There are many experts who avidly recommend that their clients use toner. Skin Laundry's director of medical operations, Elyse Shelger, RN, argues, "Toners help to remove any excess oil and makeup from the skin after cleansing. No matter how great your cleanser works, there are always residual oils left behind, which can be easily removed with a cotton pad and toner."
"Our skin thrives in a neutral to slightly acidic state," she continued. "The other benefit of toner is that the appropriate toner can help balance the pH level of your skin. The pH level affects our skin's natural ability to fight against bacteria and environmental stresses. As we age, our skin becomes more acidic in response to our lifestyle and our environment. Everything that comes in contact with our skin (products, smoking, air, water, sun, pollution) can disrupt the skin's natural pH level."
There are also a number of experts who recommend the use of toners in their more modern, Asian-beauty-inspired format. "In Asia, [toners are a] water-light leave-on formula that [are] applied to hydrate skin," says Vicky Tsai, founder and CEO of Tatcha. "[I often recommend the use of] the J-beauty version of toners, which are also called 'essences.'"
