Is Toner still a thing?

[Bbq1]

I have been looking after my skin since I was about 14/15 and I'm now almost 50. Back in the day I used always to use toner between cleanser and moisturiser. For many years now I've just splashed water on my face after cleansing. I remember my skin would feel a bit tight after toner but once moisturised would just feel really clean. Does anyone still use toner and do you think it's better than water?

Yes and yes. Paula’s Choice.

There are two types of toner, the old toner from the cleanse/tone/moisturize routines and acid toners. The latter (Pixi glycolic, Paula's Choice salicylic and a myriad of others (all identical but cheaper than those two) have replaced those dreadful gritty scrubs that just ruined your face.
The older type toners with no actives are pretty much considered unnecessary. I hadn't used one for years then found a tester of an L'Occitane one in a cupboard, a hydrating toner. Loved it so much I've bought a full bottle.

The only one I use on occasion is Liz Earle and mainly because I adore the smell of it and feel like it instantly relaxes me. Reminds me of my pre-kids days when I had the time and money for a full 3 step Liz Earle routine plus occasional face masks etc. Now I barely have time to wash my face. 😂

I use Pixi Glow Toner and I love it. My face feels smooth and bright after.

I use The Ordinary salycilic (how TF do you spell it - autocorrect has nothing) acid and niacinamide before moisturiser.

At night I use Adapeline cream before moisturiser.

I’m 41 and still get acne. Any advice appreciated.

Yes, I use Caudalie or this is my fave at the moment : https://uk.loccitane.com/immortelle-precious-essential-water,83,1,29786,1750026.htm

Yes! But as other have said, it's all about the acids now.

I use Dennis Gross everyday alpha beta peel. Amazing stuff. Leaves your skin so bright, but not tight as old-school toners did.

ive got a nice Estée Lauder one I use not entirely sure what it does but it smells lovely and my skin feels fresh and clean I got it free mind you, not sure id pay for another one. I also have the benefit foaming toner.

Yes, acid toner for exfoliating.

That's the one I bought the full bottle of. It's gorgeous isn't it. I keep stroking my face 🤣

Have you tried benzoyl peroxide? If the salicylic+ niacinamide plus Adapalene isn't working ?

Same here, every day! 😂

It most definitely is! Got a free estee lauder one the other day with a gift set and it's a bloody revelation. It's pink and comes in a huge bottle for about £30. Can't believe how plumped and glowing my skin feels afterwards.

I use Facetheory toner. It's the T2 one.

Thought it was pointless till I stopped using it after I finished the bottle and my skin began to look dull and and a bit yuck.

Yes, but acid toners.

Not sure what was in the older toners, they felt astringent?

Not only acid toners.

Lots of the korean beauty ones are super hydrating.

The ones that felt like that (Clearasil, Clinique etc) were actually salicylic toners before it became a Thing. They were essentially acid toners. Likewise Estée Lauder Advanced Night Repair was hyaluronic acid before that became a big buzzword.

I just tried Estée Lauder one I suspect it’s hylauronic acid it’s brilliant

I use toner if I've worn heavy makeup

I used to use Adapalene (Differin) from the doc, but have found Tretinoin from Dermatica much better for my acne.

I use this one. More for hydration because of using Tret.

Thanks so much everyone. I have to try so many of these now. Toner shopping spree coming up!

I've recently bought the Fresh rose hydrating toner, it's really nice, smells and looks lovely, with rose petals in the bottle. I've not used toner much before as I have extremely dry skin but it contains hyaluronic acid, which is why I bought it. So far, so pleasant. Planning to try Pixi glow tonic next.

Love pure rose water. Cheap in ethnic shops.

I've used Liz Earle Skin Tonic (never tried the discontinued revamped formula as had stocked up with the original formula which they've now bought back) for over 20yrs it's my favourite toner use it every morning.

Though some evenings I alternate it with one of the following at the moment Elemis Superfood Fruit Vinegar/Elemis Rehydrating Ginseng Toner or Pixi Clarity Tonic.
Also have had Alpha H Liquid Gold Rose & the Paula's Choice BHA Liquid Exfoliant in the past.

Will always rebuy Liz Earle & the others apart from Pixi Clarity which is pants.