Introduction to Toners: What Does A Toner Do?

If you’re new to using a toner in your daily skincare routine, you might be wondering what exactly a toner does and how using one can benefit your skin.

In the past, toners were known for having a high alcohol content that stripped oil from your skin, leaving it dry, dehydrated and in need of a drink.

Luckily, the toners of today have come a long way. They’re gentler on your skin and can be formulated with hydrating ingredients that nourish and care for your complexion. You can even get toners to help target specific skin concerns, like dryness or blemishes.

That’s what makes toner an important step in your skincare regime, and leave skin feeling ready to receive the rest of your skincare.

The benefits of using a toner

Let’s take a closer look at what toners can do and why they can be an essential part of any skincare regime….

It leaves skin feeling clean: Toners can sweep away any last trace of sweat, dirt or impurities, helping to leave your skin feeling fresh.

It can be your hydration hero:   Toners can leave skin nourished and in prime position to absorb the rest of your skin products, because skincare absorbs better into hydrated skin.

It can also helps to rebalance your skin: Toner can help balance your skin, leaving it looking (more) radiant and feeling comfortable. Choose one that’s been formulated with your skin type in mind, to really reap the benefits.

How to use a toner

If you’re new to toner, you might be wondering where it fits into your skincare routine and how to apply it.

Toner is the step between your cleanser and any serums, creams and other skincare products. Take a look at the top tips below to get the most out of your toner.

Knowing when and how to apply toner will transform your skincare regime – and it’s so simple to add into your skincare routine.

The first thing to know is that you should always apply toner to freshly cleansed skin. You can choose a cleanser product or method to suit you and your skin type.

If you’re using a runny/less viscous/watery toner, apply a few drops to a cotton pad or reusable cleansing pad and sweep over your face and neck. If your toner has a thicker consistency, you can use your fingertips to press it into your skin.

Wondering how much toner to use? As a general rule, you only need two to three drops of toner for your face and neck.

Pro tip: Create a skincare routine that’s perfect for your skin type by pairing your chosen No7 toner with other products from the same range.

When to use toner: morning vs. night

Deciding whether to include toner as part of your morning or evening skincare routine (or both) will depend on several factors, including your skin type, and what type of toner you choose to use.

For example, some toners contain glycolic acid, which can help to exfoliate and lift away dead skin cells and impurities. Always check the directions for and never at the same time as other rapidly exfoliating products, like retinol.

Using toner as part of your morning routine: Using a toner in the morning can help refresh and revitalise your skin, sweeping away any sweat or impurities and prepping your skin for the rest of your daytime skincare.

Using toner as part of your night routine: Using a toner in the evening can help balance your skin as well as remove any traces of dirt, makeup and impurities.

Seasonal skincare: You may find your skin’s needs change with the seasons, so consider switching up your toner as the weather changes. For example, if your skin is oilier in the warmer months, try a toner that’s formulated to help keep your complexion shine-free over the summer. If your skin feels drier during the winter, swap to a more hydrating toner when the temperature drops.

What’s the best toner for your skin type?

As with all products in your skincare regime, you can tailor your toner to your skin type. Finding the right toner means choosing one that contains ingredients suited to caring for your skin type.

If you have oily skin, including a toner in your skincare regime can help balance your complexion and combat excess oil. Mattifying toners that contain salicylic acid and or glycolic acid will help gently exfoliate your skin, while toners containing niacinamide can help reduce the appearance of pores.

If you have dry skin, you might want to avoid toners that include alcohol, which can dry your skin out even further. Instead, look for nourishing ingredients like hyaluronic acid,  vitamin E and glycerin, which will help feel soothe and moisturise your skin.

For combination skin, look for a formula that hydrates skin while removing excess oil. Consider ingredients like hyaluronic acid to nourish and salicylic acid to exfoliate and leave skin looking clearer.

If you already have well-balanced skin, or you’re looking for a fuss-free try No7 Toning Water for All Skin Types. This multi-tasking toning water helps reduce the appearance of pores and leaves skin feeling soft, toned and revitalised.

Alternatively, if you’re looking to take your complexion to the next level with a show-stealing glow, No7 Radiance Vitamin C Glow Toner contains vitamin C to help brighten your complexion and minimise the appearance of pores.

Frequently asked questions about toners

Ready to get your glow on with a toner? Top up your toner expertise with these frequently asked questions…

Most toners are suitable for use every day. However, if you’re using a toner that contains AHAs like glycolic acid, you may want to use your toner two to three times a week and build up from there, as your skin gets used to it. You should also use SPF if you’re using skincare products that contain AHAs, as these can make your skin more sensitive to the sun.

Just a few drops of toner, either on a cotton pad or directly onto fingers, should be enough to sweep across your whole face and neck.

You can use toner as part of your skincare regime whatever your skin type, but you may want to look out for certain ingredients that will provide benefits for your specific skin type.