The origins of toner can be traced back to World War II, a time when economic hardships made it difficult for people to afford moisturizers. As a result, a low-cost product was developed to assist women in their skincare routines.
At that time, women wanted to care for their skin but had to settle for toner due to financial constraints. However, it’s important to note that facial cleansing methods back then were vastly different from today’s practices, with soap being the predominant cleansing product. During that era, water quality was often hard and had a high pH, which meant that dirt could easily remain on the skin after washing. The main function of toner was to adjust the pH level, providing a cleansing and soothing effect.
Today, soap is no longer the primary cleansing product available, especially in Hong Kong, where the quality of bottled water has significantly improved. People no longer feel a greasy residue on their skin after washing their faces. Therefore, the original design of toner no longer aligns with the actual needs of modern individuals. Many people use toner simply out of cultural habit, having seen their mothers use it, and thus assume it is a necessary step in skincare.
So, why is toner often deemed essential? This is a question worth pondering. You might think not using toner is akin to not brushing your teeth, but in reality, skipping toner does not have a significant effect on the skin. For those with oily skin, toner can help control oil, but it is crucial to check the ingredients carefully and not purchase it blindly just because it is labeled as “toner.”
Modern toners often include various active ingredients like alpha hydroxy acids or antioxidants. Can such products still be classified as toners? The concentration differences can be negligible, and opting to use a high-concentration serum can also be a good choice. While cosmetics companies want you to purchase more products, consumers should thoroughly understand the ingredients before buying, especially the alcohol content. If a toner contains a high amount of alcohol, it is generally not recommended unless you have very oily skin, as alcohol can irritate or dry out other skin types.
Furthermore, if the pH level of the toner is inappropriate, it may harm the skin instead. Therefore, it’s wise to avoid conducting “chemical experiments,” as professional formulators possess knowledge that far exceeds our understanding. Even when undergoing acid treatments, careful selection of moisturizing products is essential.
When it comes to the formation of wrinkles, we often attribute it to excessively dry skin, but that is not entirely accurate; the true reason is the loss of collagen and elastin in the dermis. While using moisturizing lotions can improve the surface feel of the skin, they do not address the underlying issues of wrinkles.
Toner and moisturizer can be used together, but neither will directly increase skin elasticity or reduce wrinkles unless these products contain anti-wrinkle ingredients. There’s a saying that compares skin to a rag: a dry rag absorbs water slowly, while a wet rag absorbs quickly. However, this analogy is theoretically insufficient. Whether you need to use toner ultimately depends on the product’s ingredients and formulation. If the goal is to address acne or aging, relevant active ingredients must be included to achieve effective results. Therefore, it’s essential to pay attention to the ingredients and efficacy of toner to more effectively care for your skin.