A skin toner’s main role is to gently clean your skin without robbing it of its natural moisture, regardless of your skin type. However, some say they had acne outbreaks. Can toners really make you break out?

Using a toner preps your skin for any beauty treatment you want. It primarily cleans all the dirt like soap scum after washing. It should not irritate sensitive skin and cause severe dryness. Depending on the density of its formulation some toners are used for exfoliation, anti-aging, and whitening. 

But, there is more to know about toners than just wiping them on your face. Get to know how toners work, and if they can really cause you to break out.

Is Toner Necessary in Skin Regimen?

Important but not necessary. You may first seek advice and consultation with a dermatologist if your skin type requires using a toner. Commonly, toners are being used by those people with excessive facial oils. Toners eliminate these oils and also post-washing residue and impurities. 

Benefits of Using a Skin Toner

More than just a cleaning solution, toners are now gaining popularity because of the list of benefits they can give. 

1. Cleanser
2. Manages acne
3. Moisturizes skin
4. Restores skin pH

Can Toners Make You Break Out?

Toners can effectively improve a few blemishes and minor breakouts if the solution contains acne-fighting ingredients like salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide. 

However, cleansing toner alone does not practically cure the cause of acne. Moderate acne and severe acne do not respond sufficiently to any Over-the-counter OTC products.

You’ll need acne medication to get those breakouts manageable and it is safer to consult a dermatologist for the best medicine for your skin type.

How to Choose a Toner

Using a toner is not the same for everyone, so we recommend that before you buy that highly-convincing ad you see online, check with an expert.

You should also understand your skin, how it reacts to skincare products, and more. Toners can effectively work best if you know what’s great for your type of skin.

There are four major skin types that you need to know before choosing a toner. 

• Normal skin-  Blemish-free, smooth skin
• Oily- Visible pores, excessive release of sebum making skin appear shiny
• Dry Skin – Cannot retain moisture, thus making it rough and breakable
• Combination – Has a mix of oily and dry skin 

What Are The Different Types of Toners?

There are three different types of toners for various skin types. Each toner is developed to improve skin conditions.

Astringents

Perhaps, the strongest type of toner, astringents remove excess oils and unclogs pores. Astringents usually contain high amounts of active ingredients and alcohol. 

Those with acne-prone skin typically use astringent because of its antiseptic properties too. However, one should limit using it to at least once a day or as recommended by an expert to avoid stripping your skin’s natural oils. 

Most astringents contain Salicylic acid, tea tree, and witch hazel extracts. Salicylic acid is an exfoliating ingredient that makes your complexion brighter and clearer while also removing impurities and dirt that cause whiteheads and blackheads.

Witch hazel tightens pores and has anti-inflammatory properties. It is also a crucial ingredient for those with oily skin.

Tea tree extracts contain both anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties that protect your skin from infections. There are anti-blemish cleansers that promote subtle exfoliation while moisturizing your skin.

Bracers

These are the mildest types of toners containing water and humectant ingredients like glycerol. Bracers are best recommended for those with dry or sensitive skin because of their hydration benefits.

Glycerol protects skin from harmful elements and locks in moisture, keeping your skin well-hydrated. Other key ingredients for bracers are Vitamin E for antioxidant and UV protection, and rose water for soothing benefits.

Tonics

Tonics are typically medium-strengthed toners. Usually, it contains small quantities of alcohol, orange flower extract, lactic acid, and glycolic acid. This kind of toner is best used for those with normal skin, oily, and combination skin types. 

The orange flower extract contains citric acid for exfoliating naturally while protecting the skin from UV rays and acne breakouts. Lactic acid is also a mild exfoliant for treating hyperpigmentation. Glycolic acid is stronger than lactic acid which helps exfoliate skin and brightens the complexion.

Side Effects of Using Toners

There are also notable side effects of using toners. They usually appear when using an incorrect toner for your skin type. 

Acne Breakouts

 Usually, a skin-purging state happens when using a new skincare product such as toner. During this phase, toners stimulate faster cell turnover which then induces dirt and blockages, resulting in breakouts. 

However, if the breakout does not improve after a few weeks, it could be a side effect of your toner. The active ingredients are not suitable for your skin type thus giving you an acne breakout. 

It is best to check the ingredients in your toner. If you have oily skin, make sure to find a toner suitable for acne-prone skin. 

Skin Dryness

Another common side effect of using a toner is skin dryness. If you happen to notice that your skin turned dry and tightened, discontinue using your toner. Your skin might not be suitable for the active ingredients present in the toner. 

Instead of using a toner, use moisturizers and serums that contain hyaluronic acid and ceramides. These ingredients hydrate and nourish dry skin.

Redness

This is the most common side effect of having a mismatched toner. Redness or swelling occurs when the ingredients are too strong for your skin. Look for a toner that calms inflammation such as those with aloe vera and colloidal oatmeal to calm the redness.

Conclusion

Can toners make you break out? Yes! If you are using an incorrect toner for your skin type, you will surely suffer the effects. Consulting a dermatologist is your first step in fighting off acne. Avoid using harsh products on your skin to avoid further damage. 

Toners are essential cleansers with a vast list of benefits. You just need to find which one is best for your type of skin.