Toner - do you use it?

[mrsoutnumbered]

Is it really necessary? What's the point of it, besides removing traces of make up that cleansing may have missed?

I've been using it for years but am wondering if my money is better spent on something else. I use a foaming face wash at the moment (the calm skin one from Superdrug) so my face gets a good wash and rinse with water afterwards.

If I do use one I use one with glycolic acid which acts as a gentle chemical exfoliant.

Certainly not necessary. If you have traces of makeup then you haven’t cleansed your face thoroughly enough.
Chemical exfoliators, are sometimes referred to now as toners but these are a different beast and are effective when used properly (a few times a week is enough).

I thought toner helped to close your pores after you've cleansed...? I didn't use it for years, but got a lovely rose one in the M&S beauty calendar at Christmas and have been using that.

I use toner as I typically use an oil based or balm type makeup remover and I need to use something afterwards to get the oily feeling off my skin. I just use a rosewater based one to refreshen up, as I have quite dry skin that doesn’t play nicely with the more stripping/exfoliating toners. Then serum and moisturizer. Skin is the best it’s been in a long time.

Yes I have dry sensitive skin that would not react well to any kind of chemical acid type toners. So I've never even tried them, only ones like Simple.

Cold water should close your pores after cleansing, right?

I thought it acted as a type of exfoliator? I'm using Liz Earle currently and had it in a set, my skin has never felt so good so I will keep using it.

@wombofherown yes, I've used an oily cleanser in the past and agree that you need to get that feel off your skin! Otherwise my make up would slide off my face!

Do pores actually close?!

Sadly not. Pores not doors

My skin can't handle any kind of chemical exfoliation. In fact something I'm using now has set it off - I'm all blotchy and spotty around my mouth and chin.

I use Liz Earle, it feels very gentle.

I totally agree with JDSTER that it isn’t necessary, and that you definitely shouldn’t be using it to finish cleansing your skin.

Like Quintella, I also like to use a glycolic acid toner to exfoliate. I also use frankincense water as a toner, but just because I like it and it’s refreshing, not because it’s needed or is actively doing anything.

I must've had too much wine lady night as I basically just repeated my self in my posts!

Thanks for your advice, I've come to the conclusion that it's probably not necessary for me and my skin type, but if I switch to a more oily cleanser then a quick sweep of something gentle (loving the rosewater recommendation) may be a good idea!

I use the Liz Earle on and love it too, as a PP mentioned. I only use it after cleansing in the am though.

A little tip I read online which has been a gamechanger for me, is to pour a small amount of toner into the palm of your hand and apply it with your fingers. You get way, way more out of the bottle that way than using it on a cotton wool pad.

I use Pixi Glow Tonic or a spritz of Caudalie Beauty Elixir. I’m not totally convinced they actually do anything, but my skin is clear and glowing and I love the smell of both!

For years I’ve used rosewater that the chemist makes up for me on request. Around £3.20 for 500mls, so considerably cheaper than shop-bought stuff with preservatives (AFAIK it’s distiller water & rose essence). I use it to clean off my cleanser at night and again the morning before moisturiser. Swear by it!

The idea that pores open and close is nonsense. Totally fine to use a toner like rosewater if you enjoy using it, they’re just not necessary. Are you using anything with fragrance mrsoutnumbered? It could be the cause of the blotchines, particularly since you mentioned your skin is sensitive.

@jdster yes I do use fragranced things, and most products are fine, but certain things seem to trigger dermatitis around my chin and mouth.