Skin toners are available in different kinds to suit people with different skin types. Some are available as lotions or creams, while others are available as mists or gels. Which of these are worth taking a look at, considering your skin’s needs? Let’s look at the different types of toners and what makes each of them special.
- Skin Bracers – These toners are widely considered as the lightweight of the bunch. Hardly containing alcohol, skin bracers are mild enough not to cause irritations even in people with sensitive skin. What they do, however, is help retain moisture. If you have dry or sensitive skin, skin bracers or fresheners are generally the safest choices.
- Skin Tonics – Taking a step up from skin bracers, skin tonics have up to 20% alcohol, making them more effective at clearing pores and excess oil. This kind of toner, such as the Time Revolution Clear Toner from Missha, is often used to clear up whatever your main facial cleanser missed. This prepares your skin for makeup or other skincare product application.
- Astringents – These toners are widely considered as the “big guns” of toners. With their anti-bacterial ingredients and up to 60% alcohol content, astringents do a great job in killing off germs and preventing breakouts and infections. However, you have to be careful when using this type of toner, especially if you have sensitive skin. This is because the high alcohol content in astringents can cause irritation and skin cracking or peeling.
There’s more to the different types of toners than just their alcohol content. Toners can also be grouped based on their secondary purposes.
- Moisturizing toners – Moisturizing toners contain substances that are designed to hydrate and moisturize the skin in addition to cleaning it. If you have dry or cracked skin, moisturizing toners are your best option.
- Repairing toners – This type of toner has essential nutrients such as lutein and B-vitamins that help speed up the skin’s ability to replenish dead cells and recover from injuries. This is a common option for people with damaged or irritated skin or those who want to reverse the signs of aging.
- Sunscreen toners – These toners don’t just work as cleansers, but also as UV protection. Sunscreen toners have an SPF rating on the label, which indicates the level of protection they offer. The higher the SPF rating, the better it is at blocking harmful sunlight.
Last but not least, we take a quick look at different forms of toners based on how they are applied.
- Clear liquids – Clear, smooth-flowing liquid toners are easy to sort out. Clear liquid toners are typically dabbed onto cotton balls and applied to the skin. The cotton ball wipes away the dirt and debris on the skin and is disposed after use.
- Mists or sprays – Mist and spray toners function pretty much the same way as clear liquid toners except that their containers have a built-in spray. This type of toner can be applied in just seconds, making it a perfect choice if you don’t happen to have cotton balls or wipes around. Many sunscreen toners tend to be sold as mists or sprays because they are a lot easier to apply even when on the go.
- Mask – There are also toners that are formulated to cover the entirety of one’s face for a certain period of time. These often come in the form of a mask. Impregnated with toner, the gauze mask is placed on the skin and allowed to sit there for about a quarter of an hour or so. This is a very common method of application for toners that are intended to repair the skin.
The key to good skincare is knowing the right products to use on your skin. Once you’re familiar with the different types of skin toners, you’ll have an easier time deciding exactly which one can best address the needs of a particular skin type or issue.
