Toner that actually does something to the skin?

[Jmommy]

I’ve been using facial toner for years a bit on and off. Keep reading how important part of your skincare routine it is, but I just can’t see much results in terms of added moisture, or anything for that matter. And the same applies to my first bottle of essence I’ve now almost used up. I’m starting to think might as well skip both products altogether.

Got recommendations for toner and/or essence that actually noticeably moisturizes the skin? I have sensitive skin and signs of aging starting to show.

A little lighter topic for a change in the midst of all the corona talk. Actually wishing this board was more active these days - to resort to something totally unrelated to corona and light now and then

I love Pixi products, the Glow Tonic toner is great and they have lovely moisturises. The Rose Ceramide cream or rose flash balm are my favourite, really improved my skin.

It never makes any difference to my skin. On no make up days I use a gentle soap and water, then moisturiser. On make up days- very rare just now, I use cleanser, then soap and water before moisturising.

I wash my hands and face with soap and water if I have been shopping as it is the best defence against covid 19.

Actually wishing this board was more active these days - to resort to something totally unrelated to corona and light now and then

Me too! It’s not good for my blood pressure ranting all over the other threads

It sounds like you want a hydrating toner? What have you been using? I use Boots old fashioned glycerin & rosewater decanted into a spray bottle, in the evenings sometimes. A light spritz smells lovely and feels nice and hydrating under moisturiser or serum then moisturiser. It’s dirt cheap too.

(Also grateful for the change in topic)

I started using toner last year with pixi glow i found it did make a difference, but it doesn't continue, like there is only so far it can go. Ice recently decided to carry on doing it but choosing a cheaper glycolic acid toner, Look Fantastic had something by a Danish company, i think, i can't remember the name, but it's cheaper and just as good.

I also had been using it once or twice daily and then learned it shouldn't be as frequent as that so now so it a few times a week, a bit randomly. What's everyone else doubt?

Doing, not doubt.

I use the body shop vitamin e toner and find my skin is much clearer and brighter since using. Isn't it supposed to remove the last traces of makeup?

liquid gold. Its an acid toner but it is the one product that definitely makes a difference to my skin. It doesn't moisturise though, it resurfaces your skin so its typically a use at night time product.

I’ve been using Revolution Rose Tonic toner it’s lovely (and cheap) www.boots.com/revolution-skincare-rose-tonic-10268710?cm_mmc=bmm-buk-google-ppc--PLAs--(GB:Whoop!)+Revolution-_-(GB:Whoop!)+Boots+Shopping+-+Category+-+Beauty+-+Mobile&gclid=EAIaIQobChMImLakvJC16AIV0sreCh2dzAIAEAQYASABEgJArfD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds

I use a glycolic toner twice a week. I got mine from Aldi.

I got a glycolic toner from Boots recently, as my chin gets a bit congested feeling from time to time and I sometimes get whacking great hormonal spots. I haven’t used it yet though! In the past I’ve used Nip&Fab or Olay ‘anti wrinkle’ which I think has been discontinued. They made my skin look better but I’m sure I got more sun damage, just from odd times without spf. Most acid toners contain alcohol, which my skin can’t tolerate. I’ll report back when I’ve tried my new one

Yep, alpha h liquid gold or Paula's choice bha.

Biologie recherche too. P50 or 45....can't remember!!!

I like Alpha-H Liquid Gold and also the Pixi Retinol Tonic.

I use liquid gold twice a week after double cleansing then go to bed, nothing goes on top.

Me too liquid gold with nothing on top.

Pixi Glow or Alpha H every day and The Ordinary Retinol 2/3 days a week

Do you use the acid toners and retinol together some nights? I always worry the combo will do something hideous, like melt my face!

Another one who just loves pixi rose toner and pixi rose oil, but ALDI also do a good copy of both on the special buys.

I can't stand the pixi toner, it made me all blotchy. I like the Liz Earle one, some body shop ones (vitamin e) and the Neal's Yard orange or rose toners and that's about it. I've got lovely skin if I say so myself

Thanks for recommendations ladies! I’m indeed looking for a gentle, hydrating toner, with perhaps some anti-aging ingredients. Checked out the pixi glow but get suspicious if my sensitive skin would like it 🤔 So far O have been using various toners, mainly inexpensive ones with a simple inci list. I think the body shop vitamin E toner might have potential, as can remember liking the vitamin E mask years ago.

I would highly recommend a gentle lactic acid toner :) they are anti aging and hydrating as well as doing that amazing exfoliation that acid toners do over time.

As with any acid toner you want to build up usage and watch out for signs of over exfoliation. Don't be fooled into thinking acids arent for you if you have dry skin; I do too and if you get the right balance they can be really transformative.

Do you need to use toner if you use soap to wash your face?

niteflights
I'm a huge fan of boots Glycerin and rose water too.
I've used it for years. I live the old fashioned bottle too.

Nip and fab glycolic pads are amazing. I don’t buy loads of products but this works really well on my skin. It melts dead skin and other products sink in. There is one with hyaluronic acid and stronger one. Try the first - it’s hydrating and not harsh in sensitive skin (which I have).

I love the pixi rose tonic but didn’t like the Pixi glow

If you have sensitive skin, I would avoid glycolic (Pixi, Nip and Fab) and look at Ren Ready Steady Glow, its lactic. None of the acid toners purpose is to moisturise though. I follow my acid with Boots Botanics Rose Water Spritz, then a hyaluronic acid (Indeed Labs, Hada Labo Premium etc) and then a moisturiser.

I too would advise you to avoid glycolic acid toners if you have sensitive skin, those being Liquid Gold or the Pixi tonic....I have sensitive skin and glycolic acid always brings me out in tiny red spots which take over a week to go. I have started using Estée Lauder micro essence, which is lovely and I can tell is making a difference, though it can be pricey. Using a mild toner and then a serum is also good or hydration too....a toner on its own I find is never going to give any hydration. You could also try a mild retinol product 2 or 3 times a week ( I use The ordinary one) this also boosts hydration and also adds to help resurface skin texture as it also exfoliates- apply overnight) nothing else needed. Start off on their lowest dosage. It’s inexpensive for what you get and very popular.