Introduction
In this day and age, skincare routines are becoming increasingly popular. People are taking more time to properly care for their skin by following a set routine that’s tailored to their individual needs. But what order should the products in your routine be applied in? One of the biggest debates is – what comes first, toner or moisturizer?
It can be confusing at times, but understanding when and where each product fits into your routine can help you achieve the most desirable and healthy outcome for your skin. To make things easier we’ve broken down the basics and provided an in-depth look at when toner and moisturizer should be used:
Why Is It Important to Know Which Comes First?
It is important to know whether you should use toner or moisturizer first in a daily skincare routine. The order in which you apply products can make a difference in how effectively your skin absorbs them and how well they work together. Applying toner first helps create an even surface for your moisturizer, so it can better penetrate into the skin. This will make for a much smoother skincare experience with longer-lasting results.
Additionally, using toner first gives the other products you apply afterwards more time to absorb deeper into the skin and improve their efficacy. It also removes any remaining makeup residue and balances pH levels, so that your other products are more effective. Toner may provide additional benefits like cleansing, exfoliating, smoothing texture or controlling oil production as part of your skincare routine.
When used correctly and consistently, toner can not only prepare your skin for whatever comes next but can also help protect it against future damage caused by environmental factors such as air pollution and sun exposure. On the other hand, applying moisturizer before toner can clog the pores which prevents beneficial ingredients from penetrating deep enough into the skin where they are most effective – this means that you’re not getting maximum benefit from each product applied thereafter. To achieve optimal results from your daily skincare regime then be sure to apply toner before moisturizer each time!
What Is Toner?
Toner is a skin care product that is used after cleansing and before moisturizing. It can help to remove any remaining traces of dirt, oil, and makeup from the skin, as well as restore the skin’s pH balance. It can also help to tighten the pores and reduce the appearance of enlarged pores. Toner can also be used to soothe, hydrate, and nourish the skin and provide anti-inflammatory benefits.
Knowing what toner is and how it works can help you determine if you need to use it in your skin care routine.
Types of Toners
Toners are used in a skin care routine after cleansing and before moisturizing. In general, toners help to even out skin tone and remove traces of dirt that may still be on the surface of the face after using cleanser. There are many different types of toners available, depending on your skin type and goals.
- M: Mild Toners – Suitable for all skin types, mild toners provide hydration without over-drying or irritating.
- B: Balancing Toners – This type of toner is specifically designed to help balance the natural oil levels on your skin, which is especially helpful for those with oily or combination skin.
- AHA/ BHA Toners – Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHAs) and Beta Hydroxy Acids (BHAs) are chemical exfoliants that can be found in some facial toners to help exfoliate, reduce sebum production, unclog pores, and improve the overall appearance of your complexion. AHAs have larger molecules working closer to the surface of your skin while BHAs penetrate deeper into clogged pores so both can be beneficial depending on your needs.
- Vitamin-Based Toners – Vitamin-based toners such as those with Vitamin C or Niacinamide can provide antioxidant protection and help improve the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles and hyperpigmentation while brightening dull complexions at the same time.
- Hydrating Toners – Hydrating toner products contain ingredients like hyaluronic acid that binds water to itself which helps plump up the look of dry, flaky patches on your face while also providing polishing effects against acne scars and fine lines.
What Is Moisturizer?
Moisturizer is an essential part of any skincare routine. It helps to keep your skin hydrated, improve your skin tone, reduce wrinkles, and protect your skin from environmental damage. It’s important to choose the right moisturizer for your specific skin type in order to get the best results.
In this article, we’ll take a look at what moisturizer does and how to choose the right one for your skin.
Types of Moisturizers
Moisturizers can be categorized in a variety of ways to give an individual the best results for their skin type. Generally, moisturizers are classified by their weight or heaviness, since heavier moisturizers provide more hydration than lighter ones do. Moisturizers range from lotion texture to ointment texture and are generally classified as: lightweight (or gel-based), mid-weight (or cream-based) and heavy (or ointment-based).
- Lightweight (Gel-Based): These moisturizers offer light hydration and often contain water based ingredients that help pull moisture into the skin quicker, like hyaluronic acid, which are also present in safer professional skincare products.
- Midweight (Cream-Based): These provide more hydration than a lightweight moisturizer, making them perfect for dry to normal skin types. They may have some oils present but are not as thick as an ointment-based moisturizer can be. Ingredients like shea butter or jojoba oil are usually found here.
- Heavy (Ointment Based): These heavy moisturizers contain ingredients that create a protective barrier on the skin such as petrolatum or lanolin; this helps to effectively trap moisture and repel water from coming out of the skin making them good for severely dry skin or very cold temperatures when extra protection is needed (i.e., eczema).
When to Use Toner and Moisturizer
Using toner and moisturizer consistently can help keep skin looking vibrant, healthy and hydrated, but knowing when to use these products properly can make all the difference in achieving the desired results. It is important to remember that when it comes to skin care, certain steps must be followed in order for the products used to work optimally.
Toners are best used after cleansing and before moisturizers for most people. Toners act as a bridge between cleansing and moisturizing by ensuring that any traces of dirt or oil left behind by cleansers are removed for maximum absorption of moisturizing ingredients. When correctly applied, toner restores pH balance and helps minimize pores so that skin can more effectively absorb serums and treatments used afterwards in your regimen.
Moisturizer should always go on last—after toner, serums and treatments—to seal in beneficial ingredients that have been applied prior while providing long-lasting hydration throughout the day or night. Most skin types benefit from using a light emulsion mositurizer during the day under makeup followed by an occlusive cream at night; however this could vary depending on individual factors such as age, oiliness or dryness.
In summary, it is best to start with a cleanser followed by toner then lastly use a moisturizer suitable for one’s particular skin type in order to ensure maximum efficacy of the products used.
Conclusion
Ultimately, the order in which you choose to apply toner and moisturizer is up to you. If you’re having skin issues, trying various combinations may help you find the routine that works best for your type of skin.
In general, a good rule of thumb is to start with toner as it balances your skin’s pH levels and clears out excess dirt and debris. Then, follow with your favorite moisturizer to keep your skin hydrated and nourished throughout the day. With this combination, you can achieve a healthy looking complexion that will last all day.
