By Joshua Pierce, Head of Education at Credo
Judging by the title of this blog, I hope you’re expecting something really intriguing. A film noir blog that captures the essence of the silver screen mysteries of yesteryear perhaps?: “An enigmatic skincare sleuth searches the world for the holy grail of toners. Along the way they encounter a band of characters that forever mold the core of their being”. Well guess what, that IS what this blog is about. YOU are the skincare sleuth trying to carve their way through the unknown skincare category of Toners. Only this is real life and not a movie. And toners don’t have to be a forgotten mystery! Let’s break it down and demystify Toners.
What is a toner?
Toners are an extra cleansing step in your routine to help remove dead skin cells, sweep any residue and impurities, and prep your skin for the rest of your routine. They used to contain high concentrations of alcohol (hence be very drying) and be limited to treating acne-prone and oily skin. There are now different bottles of toners to address specific concerns and the new formulas on the market contain power ingredients with amazing skin-loving properties (antioxidants, anti-inflammatories, acids…).
Like anything else, there isn’t a one-size-fits-all. Toners should be used with a delicate approach in mind. Gentle exfoliation, gentle toning/tightening, plumping hydration or gentle brightening. Read on to find the right one for you.
How do you use a toner?
Toners are a cinch to use. Whether you like to mist them onto the face or soak a reusable cotton pad with the toner. You simply apply onto cleansed, exfoliated skin before you move on to serums. This is when your skin is the softest and most permeable. They can be used to remove any excess cleanser or trace minerals left on the face from your water. They help to support the function of all the other products you use afterwards.
Exfoliating or Acid Toners?
Usually made of botanical lactic acid or glycolic acid, these toners are designed to gently loosen the bonds of dead skin cells that cause dullness or dry texture in the skin. At Credo, most of our brand partners create exfoliating toners that are gentle enough for daily use. However, it is always best to “listen to your skin”. Patch test a toner behind the ear. A light tingle can be normal, but anything stinging or burning means the product is too sensitizing for your skin.
Tightening Toners
This category is great for skin that is showing signs of sagging or crepiness. They’re also formulated to tighten up pores! Clients with congested or acneic skin love these innovative toners as they help calm inflammation and keep the pores clear. Witch Hazel and White Willow Bark are the hero ingredients that make all this possible.
Goop G.Tox Malachite + AHA Pore Refining Tonic
Hydrating Toners
Arguably one of the most impactful products you can use on your skin. Hydrating toners give you a flood of hydration to quench the thirstiest skin. You’ll see a lot of brands formulating with Rose Water, Aloe or Hyaluronic Acid for their intense levels of hydration. As a makeup artist, I will not begin to do a look without prepping the skin with a hydrating toner.
Josh Rosebrook Hydrating Accelerator
Brightening Toners
Does your skin seem dull and listless? Do you wish that it would shine as bright as the starlets on the red carpet? Well look no further than a brightening toner! They pair perfectly with your Vitamin C products to get the glow of your dreams.
Moon Juice, Acid Potion Resurfacing Exfoliator
That wraps it up for me and toners! As always, if any of this has inspired you to explore toners you can visit one of our stores to consult with a Credo Clean Beauty Expert on which toner is right for you. Not near a store? You can chat live with one of us just by clicking the chat button on your screen!
Cheers,
Joshua
