Facial Toners: Are they Really Necessary?

Some dermatologists say that facial toning is a waste of time and money, while others suggest it is an optional step and certainly not necessary for healthy skin.

On the flip-side, the opinion of trained estheticians, who provide facial maintenance services to many skin types every day, is that a facial toner is absolutely, if not the, most important step of a beauty routine. 

Esthetician training manuals also advise that facial toning enables a thorough cleansing of the skin and, if the product is well formulated, remarkably improving skin hydration - both benefits that can help prevent common complexion problems.

So, who is right? Perhaps taking a closer look at some of the reported benefits of a facial toner can help one decide whether or not it is important for their skin...

In days gone by, facial toners were reserved for strictly the oiliest of skin types and were often based on seriously moisture-stripping ingredients, like alcohol.

Today, however, the benefits of a facial toner can be enjoyed by almost all skin types due many far more gentle formulations now available.  In fact, more often than not, facial toners are now formulated with a wonderful array of gently astringent herbs, antioxidants, anti-irritants and/or ingredients to complement the other steps in one's skin care routine.

In the opinion of many estheticians and skin care formulator, Deanna Vazquez (who owns and operates Alchemilla - an organic skin care manufacturer based in Oregon) a well formulated, alcohol-free, pH correct organic facial toner or floral water can help promote balance and optimal skin function by offering the following benefits:

• Removes final traces of cleanser, make-up, excess oil and chemicals from tap water.
• Supports skin's return to its natural acidic pH.
  The skin's slightly acidic pH ("acid mantle") protects against the actions of bacteria and micro-organisms living in the environment, however its balance can be affected by factors such as alkaline products (most cleansers), cosmetics, poor nutrition and excessive perspiration.
• Reduces the look of pores.
  Technically, pores cannot be 'closed' by a toner, however natural astringents like Elder Flowers or Ladies Mantle, can help firm the skin's surface, making pores look smaller. In addition, a thorough cleansing process, which includes a toner, can help remove ingrained, pore-stretching impurities, effectively decreasing pore size.
• Hydrates skin and may reduce oil output.
  Adequately hydrated skin promotes optimal cell function and a younger looking complexion, and it can help with excess oil production. How? When skin is exposed to external stimuli, eg. drying weather, cleansers, controlled climates or alcohol based products, it can quickly become dehydrated. It is believed that when skin is dehydrated sebaceous glands compensate by pumping out excess oil. The result? Oily and dehydrated skin - at the same time! A gentle, alcohol-free toner, which contains a natural humectant such as glycerin or honey, can help balance this oily/dehydrated skin condition by offering hydration protection and the light moisturization this skin type craves.
• Aids and extends application of serum and moisturizer products.
  Applying a serum or moisturizer to toner-dampened skin makes for its smoother application. In addition, toner dilutes therefore reduces the amount of moisturizer product needed.
• Helps set make-up (especially mineral make-up).
  Applied as a mist after make-up application, a facial toner or floral water can beautifully set the look of the make-up, giving it a moist, dewy finish without oiliness.
• Cools, refreshes and soothes skin.
  A facial toner or floral water is delightfully refreshing after working-out or in dry, air-conditioned environments...and those that contain anti-irritant ingredients can help calm and soothe the skin.