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With so many serums, cleansers, and treatments available in the skincare market, it can be easy to forget about toner. However, this underrated beauty staple is responsible for helping the rest of your products work to the best of their potential. In fact, clarifying with a toner may just be one of the most important steps in your skincare routine. In addition to helping keep your pores clear of makeup, sweat, and dirt, toner can help set the foundation for the rest of your skincare routine.

Not sure how toner can play a role in your routine? Ahead, we’ve outlined some reasons why you should add toner to your skincare regimen.

What should I use toner?

Toner can help protect your skin’s pH levels while cleansing your pores of hard-to-reach dirt, sweat, and makeup. “A facial toner can be used to bring the skin back into balance,” says Stephanie Smith, esthetician and spa industry veteran.

“A calming, hydrating toner is good for sensitive normal-dry skin types, and a calming clarifying toner is good for sensitive normal-oily skin. Follow with your serum, facial oil, and moisturizer to prevent skin dehydration.”

Face Toner Benefits

Face toner has some of the following properties and qualities:

Removes impurities: Toner can be used to cleanse pores of dirt, sweat, and oil that could be clogging your pores.

Helps balance pH levels: Your skin’s pH balance can be disrupted by things like diet, environmental factors, and even your everyday skincare products. “Start the day with a gentle cleanser and toner that won’t strip the skin of its beneficial oils,” explains Stephanie Smith.”Always follow with a gentle toner to balance your skin’s PH levels to reduce irritation.

Refreshes skin: Some toners (especially those with calming ingredients like rosewater and cucumber extract) are designed to freshen up dull skin.

Helps minimize pores: Regularly applying facial toner to your skin may help pores appear smaller and less noticeable. Clogged pores tend to appear larger and darker on your skin and could lead to breakouts.

Even out texture: This handy product can help even out the rough texture on your skin and even out discoloration or signs of redness.

Helps skincare products work better: You’ll find that your favorite cleansers, serums, and moisturizers will work better on fresh, clean skin.

Best Toners for Your Skin Type:

1. Freck Cactus Water Toner
The Freck Cactus Water Toner contains cactus flower extract, lactic acid, and kelp extract. This toner is as refreshing as water (perfect for hot summer days) and helps even out discoloration. This formula is ideal for those with sensitive skin.

2. Kayaire Rejuvenating Exfoliating Toner
Kayaire’s Rejuvenating Exfoliating Toner is packed with full-spectrum CBD, lavender, and cucumber extract to refresh irritated and dehydrated skin. Your skin will appreciate this toner after a tough spin class or day out in the sun.

3. Suki Skincare Concentrated Clarifying Toner
Suki Skincare clarifying toner helps keep your skin’s complexion balanced while removing hard-to-reach oil, sweat, and makeup from your pores. The concentrated formula contains rose flower water, witch hazel, and other purifying ingredients.

4. Xuyoni Synergy Booster 
Xuyoni Synergy Booster is a toner and serum hybrid designed to balance your skin’s pH. This formula contains amino acids and moringa leaves and is gentle enough for all skin types.

Top image Pexels: Sora Shimazaki