By Khanak Mehta
One thing is for certain - whenever we think ‘skincare’, the CTM routine is probably the first thing that pops up in our heads. This is considered the Holy Grail routine for both beginners and even some seasoned skincare addicts alike – and an integral part of it is the second step, which is the toner. However, it is also the part that is skipped the most. Admit it, you’ve maybe left the toner out of your skincare routine for a while, or just ‘forgotten’ to apply it a few nights in a row – which have now turned into weeks.
Well, it may be time to reconsider this practice, because you’re actually taking away some key skincare benefits from your skin. While toners were originally created for the purpose of removing soap residue from your face thanks to earlier cleanser formulations leaving a film, they now do so much more than just that. Since the cleansers available in the market nowadays don’t leave a residue, toners can act as a great additional step that can give your skincare regime an extra boost.
To begin with, toners now come in many different formulations that are suited for all skin types. There are toners with hydrating ingredients for dry skin like propylene glycol, sebum controlling ingredients for oily skin like salicylic acid, and more. Thus, they support and aid in supercharging your other skincare products as well.
Moreover, if you’re a fan of the Korean double-cleansing method, you can use your toner as an extra step post your cleanses to remove any superficial makeup residue that remains on your skin. Simply pour some of it onto a cotton pad and gently tap it over your face. However, it is important to remember that this isn’t a proper cleanse for your skin – rather, it is more of a ‘final step’ to catch any makeup that may still be on your face.
And finally, toners have the ability to rebalance your skin’s pH levels – especially if you are using a more aggressive cleansing formula – and closing pores, hence reducing the penetration of environmental contaminants and impurities into your skin. Thus, it is also best to apply your toner after cleansing to slightly damp skin, so that your skin can enjoy these benefits to the fullest.
So, go ahead and give that toner that’s lying in the back of your beauty shelf a try again. You never know, it may actually be the one skincare step that’s missing on your journey towards clearer and healthier skin.