2 Editors with Different Skin Types Share How They Use Toner in Their Skincare Routines

Toner is a staple in just about any skincare routine, whether you have dry, oily or combination skin. There are a variety of formulas with AHAs and BHAs to help reduce breakouts, suitable for many with oily skin, while other options contain hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid and niacinamide, optimal for those with dry skin. 

Here, two editors, one with oily skin and one with dry skin share their toner routines. Hopefully their tips and product suggestions will help you determine how to best use toner for your skin type, too.

How to Use Toner for Oily/Combination Skin

Main Ingredients: Glycolic Acid

“I live and breathe by toner every morning and night, and because of my oily, combination and acne-prone skin type, I always opt for a formula with substantial BHAs or AHAs. This is why the L’Oréal Paris Revitalift Derm Intensives 5% Pure Glycolic Acid Peeling Toner is my favorite formula to use every day. It helps refresh and smooth my skin in just thirty seconds, while AHA gently exfoliates to reveal fresher, brighter skin. After I cleanse, I apply two or three pumps of the toner onto a cotton pad and swipe it all over my face. The glycolic acid sinks into my skin, helps remove dead skin cells and helps improve the appearance of dark spots over time. It also has soothing aloe vera to help calm my skin, and then I apply moisturizer and SPF to finish. I repeat the same steps at night and finish with a thick overnight cream or mask. This exfoliating option has truly changed my skin’s game. It looks more clarified, even-toned, radiant and matte. Shine, begone!”  — Alanna, Assistant Managing Editor

How to Use Toner for Dry Skin 

Main Ingredients: Ceramides, Hyaluronic Acid and Niacinamide

“As someone with dry, sensitive skin, toner has always scared me a little. I’ve heard horror stories about highly astringent formulas that leave your skin red, stripped and angry. But since I’ve been using the CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser for years now, I felt comfortable giving the CeraVe Hydrating Toner a try. After I cleanse at night, I swipe this on with a cotton pad to help whisk away any leftover makeup and residue my cleanser missed. So far, I haven’t noticed any irritation or dryness, and I can rest assured that my face is prepped before I layer on a moisturizer and facial oil. My favorite time to use this toner is on days where I wear a full face of makeup, to help remove any leftover residue after cleansing.  It contains three essential ceramides to help restore the skin’s moisture barrier, hyaluronic acid to help retain skin’s natural moisture, and niacinamide to soothe.  Plus, it’s free of drying fragrances and alcohol. If you also have dry, sensitive skin and have been hesitant about trying toner, I highly recommend starting with this gentle formula!” — Ariel, Associate Editor

Photos: Alanna Martine Kilkeary, Ariel Wodaryck

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