly restore the skin’s pH balance of between a 5 to 6 (on a scale of 0 to 14).
Toners are a skincare product that have the consistency of water. They assist to remove excess oil and debris that a cleanser may have missed. It’s important to think of your toner as a primer for the rest of your skincare routine.
Traditionally many toner products contained a high concentration of alcohol. This could be quite drying for the skin. The newest generation of toners act to nourish and replenish the skin after cleansing to help the skin better absorb the serums and creams in your skincare regime.
Benefits of using a toner:
- helps to shrink pores
- removes any makeup residue that cleansing misses
- helps to purify acne-prone/ oily skin types
- It adds a layer of protection by tightening cell gaps to reduce the penetration of impurities and environmental contaminants
- Allows other skincare products to absorb better into your skin
- Can prevent ingrown hairs
When do you use a toner?
A toner is used immediately after double cleansing your face. You should use it in your morning and evening skincare routine. If you need to exfoliate your skin (which you should only do twice a week) then wash your face, exfoliate, then apply your toner.
You should apply your toner no less than 1 minute after cleansing. The molecules penetrate deeper into your dermal layer when the skin is wet.
Once you have used your toner, wait a minute while the product is absorbed into your skin before continuing with your serums and moisturisers.
How do you apply toner?
The method is up to you, however, here are the most popular applications by our dermal therapists.
- Sprinkle some toner into the palm of your hand then tap it directly onto the skin, gently pressing the product into your skin with your palm.
- Use gauze instead of cotton pads so you don’t waste any product getting absorbed in the cotton. Gently swipe the product around your face, working outwards in upwards sweeping motions.
How do you pick the right toner for you?
Just like when you choose a moisturiser, you would select a toner based on your particular skin’s needs. We recommend consulting with your dermal therapist to ensure you use a product that will help resolve your skincare issues.
Toner for breakout prone, oily skin:
The Beauty Chef, Probiotic Skin Refiner 
Think of the skin refiner as a topical probiotic to balance and strengthen your skin’s ecosystem. After cleansing, pour a small amount of the Probiotic Skin Refiner onto some gauze and sweep over your face.
This multi-purpose skin elixir gently exfoliates, balances and hydrates thirsty skin as well as stimulates collagen synthesis for improved tone and texture. It encourages cellular turnover and helps reverse the signs of sun damaged skin and may reduce skin breakouts.
Toner for Combination Skin:
Dr. Spiller Cucumber Toner 
A re-balancing toner for a revitalised and purified complexion. Cucumber Toner restores the skin’s optimal pH whilst removing cleansing residue. The cucumber extract helps to visibly reduce redness and smooths the skin. The lactic acid also helps to bind moisture for increased hydration.
Toner for Sensitive Skin:
Dr. Spiller Aloe Sensitive Toner
A pleasantly refreshing and soothing toner formulated with Aloe Vera and Arginin which has a smoothing and moisturising effect on the skin. Sensitive Toner with Aloe also restores the skin’s optimal pH level. The Dr. Spiller Aloe toner is best suited for sensitised, reactive and dehydrated skin types.
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