Toners, Do You Need Them?

I get asked this question a lot.  Usually within the conversation they mention that the person at the make-up counter told them they needed a toner.  For years toners have been needed to balance the pH of the skin due to the use of the harsh ingredients in your cleansers.  Those ingredients throw of the pH and then you need to re-adjust.  The other idea is that toners help remove the remaining dirt, make-up, and oils.  Well all I have to say is if you need to do ANY of this you need to change your cleanser.  A harsh cleanser can damage the skin and cause an imbalance.  If the cleanser is not removing dirt, oil, and make-up the way it should then why waste the money and additional time.

We are far to busy to add extra steps to our routine.  I don’t mind a toner that has a performance ingredient.  Maybe an acne line that uses a toner that has some salicylic or some herbal ingredients to sooth and calm.  Hydrating toner for extreme dry skin.  Also very oily skin may need a little extra help. Other then that if you feel you really need to get additional dirt and oil Witch Hazel for all general use or Rosewater for dry skin and it is also good with killing bacteria these will do the trick.  Many of the toners contain Witch Hazel anyways, along with alcohol and other harsh ingredients that do nothing to assist with better skin health.  So just go straight to the source and leave out the other unnecessary ingredients.  I deal mostly with professional products verses over the counter.  I understand not everyone can afford to buy an entire profession kit, and they don't even always need to, but investing in a good cleanser goes a long way.