Toner For Acne Skin

If you are someone following the 3 step skincare routine, you would know that toner is one among them. Ever wondered if swabbing your face with a toner-soaked cotton ball is safe for your skin or tried knowing the side effects of toner on the face?

It is not about the toners actually, it is about the alcohol that these toners have. It is believed that the alcohol in the toner is used for killing the bacteria that cause acne. In any case, there is additionally one more side to it! It may strip out the moisture out of your skin.

Alcohol tends to make your skin dry and which may eventually lead to acne or even worsen it. It can increase the breakouts in the skin that is prone to acne and may also increase sensitivity.

So regular usage of such toners for acne skin can lead to skin irritation, and inflammation and also makes the skin vulnerable to environmental damage. And that is why dermatologists may not recommend toners, especially the ones with alcohol.

Read Here: Are Skin Toners Necessary?

Other active ingredients in toner such as Glycolic acid, Niacinamide, and Salicylic acid are powerful and specially formulated to treat acne-prone skin. These ingredients help in reducing the appearance of blemishes, controlling oil production, and brightening the skin complexion.

Toners that contain humectants – an ingredient that prevents moisture loss in the skin are considered to be very useful for those suffering from dry skin as it prevents dryness by locking the moisture in the skin.

Toners are helpful and considered for people who have oily skin. It is also used when you want that extra cleansing after wearing heavy makeup or any other skincare products like sunscreen. Alcohol-based toners may not be a good idea for every skin type. Most of them contain alcohol and it can be harsh on your skin.

Toner can multi-task; it can benefit your skin with a glowier& brighter complexion and at the same time too much of it can lead to dryness, over-exfoliation, or even stripping of the skin.

So the next question that can strike your mind is if you can skip the usage of toner on your skin. If all your skincare products carry a fair share of antioxidants then you do not need a toner. And if you have dry skin then your skin may need more moisture.

So skip using a toner and use a serum instead. Use moisturizers & serums that have hydrating ingredients like ceramides& hyaluronic acid to help nourish your skin.

Can I Use Toner On Pimples?

If you have breakouts, using a toner may worsen it. If you have cystic acne or severe inflammatory acne it may sting when you apply toner.

How To Use Toner For Acne/Sensitivity? 

Toners can be used twice daily – morning & evening. If you overuse toner it may tend to irritate your skin. This is true for toner formulations that contain active ingredients like alpha-hydroxy acid which is used to exfoliate the skin.

Some of the complaints about overusing toners are redness and dry patches of skin and those with acne-prone skin may develop breakouts. If you face redness after using a toner, you can use a soothing anti-inflammatory gel to relieve your discomfort. Mostly aloe vera is used to calm any skin irritation.

In case, if your skin feels tight & dry after using a toner, then you should probably stop using that toner and find something that will suit your skin. Some toners are formulated specifically for various skin types & concerns. You can find the best toner for acne-prone skin, dry skin, or even sensitive skin on the market.

Read Here: What Are The Best Natural Ingredients For Skin Care?

How To Choose The Right Skin Toner?

Select a toner with the ingredients that will best match your skin type. The four skin types are mentioned below:

• Dry skin
• Normal skin
• Oily skin
• Combination skin

There 3 variations of skin toners that carry ingredients matching the above-mentioned skin types namely tonics, astringents, and bracers.

How To Know If Your Toner Is Working?

You can easily notice the benefits of toner as you use it; your skin may feel refreshed and cleansed. After one to two weeks of usage, your skin will become softer & clearer. So choosing the right toners with the right ingredients can do magic to your skin!

FAQs

1. Does toner increase acne?

The alcohol content in the toner may lead to making your skin dry leading to acne.

2. Is toner harmful to the skin?

Choosing a toner with ingredients that matches your skin is not harmful at all.