Beauty

[JudyL]

What are toners really for?  I'm curious as I'm not sure what their purpose is.  Are they really doing anything?  Right now I'm using a toner from Paula's Choice only because I already had it so figured I might as well use it up.  Am thinking I won't repurchase as it seems like an unnecessary step  but maybe I'm wrong about that?

So, do you use a toner?  Do you think its a necessary step or just one you like to do?  No judgement either way, just curious and trying to determine if its a step in my skin care that I want to continue.

[software]

I have used a toner as an exfoliator

Other times I have used an exfoliating serum.

I don't use any kind of scrubbing type exfoliator.

[Iwantcoffee]

I do not think toner is necessary in the way a cleanser is necessary, but can be helpful depending on the ingredients.

I do not use a toner.

[fthunt]

I've used Toner since the age of 14 and still do.  Google will give you reasons it's good for your skin.  A cotton ball and a splash doesn't take much time & is beneficial.

[wilma]

If your cleanser isn’t completely removing the makeup & dirt from your face then a toner can help. Paula’s Choice toners have beneficial skin ingredients, but I never saw any difference in my skin after using one for several months so I stopped using it.

I still like Neutrogena Alcohol Free Toner. I use it every morning. I like the fresh feeling it gives my face. I’ve also used it in the hot summers when my face feels hot & sweaty to refresh my face. 

[Lipstickdiva]

I do use a toner mostly to get off anything left behind by my cleanser, including some cleanser.  I don't always do the best job cleansing really close to my hairline so my toner will get off the little bit left behind.

I also like to see how good of a job my cleanser is doing.  If I try a new cleanser and my cottonball is full of make-up when I use the toner, I know that cleanser is a dud.

I don't use a high dollar toner though. I use Dickinsons which is under $5.00 for a 16oz bottle.  

[SilleeMee]

Originally used as a final cleanse, toners removed what soap and other old time cleansers left behind. Today cleansers have improved with so many types on the market. Toners have become almost obsolete. 

[Harpa]

I use toners for hydration. Oils do not deliver hydration, but water does. Toners are mostly water, which assists in the penetration of other skincare into deeper layers.

My favorite toner is one I make myself - from green tea. I add other beneficial, tested ingredients that actually do something for the skin. But I've never used a toner to get what my cleanser left behind. That wouldn't be a good cleanser.

[marmarbrooklyn]

@JudyL 

Hi as someone who always had oily acne prone skin even now at 57 I remember the days of Sea Breeze and Bonne Bell 10.0.6 and the strongest Clinique toner . These probably made my skin worse , since they were so drying . I used it after cleansing to remove dirt, makeup ,oil etc. I don't think they are necessary because now many women use a double cleanse or oils an balms which remove most everything . I agree about hydration . i am really enjoying the Korean essense toners they are very hydrating . I use the brand I'm from Mugwort toner . The brand I'm from is a cruelty free Korean brand . They have products line of Fig , Mugwort and Rice . I splash the toner on damp skin and  it really holds moisture in . 

[fthunt]

I know you're up-to-date re most things; but don't think 'obsolete' is quite correct.  Been using L'oreal for decades and I see many different lines at drug stores.