When you’ve mastered cleansing, moisturising, and protecting your skin from the sun, the next step to upgrade your routine is toning. Adding a facial toner to your skincare line-up is an easy way to create a smooth, clear-looking complexion while preparing your skin for other products in your routine. Read on to learn what a toner is, how to incorporate it into your existing routine, and some other helpful ways to use it.

What is a toner?

A facial toner is a skincare product you apply to your skin after cleansing. Toners were initially developed to help re-balance the skin’s pH levels following cleansing with alkaline soap. (Your skin’s ideal pH level is around 4 to 5, which is slightly acidic.) Although modern cleansers shouldn’t disrupt your skin’s pH levels, toners still have a valuable place in your routine.

Toners are superb for preparing your skin for leave-on products such as serums and moisturisers. They’re also excellent for removing any cleansing residue left on your skin. Depending on the formula you choose, toners can have additional skin benefits, too. For example, our Witch Hazel astringent toners help reduce excess oil, create a smooth skin surface, and helps reduce the look of pores.

When do I use a toner in my routine?

If you include a facial toner in your skincare routine, the order you use your products is:

Cleanse your skin.
Apply your favourite T.N. Dickson’s® toner.
Follow with serum (if using) and moisturiser.
During the day, use SPF and re-apply as needed.

This follows the rule of thumb to apply your skincare products from thinnest to thickest. Not only does this ensure your products absorb into your skin properly, but it also helps them layer beautifully without pilling.

Our Witch Hazel toners are so gentle that you can use them multiple times a day if desired (morning, night or whenever!) if you like. Some people prefer to use toner only in the morning to quickly refresh their skin, instead of a full cleanse. Others might only use toner at night as part of their multi-step evening skincare routine.

There’s no need to overdo it, so if your skin doesn’t tolerate daily toning, skip it! Our toners don’t need to be used consistently to ‘build up’ results,

so, you can reduce usage to every second or third day if you like.

You might also find the seasons play a role in how often you tone your skin. This might mean toning more frequently to remove sweat, dirty and pore-clogging oil, while dry air and heating in winter might call for less. They are, however, gentle enough for everyday use if you desire.

How do I apply toner?

Toners have a fast-absorbing, lightweight watery texture that’s easy to apply. Soak a cotton pad or reusable cloth in toner, then sweep it across your skin. You can also pat the product onto your face, neck, and décolletage with your hands.

What are other ways to use toner?

Our Witch Hazel toners are a shining example of how you can do more with fewer products. As well as toning and balancing your skin after cleansing, some examples of other ways to use our toners include: