What Are the Benefits of a Facial Toner?

Proper facial skin care requires regular cleansing and moisturizing. However, facial toners also play an important role in assuring you have a healthy and clean facial appearance. Whether you use a homemade toner such as rose water or lavender, or a brand-name toner sold in your local retailer's skin-care aisle, skin toner should be incorporated into your daily skin-care regimen -- applied with a cotton ball between cleansing and moisturizing.

Facial toners help to cleanse, balance and nourish your skin. (Image: Jupiterimages/Stockbyte/Getty Images)

pH Balance

Facial toners help to balance the pH, or potential hydrogen, level of your skin. pH levels are an indication of the acidity level of your skin and are measured on a scale of 0 to 14, with 7 being the most neutral level. Having a balanced pH level means your skin is less prone to oiliness and infection, creating a more vibrant and smoother appearance.

Detoxification

Many toxins that affect the health and appearance of your skin come from industrial-made chemicals. Facial toners work to remove environmental toxins such as smoke, smog and other chemical residues from your skin. This helps your skin to look brighter and healthier, and long-term benefits may include less acne, less severe acne scarring and fewer wrinkles.

Pore Shrinkage and Tightening

Large facial pores allow more dirt, oil and toxins to enter the skin and cause irritation and infections. Facial toners tighten your facial pores, allowing fewer oils and toxins to settle into the skin. This creates a fresher, cleaner and less oily appearance while preventing acne.

Acne Reduction

Acne can be painful and unsightly and can lead to facial scarring. It can also cause your skin to appear more oily, dull and and unbalanced. By removing oily buildup, residue and dead skin cells, facial toners assist in reducing the amount of facial blemishes and acne you may already have and work to prevent future breakouts.

Hydration and Nourishment

Facial toners provide hydration to your skin, which is essential to maintaining elasticity, smoothness, moisture and a more youthful appearance. Proper skin hydration reduces the signs of aging skin and provides an effective base for the application of facial cosmetics. Many facial toners also provide vitamins and other essential skin nutrients to keep your skin healthy and balanced.

Versatility

Facial toners can also be used for cleaning in and around your ears and for reducing oily deposits on your back, chest and arms, where acne also tends to form.