Skincare routines have seemed never-ending lately. Twelve-step ones are far too much faff (and not great for my sensitive skin either), so while we’re all up for streamlining our beauty routines, there’s one step people often skip that they shouldn’t: the toner stage.

The history of toner dates back to ancient Egypt, where women used concoctions of oils, milks and floral waters to purify the skin. In the 20th century, they were used to help counteract the use of stripping soap-based facial cleansers, so they are by no means new. However, they have come a long way when it comes to formulations and skin benefits. 

Do you really need to use a toner?

For such a quick step, you might be wondering how much of an impact a toner can have on your skin, but you’d be surprised. “Although the name suggests that its main job is to ‘tone’, it can do so much more than that. When used regularly, toners play a supportive and complementary role in skincare routines, contributing to skin health in several ways, keeping it hydrated, rebalancing the skin’s pH levels, tightening pores and clearing excess oils,” says Dr Paris Acharya, skincare expert and co-founder of The Ardour Clinic.  

Toners tend to be thin and watery in texture, which may lead you to presume they aren’t as effective as a juicy serum or thick cream, but you’d be wrong. “The watery substance of a toner is a superfood for your skin, acting almost like a liquid moisturiser,” adds Dr Acharya. If you’re on the oilier side and find traditional moisturisers too intense, a hydrating toner could be a great solution.

How to use a toner

There’s an overwhelming amount of skincare products out there, but squeezing a toner into your routine isn’t as hard as you may think

“I recommend using a toner as the next step after your morning and evening cleanse, helping to prep and prime your skin before serums and other products,” says Dr Acharya, as this helps nourish, deliver nutrients and can help restore the pH balance of your skin post-cleanse.

You can apply the toner using a reusable cotton pad or even your palms to tap into the skin. No rinsing off is required. It’s that simple. To make sure you’re reaping all the benefits of your toner, Dr Acharya advises letting it do its thing for at least three minutes before applying your serum.

How often you use a toner depends on the type you opt for. “Most toners will usually specify if they are suitable and gentle enough for daily usage. I would recommend using it at least two or three times a week to see noticeable results over time,” says Dr Acharya.

If your skin goals are hydration, toners catering towards nourishment are often designed to be used daily but if exfoliating acids are involved, your skin may need a break every couple of days.

Ready to find the best toner for you? Here are the tried and tested ones we rate the most. 

Images: courtesy of brands