FUNCTION AND ORDER OF APPLICATION WITHIN A SKIN CARE REGIMEN

Toners are leave-on products. They are the second cleansing step within a skin care regimen designed to freshen and tone, and they also prepare the skin for the application of moisturizer. After cleansing, toners are typically applied by saturating a cotton ball or pad and wiping this across the face. Men may use them as a splash-on after shaving. Toners remove any makeup residue, and oily skin patients find them beneficial to remove excess sebaceous secretions. Toners can provide a mild exfoliating action and a stimulating or cooling sensation. Toners may also serve as a delivery vehicle for active or cosmeticeutically important ingredients such as anti-acne, anti-aging, and whitening/ lightening. Although toners are typically designed for facial use, they may also be used for the upper chest and back in acne treatment.

Updated: June 17, 2015 — 7:55 pm