What is toner actually used for?

fussyonion

What is toner actually used for?
I've been using it for years, but it just dawned on me today that I don't actually know what it's for!
Please enlighten me, girls!

fussyonion

fussyonion wrote: »

What is toner actually used for?
I've been using it for years, but it just dawned on me today that I don't actually know what it's for!
Please enlighten me, girls!

They were originally to restore your skins Ph balance after cleansing, but since cleansers are now Ph balanced themselves they're a bit obsolete. Though some like to use glycolic toners or ones with salicylic acid as a sort of treatment.

I never use one, I use a mild wash in the morning and a hot cloth cleanser in the evening and never felt the need.

retro:electro

I've always believed it to be for closing the pores before moisturising that cleansing has opened? I could be wrong though. I always use the simple toner I just think it's a nice step in my routine, although I think a splash of water basically does the same thing

anna080

anna080 wrote: »

I've always believed it to be for closing the pores before moisturising that cleansing has opened? I could be wrong though. I always use the simple toner I just think it's a nice step in my routine, although I think a splash of water basically does the same thing

You can't open or close pores, they have no mechanism that allows them to expand or contract. Some people have larger pores because of blockage or whatever, some have naturally smaller pores. You pores can look smaller when they're cleared of gunk, but they're always the same size.

The truth: Despite what your mother told you, you can’t steam your pores open. “Pores do not have muscles around their opening to allow them to open and close,” says Pon. However, steaming the skin can help loosen up underlying debris, making blackheads easier to extract. But it’s best to leave extractions to the professionals, says Evans

http://www.besthealthmag.ca/best-looks/skin/myths-and-truths-about-your-pores

retro:electro

Candie wrote: »

You can't open or close pores, they have no mechanism that allows them to expand or contract. Some people have larger pores because of blockage or whatever, some have naturally smaller pores. You pores can look smaller when they're cleared of gunk, but they're always the same size.



http://www.besthealthmag.ca/best-looks/skin/myths-and-truths-about-your-pores

I see. I said I was probably wrong anyway it's just what I've always thought over the years.

anna080

anna080 wrote: »

I see. I said I was probably wrong anyway it's just what I've always thought over the years.

I thought the same thing for a long time.

Tilly

anna080 wrote: »

I see. I said I was probably wrong anyway it's just what I've always thought over the years.

Sure one of the girls in the body shop told me the same thing.

birdwatcher

I thought this was a photocopier question. my bad.

Lia_lia

No idea. That's why I don't use it!

fussyonion

Yeah, I might just splash some uisce on my mush instead of wasting money on toner.
I don't see any benefit of using it.

How Strange

The old fashioned toner was a second step cleanser to remove any residue from the cleansing cream. They were loaded with alcohol so not the best for your skin. Now you can get ordinary ones with vitamin c etc but tbh I don't see the point in them.

I do use exfoliating toners which contain fruit or glycolic acids and I've found them very effective for improving my skin now that I'm older and any problems such as rosacea are difficult to tackle.

Bored_lad

Toner was originally used to rebalance you skins PH and to remove all final traces of cold cream from you face. It originally was alcohol based and was extremely harsh to the skin.

Thankfully now all cleansers are PH balanced and toners no longer contain alcohol. Many people think they are used to close pores however this is not possible as pore can not open or close.

Toners now cover a broad range of products and are basically any liquids that you are applying to your face after cleansing. They are mainly used for chemical exfoliation now a days and many toners contain salicylic/lactic/glycolic acids or a mixture of these acids.

Toners I feel are a must have for everyone's routine and they are great for simple chemical exfoliation that won't be too harsh for most people's skin.

I use glycerin and rose water instead of toner since a friend recommended it. It's only 2 or 3 quid in the pharmacy and I don't actually know what it does but my skin tone did improve and it's much softer

themissymoo

Oh wow. Silly me has been using toner thinking it actually tones my skin. I've been using it for weeks wondering why my cheekbones and arms don't look any different or more toned!