What's Toner? Do I really need it?

Think of toner as a dual-purpose primer for skin. It's the finishing touch of cleansing that also preps skin for moisturizer and makeup. As such,it is important to skin's well-being.

Toner is the second step of most three-step skin-care regimens: cleanse, tone, moisturize. It clarifies skin, removing any residue of dirt or cleanser and temporarily tightens pores to leave skin protected and smooth.

Toners vary in what they contain,but most are light and fresh-feeling. Purewater, alcohol and often a smidge of citrusor menthol are common ingredients. Look for a toner formulated for your skintype, like the ones in Skin Care regimens; those for oily skin contain more alcohol than ones for dry or combination skin ( in order to remove oil residue and help to control it on the skin's surface. The right toner should leave your skin feeling cleanand polished, not tight or parched; switchto a milder formula if you feel any such dryness.