Is it really necessary to use a toner?

[citygirl1961]

I have read where its just not necessary and an extra expense, what do you think?

It's great that people feel they have great skin without using beauty related products, but OP was asking a specific question.

My skin is a million times better for an acid toner. Otherwise no.

I have about 5 unopened Liz Earle toners from gift sets of old. Other than smelling nice, I can't tell you what it does!

A hark back to old cold cream type cleansers. Removing the residue.

I don't buy it but if I've received one in a beauty box/advent calendar I'll us it up, xant say I ever see any difference.

I have sensitive skin so can't use the REN one/any with AHA so maybe that is why.

I like to use an acid exfoliant… I think that’s what toners have generally been rebranded as. I get flaky bits on my nose otherwise.

No. But then it's not necessary to use any skincare products on your face - they are a triumph of marketing.

Depends on the cleanser, if it's oil based definitely as it removes any left over oils ok the skin. If your cleanser doesn't contain any oil then it's not necessary but if you like it then use it

This is interesting, which emolient do you use? I have ezcema and use emolient to wash my body with.

Just a big tub of Zeroderma ointment when I've run out of bog standard cold cream (which is harder to get hold of these days).

Perfect for getting mascara and eyeliner off without constant rubbing.

Can anyone who was a teen in the 90s remember Ten 0 Six? Was that a cleanser or a toner? I just remember it being like bloody paint thinner but was convinced it would solve all my skin problems 😂😘

No. I find toners tend to dry/aggravate my skin.

I use an exfoliating one about 3 times a week.

I remember using Clinique cream cleanser, toner and dramatically different moisturiser for much of the 90s. Toners are completely unnecessary now (and were then) although like previous posters, I do use a BHA exfoliant once or twice a week.

I must say it's incredibly boring and predictable to get the old "I just use soap and fresh air" brigade chiming in on every single skincare thread. We get it! Some people have naturally good skin or simply don't give a shit about skincare! The rest of us enjoy looking and/or feeling better with some nice products, it doesn't mean we're idiots who have simply fallen for the marketing spiel. Rant over.

What's wrong with having oil left on your skin?

I add more oil (rosehip) after cleansing.

I get what you're saying in general, but the title of this thread is "Is it really necessary to use a toner?" If it were "Which toner should I use?" then I'd agree that the "I don't use one" type replies would be unnecessary.

It's not just "I don't use one" comments though is it.

" I don't use anything and anyone who ever washes their face is a moron for falling for the scam" 🙄 . I am not in face a lesser person or somehow morally compromised because I enjoy washing my face and putting moisturiser on. The time of some of these replies suggest that there is something wrong with not having perfect clean skin by magic, I'm sorry but I do like to wash the sweat off after a gym session - if you don't that's fine but no need to sneer at me...

Daily I use a cream cleanser then remove with water.

I use an exfoliating acid toner a few times a week and that makes a difference. However I don’t think non-exfoliating toners do much that you couldn’t just do with water, so save your money.

Most skincare isn't necessary and I say that as someone who loves skincare! If you enjoy it to ahead, it improves hydration and helps serum penetrate deeper but it's not must have. Really I'd say only must is wash your face and wear Spf.

That having been said I love pampering myself so it's very pleasurable to me to use nice products and oils.

I read that toner gets rid of the soap residue from washing, I notice on my cotton wool pad after using toner, there's usually some dirt on there, so I guess it does remove the last traces of dirt. If I don't use toner I always feel greasy, but that might just be a head thing.

Oh and also it's supposed to remove dead skin cells to make your face look clear and brighter

Hear hear!

The old-fashioned toners aren't necessary, no. If you like to get the residue from cleanser off, then either one of those, or a splash of water does the trick.
Acid toners, as pps have said, are different and will do something other than remove the last bits of makeup or cleanser. An AHA (like glycolic) got dry/ageing or a BHA (salicylic) for oily/prone to breakouts skin.
The Clinique toner in the 3 step thing? A BHA acid toner before it even had a name and became a thing.

I really benefit from glycolic acid, some who double cleanse refer to it as the second cleanse.

I use an acid toner

I've been using a toner for over 10 years and wouldn't be without it - I feel it takes the last residue/dirt off the skin before applying products. It's also makes moisturiser/serum go a little bit further as it's already adding some moisture back into the skin before adding these products. I do have problematic skin and find that when I'm using the cleanser, tone, treat, moisturise routine it stays in good shape. When I get a bit slack the breakouts start again. It's probably not necessary for everyone, some people are blessed with great skin but unfortunately not me.