Toners? Toners!

You browse Hanami Skin or other online beauty stores, or just walk down the aisle at your local drugstore, and you see so many products that people call “toners.” You’ve seen it, you may already be using it, and you’ve probably heard from many people about how it’s an “essential part of their skincare routine.” But what exactly is a toner, and why should you use it?

What are toners?

In the old days, toners contained high concentrations of alcohol because the main purpose was to remove oil from the skin and make it less greasy. So the old toners mostly burned and dehydrated the skin by destroying the skin's oil and moisture balance. But hey, a lot has changed in the last few years.

These days, toners are water-based cosmetic products (not alcohol!) that help cleanse the skin and add moisture to the skin after cleansing. Different categories of toners contain different acids, glycerin, antioxidants, and/or anti-inflammatories. Because toners are water-based, they quickly penetrate the skin and deliver moisture from the inside out. Not only that, using a cotton pad or cotton pad to apply toners will help soften the skin's texture by removing dead skin cells from the skin's surface. You've cleansed your skin, filled your pores with moisture, removed dead skin cells - now your skin is ready for other skincare products like serums or moisturizers.

When should I use it?

This is an easy question to answer. The answer is: Right after cleansing! After washing your face with a cleanser, wiping your skin with a cotton pad dipped in toner helps remove any remaining impurities while also smoothing the skin. The ingredients in toners will also penetrate the skin best when it is wet, preparing the skin for the next products to be applied.

How should I apply toners?

There are many ways to apply toner. You can apply some to your hands and press it directly onto your skin. You can also apply some to cotton pads and use them to wipe your face, working outwards. Using cotton pads is best for gentle exfoliation and to even out skin tone. If you want to take it a step further, try the “7 Skin Method,” a popular Korean skincare routine where you apply small amounts of toner in seven layers. This method is perfect for extra moisture during dry seasons.

What kind of toners should I use?

There are many types of toners, each with different benefits. There are two types of toners – the watery liquid type and toner pads. Liquid toners are great for multi-use as you can apply them as a liquid product and soak cotton pads with them. Toner pads are simple and easy to use as they are pre-soaked with essence, and you can use them to easily apply toner and exfoliate at the same time.