Toner type: hydrating toner and exfoliating toner, what's the difference?

To get clean and healthy skin, doing one step of cleansing with face wash is not enough. You also need hydrating toner or exfoliating toner which is one of a series of products skincare .

Toner function at a glance

Maybe some of you don't really know toner products and the reasons why this one care product is so important to include in your skin care routine.

Toner is a care product with the function of removing dead skin cells and dirt that remains after the stage cleansing . In series skincare , toner is worn after double cleansing with cleaning liquid and face wash soap.

The main function of a toner is to moisturize facial skin and adjust its pH value so that facial skin health is always maintained. Moisturized skin will be able to absorb the active ingredients from the product skin care next better.

Even so, each type of toner actually has a variety of functions that are determined by the active ingredient. As an example, hyaluronic acid and glycerin can moisturize the skin. Meanwhile, sodium PCA helps control excess oil and witch hazel effective for dealing with inflammation due to acne.

Other ingredients in toner also help shrink pores, make the face smoother, tighten the skin, and prevent infection. In fact, there are also toners with acidic content that exfoliate the dead skin layers that cause dull skin.

Toner types available

If you look at the content, there are many types of toner available on the market. However, toners are generally divided into two broad categories, namely exfoliating toner (exfoliating toner) and hydrating toner (moisturizing toner).

Anyone can use exfoliating toner as well as hydrating toner . Even so, the function of the toner that you use will be more optimal if it is adjusted to the skin problems you are currently facing or the target you want to achieve. Here's the explanation.

1. Exfoliating toner

Exfoliating toner is toner with the main function of exfoliating by removing dead skin cells and exfoliating the outermost layer of skin. This type of toner will clean the remaining dirt from the previous step as well as the residue makeup from the face.

Exfoliating toner made of fusion alpha and beta-hydroxy acid (AHA and BHA) and their derivative compounds. The derivative compounds in question include salicylic acid , glycolic acid , and lactic acid . Each type of acid has its own use.

AHAs are a type of water soluble acid made from fruits. This acid is used to treat mild hyperpigmentation, large pores, wrinkles, and uneven skin tone. AHAs can also fade acne scars and ward off premature aging.

On the other hand, BHA is an oil soluble acid that is used to treat acne problems and sun damage. These compounds act directly on the oil glands to reduce excess oil production.

2. Hydrating toner

Hydrating toner is a type of toner with the main use of moisturizing facial skin. By making the skin more moisturized, hydrating toner helps prepare your skin for its next skin care products.

This is because moisturized skin is able to absorb the active ingredients in the product skin care better. So, the next product benefits are like essence and serums, masks, and sunscreen will be more pronounced on facial skin.

The active ingredients are most commonly found in hydrating toner is hyaluronic acid , aloe vera gel, and vitamin E. Several types hydrating toner may also contain amino acids, fruit nutrition, to extracts of various flowers.

Which type of toner is better?

Hydrating toner and exfoliating toner are both an important part of your grooming routine. However, both need to be adjusted to the type of skin you have. The following is a usage guide for each type of toner.

1. Exfoliating toner for normal and oily skin

Exfoliating toner less suitable when used on dry and sensitive skin. The side effect of using a toner with AHAs can make your skin more sensitive to sunlight. The skin is also prone to irritation, swelling and itching.

Another effect that often occurs after using products with AHA and BHA is scaly skin due to peeling off dead skin cells. However, these effects usually disappear within a few weeks.

Exfoliating toner more suitable for people who have oily or normal skin. If your skin is prone to acne, choose it exfoliating toner with content salicylic acid and glycolic acid whose antimicrobial properties can fight acne.

2. Hydrating toner for dry skin

Hydrating toner is the best product for dry and sensitive skin that needs extra moisture. This type of toner is also suitable for people who have started to experience aging skin.

However, usage hydrating toner which is not quite right can also cause skin problems. This is usually caused because the toner contains hyaluronic acid with a concentration of more than two percent or aloe vera gel in contact with irritated skin.

Content hyaluronic acid in the toner can penetrate into the deepest layers of the skin. This has the potential to attract unwanted debris such as chemicals or bacteria that were on the surface of the skin.

Meanwhile, aloe vera which tends to be safe actually shouldn't be used on skin that is injured, for example due to acne. The reason is, aloe vera can reduce the natural ability of the skin to heal from wounds.

How to use toner

The way to use both types of toner is actually quite simple. Pour a few drops of toner onto a cotton ball, then wipe it over your face. Wipe gently from the center of the face outwards, avoiding the eye and mouth area.

There are also toner products in spray packs. How to use it is also enough to spray the product on the face 3-4 times, then pat the face so that the ingredients absorb. Usually, hydrating toner using this type of packaging.

However, many think that spraying toner without wiping it will not make the face clean from the remaining dirt. Therefore, in order for the face to be truly clean, a method emerged double toning by using two different types of toner.

Cleaning technique with double toning done by combining the two, namely rubbing exfoliating toner first using cotton, then followed by spraying the product hydrating toner .

Remember that every skin type requires a different toner. So, way double toning not necessarily on your skin. It is best to stick with it according to the instructions on the packaging.

One more thing you need to pay attention to is the routine of using the product. Good hydrating toner as well as exfoliating toner Both of them can be the best toners for your skin type when used routinely in a series of treatments for the skin, especially the face.

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