Beauty
The low-down on the often confusing beauty product.
Some products are easier to understand, of course moisturizersare meant to hydrate.
But if youve ever asked yourself, Um, what is toner?
allow Bustle to clear things up.
In the past, they were meant to balance your pH and tended to be more alcohol-based, saysDr.
Dhaval G. Bhanusali, M.D., a New York City-based dermatologist and CEO atHealth Digital.
Usually, these astringents would wind up making your skin feel tight and dry, he explains.
Now, face cleanser formulas are predominately pH-balanced, which renders the original toner obsolete, saysDr.
Loretta Ciraldo M.D., FAAD, a Miami-based board-certified dermatologist and founder ofDr.
Shuting Hu, cosmetic chemist andco-founder of skin care brand Acaderma.
These are the toners that can boost a healthy glow.
We only include products that have been independently selected by Bustle’s editorial team.
What Is A Toner?
A toner is a liquid-based beauty product with a watery consistency.
That said, toners happen to be a divisive beauty product category, mainly because theyre not completely necessary.
Its a matter of preference, says Ciraldo.
But they do offer a unique perk to those looking to try a new ingredient.
Sometimes its used as a way to introduce an active ingredient in a more subtle way, she explains.
Generally speaking, however, there are some standard ingredients that target different issues.
If the concentration of exfoliants is low in each, you may use both, says Ciraldo.
Below, a guide to finding the right one for your skin.
The same applies tooily skintypes, says Ciraldo.
These chemical exfoliants can helpminimize the appearance of your pores, she says.
Toners For Dry Skin
Hydrating toners can help your skin retain moisture.
Ciraldo adds that another helpful ingredient isoat extract, which is an MVP for calming complexions.
If your skin sensitivity is more related to acompromised barrier, reach fora pre- and probiotic-filled product.
Prebiotics andprobioticscan help to balance theskins microbiomewhich is an incredibly delicate system of the skin, Hu says.
Studies referenced:
Ciganovic, P. (2019).
Glycerolic Licorice Extracts as Active Cosmeceutical Ingredients: Extraction Optimization, Chemical Characterization, and Biological Activity.
Antioxidants.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6826613/
Kornhauser, A.
Applications of Hydroxy Acids: Classification, Mechanisms, and Photoactivity.
Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3047947/
Tang, S. (2018).
Dual Effects of Alpha-Hydroxy Acids On The Skin.
Dr. Hadley King, M.D.,NYC-based board-certified dermatologist
Dr. Shuting Hu, cosmetic chemist andco-founder of Acaderma
