Medically reviewed by Minimalist Health Specialist - Written by Nancy Agrahari (Journalist) on 22nd Oct 2020
Safe Toners: Something new for teens and their skincare routine
There is no easy way to get glowing, clear skin if you are regularly exposed to dirt and pollution or sleep with makeup on(we seriously hope you don't do the last one!).
Coming back to achieving clean healthy-looking skin, the trick to it is to keep a toner close to you. A toner is a magical ingredient that cleanses your skin, balances your skin pH level, and gives you a refreshing look in minutes.
An ideal skin toner should be alcohol-free, fragrance-free, and should easily balance your skin pH level. We say you need fragrance free toners or any skincare product because the scent will leave your skin sensitive and unhealthy after some time.
According to the American Institute of Dermatology, skincare fragrance is one of the causes of skin irritation, sensitivity, and allergy. When it comes to skincare products, you should look for paraben-free products, alcohol-free, and of course, fragrance-free.
To be part of the cleansing routine, you need to be backed by a toner. If you have ever debated on the idea of getting yourself a skin toner or have been using a toner but wish to understand more about the magical ingredient, then you have landed yourself in the right place.
We are here to answer your every query about skin types, skin toners, benefits, and if you should invest your time, money, energy, and precious cotton pads in getting yourself a toner.
Why do you need a skincare routine?
A skincare routine is your golden ticket to getting clean, glowing skin. We all have been stressing over clinching the perfect product, searching through the sales, and looking for ways to get clear skin that has a subtle glow and plumpness.
Throughout our busy day, we come in contact with pollution, dirt, and that, when covered with makeup, it is not a good thing for the skin. Our skin needs time to breathe and relax. A skincare routine is just that. It gives our skin the cleansing, Exfoliation and toning it needs and then pumps it up with serums, treatments, and moisturizers to keep the good stuff in and restore the glow.
To understand what works best for the skin and what not to buy regardless of what the tv commercial, social media, or other platforms keep nudging you with is understanding your skin type and choosing the right ingredient for the skin.
Like our DNA, our skin is unique, so trying out every other skincare product might not be the ideal way to go ahead with, but we also believe in the idea of trials and errors. You need to try the skincare product to see if it actually works for you and then lock the deal.
So it is mostly like keeping a balance between the skincare products and its application while making sure you follow a customized skincare routine (depending on your skin type) and then relaxing with it.
Do I need a toner?
If you are questioning toner use, then we are here to answer your queries. (You will know that after a few minutes by scrolling below). But if you are thinking about toning as another addition to your skincare routine, you don't need it. You're mistaken here.
You see, toning gives you a soothing feel once you wash your face with a cleanser. You use a toner and allow it to calm your skin. Selecting the right toner is like choosing a perfume. Once you spray it or start using it only, then you will be able to appreciate it. So don't let anyone deter you from not getting or getting yourself a toner (even us). We will give you all the points related to toners and your skin, and then you can decide what works best for you and what won't.
To select whether you need a skin toner, do a quick test, and identify your skin type. Determining your skin will give you an idea of whether it is normal, dry, dehydrated, oily, or acne-prone. Then you can create your skin routine and include the right skincare products around the same.
Know your skin type with these simple steps!
The easiest way to know your skin type is to try our easy trick. It will help you understand if you have dry, normal, oily, or dehydrated skin.
Step 1:
Wash your face with a gentle cleanser.
Step 2:
Pat dry your face and do not apply any cream for 40-45 minutes.
Step 3:
After 40 minutes, examine your face in the mirror to check your skin type.
When you do not apply any cream or moisturizer, it helps you understand the skin's texture. For instance, if your skin develops an oily barrier, then your skin is oily. If it forms a barrier only around the t-zone, then you have normal-to-oily skin.
However, deciding between dry and dehydrated skin can be tricky. Dry skin lacks hydration and moisture. In case you feel your skin is dry, look for products that gravitate towards cleanliness and moisturization. For dehydrated skin, look for Hyaluronic acid serums, drink a lot of water, and meet a dermatologist for detailed information.
Once you have identified your skin type, plan your daily morning and night routine around the same.
What is a Toner?
Coming back to toners, a toner is a super-fast liquid that penetrates deep into your skin, cleans it, and gives it a boost of hydration while removing any dirt or makeup left on the surface of the skin.
Ideally, a skin toner is used after cleansing your skin with a face wash or a cleanser before applying any other skincare products. It also gives your skin a cleaner layer so that you can easily use other skincare products that sink deep into the skin to work.
As part of your makeup routine, treat your toner as a primer for the rest of your skincare routine like treatment serums and heavy creams/moisturizers.
What are safe toners for teens?
A safe toner for teens is the ones that are paraben-free and fragrance-free. When looking for products that suit teenage skin, we are either looking for something that controls oil on our t-zones or controls the raging acne or pimples cropping up on the face. Since our bodies are going through hormonal change, we might have to deal with acne or pimples (be it during menstruation or any other time).
So for teens, the ideal skin toners should be the ones that balance the pH level of the skin while keeping the acne away.
If you are looking for toners that control oil, then you should look for toners that contain Salicylic acid, as they are known for controlling oil and giving the skin a balanced look. Another way to prevent acne is to look for ingredients with aloe vera gel. Aloe vera gel has rich anti-inflammatory properties that help control skin inflammation that may lead to acne or pimples. If these products don't work in your favor, you can also try to shift to a more balanced diet that contains vegetables and fruits, and even if the situation persists, try meeting a dermatologist.
Skin types and toners
Toners are made with different ingredients to neutralize your skin pH level, reduce stress, and tighten the pores.
Acne-prone skin
For acne-prone skin, look for toners with beta-hydroxy acids or salicylic acid in the ingredient list. It will help reduce acne and avoid further inflammation. You may also use toners with glycolic acid.
Sensitive Skin
Always look for ingredients that calm your skin and avoid inflammation. Toners with ingredients like cucumber, aloe vera gel can be the right choice.
Normal skin
You can use ingredients with Vitamin C or other antioxidants. You can also look for toners with ingredients like hyaluronic acid, glycerine, or coenzyme q10. Toners with calming effects can also be the right choice for you.
Dry Skin
Look for toners that provide moisture and no inflammation. Hyaluronic acid or aloe vera gel is the right choice.
Oily Skin
The ones with oily skin should look for ingredients like glycolic acid, willow bark, or salicylic acid in their toners. Use them religiously for the best results.
How To Apply a Toner
If you are a newbie to this, then don't worry. Applying toner is no rocket science and needs just simple precision. All you have to do is take a cotton pad, gently add a few toner drops, and clean your face with it. Try always to follow a smooth, gentle motion to apply it all over the face and wash your face with it.
The perfect time to use a toner
Once you have correctly cleansed your entire face, apply the toner using a cotton pad on your face when it is still damp. It helps the ingredients to penetrate the skin for the best results.
Ideally, use toner twice a day (both AM and PM). The best way to get rid of acne or pimple is to add toners to your everyday skincare routine. In case you feel any dryness or irritation, change it to once a day. If the problem persists, look at the ingredients and check if they cause you any side effects. If it's none, try switching to a mild toner.
The Takeaway
Looking for skincare products while struggling with skin issues can be difficult regardless of age. Being a teenager, it is more complicated, all thanks to hormones. The ideal solution is to understand your skin type and invest in a toner. Add it to your everyday skincare routine, and you will not be disappointed.
