Morning vs. Night: When Is the Best Time to Use a Face Toner?

Face toner is often considered an overlooked skincare product in many beauty routines, yet it plays a vital role in achieving healthy, glowing skin. Whether you use it in the morning, at night, or both, understanding the benefits of using face toner at different times can help you incorporate it more effectively into your routine. This blog will explain in detail what a face toner is, why it is essential, and the best time to use it – morning or night.

What Is a Face Toner?

A face toner is a liquid skincare product typically applied to the face after cleansing the face. Its main job is to remove any dirt, oil, or makeup residue left after washing the skin. Additionally, toners are formulated to help balance the skin's pH level, tighten pores, hydrate the skin, and prepare it for the next steps in your skincare routine, such as serums or moisturizers.

Face toners come in different formulations for skin types: oily, dry, combination, or sensitive. Some toners contain ingredients such as hyaluronic acid for hydration, witch hazel for astringent properties, or glycolic acid for exfoliation.

Why Should You Use a Face Toner?

Using a face toner in your skincare routine has more benefits than just cleansing. Here's why you should include a toner in your routine:

• Balances Skin pH: After cleansing, your skin's pH can become imbalanced, especially after using harsh cleansers. Toners help restore the skin's natural pH, essential for maintaining its protective barrier against external irritants and bacteria.
• Tightens Pores: Toners often have astringent effects, which help shrink and tighten pores. This is especially beneficial for those with oily or acne-prone skin.
• Hydrates and Refreshes: Many toners contain hydrating ingredients like glycerin or aloe vera, providing extra skin moisture. This is especially important if you live in a dry climate or have dry skin.
• Removes Remaining Dirt and Oil: Even after cleansing, some makeup, dirt, and oil may remain on your skin. Toner is the final step in thoroughly cleansing your skin and preparing it for the next steps in your routine.
• Preps the Skin for Serums and Moisturisers: By removing impurities and restoring moisture, toners create the perfect base for serums and moisturizers to penetrate deep into the skin, making them more effective.

Now that we've determined why you should use a toner let's examine whether it's better to use it in the morning, at night, or both.

Morning vs. Night: When to Use a Face Toner?

The best time to use a face toner often depends on your skincare goals, lifestyle, and specific skin concerns. Both morning and night routines have their advantages. Let’s explain when to use a face toner and why it matters for each part of your day.

1. Using Face Toner in the Morning:

The morning skincare routine sets your entire day's tone (pun intended). It’s all about prepping your skin for the day ahead. Here’s why using a toner in the morning can be beneficial:

Advantages of Morning Toner Use:

• Prepares the Skin for Makeup: Applying a face toner in the morning helps to create a clean and hydrated base, allowing your makeup to go on smoother and last longer. It tightens the pores, giving you a fresh, refined look throughout the day.
• Refreshes the Skin: After a long night's sleep, your skin may feel sluggish in the morning. A toner can help rejuvenate your complexion, making your skin feel instantly refreshed and awake. Many toners also contain refreshing ingredients like cucumber or citrus, revitalizing your skin.
• Adds Hydration: Even if your skin isn’t dry, it still needs moisture in the morning. A toner helps restore hydration to the skin after a long night of rest and prepares it to absorb moisturizer and sunscreen better.
• Tightens Pores and Controls Oil: Applying toner in the morning helps control excess oil production throughout the day for those with oily or combination skin. Some toners have astringent ingredients like witch hazel or tea tree oil that tighten pores and reduce shine.

Best Ingredients for Morning Toners:

• Citrus Extracts – Brightening and invigorating
• Aloe Vera – Calming and hydrating
• Hyaluronic Acid – Moisturising and plumping
• Witch Hazel – Oil control and pore tightening

How to Use It:

• Start by cleansing your face with a gentle cleanser.
• Pour the toner onto a cotton pad and gently swipe it across your face, avoiding the eye area.
• Follow up with your serum, moisturizer, and sunscreen.

2. Using Face Toner at Night

The night is when your skin does the most repairing and regenerating. After a long day of exposure to pollutants, makeup, and other environmental stressors, it’s crucial to cleanse your skin thoroughly. Here’s why you should use a toner at night:

Advantages of Night Toner Use:

• Thoroughly Cleanses the Skin: After a full day of wearing makeup and sunscreen and being exposed to pollutants, your skin needs a deeper cleanse. After cleansing, a toner can remove residual impurities, thoroughly cleaning your skin before bed.
• Supports Skin Renewal: Your skin goes into repair mode while you sleep. A toner can enhance the effectiveness of your nighttime skincare products, such as serums or moisturizers, by providing a clean, smooth surface to penetrate more deeply into the skin.
• Exfoliates Dead Skin Cells: Many toners are formulated with exfoliating ingredients like alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) or beta hydroxy acids (BHAs), which gently slough off dead skin cells. This helps to reveal fresh, glowing skin by morning.
• Promotes Relaxation: A calming toner with ingredients like lavender or chamomile can help soothe and relax your skin before bedtime. This is especially helpful for those who suffer from stress or skin irritation.

Best Ingredients for Night Toners:

• Glycolic Acid – Exfoliating and brightening
• Salicylic Acid – Deep cleansing and acne-fighting
• Lavender – Calming and soothing
• Rose Water – Hydrating and soothing

How to Use It:

• Cleanse your face thoroughly with a gentle cleanser to remove makeup and impurities.
• Apply toner using a cotton pad, gently sweeping it across your face.
• Follow up with your nighttime serums, treatments, and moisturizer.

3. Using a Face Toner Twice a Day

For some people, using a toner both morning and night can provide the most benefits. Double toning can help maintain a perfectly balanced and hydrated complexion while ensuring the skin is thoroughly cleansed.

Who Should Use Toner Twice a Day?

• Oily Skin – Oily skin tends to produce excess sebum throughout the day, so using a toner in the morning and night can help control oil production.
• Acne-Prone Skin—For those battling breakouts, toners with ingredients like salicylic acid or tea tree oil can help minimize acne and reduce inflammation. Using toner twice a day can also be beneficial in preventing new breakouts.
• Those with Clogged Pores—If you’re prone to clogged pores, using a toner in your morning and night routine helps keep them clear and prevents them from becoming clogged with dirt and oil.

Caution for Sensitive Skin:

If you have sensitive skin, try toner only once daily to see how it reacts. Some toners can be a bit harsh, especially if they contain alcohol or strong acids, so be sure to choose a gentle toner if you’re using it twice a day.

Conclusion:

Ultimately, the best time to use a face toner depends on your skincare goals and needs. Morning is the best time to start your day with a refreshed, hydrated base. Applying toner before bed is the best option if you need deep cleansing and exfoliation to aid your skin’s nightly repair process.

Many skincare experts recommend using a toner twice daily for maximum benefits, especially if you have oily or acne-prone skin. However, always choose a toner that suits your skin type and concerns for the best results. No matter when you use it, incorporating a face toner into your skincare routine will help you achieve clear, balanced, and glowing skin.

So, go ahead and incorporate this vital skincare step into your routine and see the difference it can make!