Are serums and toners the same thing?
I’ll be the first to admit that skincare products can be very confusing, especially when you’re trying to use them in your daily skincare routine. We often get questions about which products we should use, which products work together, and when we should use them.
With that in mind, today I’m going to address an answer I recently got, which is: “Are serums and toners the same thing?” So, if you’ve ever wondered a similar question, stay tuned as we learn more together.
What do serums do for your face?
You’ll often find serums as skincare products that contain powerful active ingredients. You can expect glycolic acid, salicylic acid, vitamin C, and more to be added to the mix, as serums are known for their ability to penetrate the deepest parts. If you’re concerned about premature aging, hyperpigmentation, and dull complexion, I’m sure you’ll find a serum that’s right for you and your skin type.
Serums have a different texture than other products, such as: B. Moisturizers, as they typically have a lighter consistency, meaning they should be applied to the skin before moisturizers or other thicker products. The easiest way to remember what serums actually do for your skin is to think of them as a packaged delivery package designed specifically to target specific areas and concerns.
The main benefits of serums and areas where they can help are as follows:
Have anti-aging benefits as they reach the lower layers of the skin and repair free radical damage that can lead to signs of premature aging, including fine lines and wrinkles.
Fight uneven skin tone and hyperpigmentation, such as dark spots caused by overexposure to harmful UV rays, for example.
Intensely nourish and hydrate the skin, restoring the skin’s natural protective barrier, which is often compromised when exposed to various environmental aggressors.
The most effective way to ensure your skin receives the maximum amount of vitamins, active ingredients, and powerful blends.
There are many other benefits to using serums, but I just want to tell you about the most common and eye-catching ones first. Although serums are considered powerful products, it is entirely up to you and your daily routine whether or not to use one.
What does toner do for your face?
Traditionally, toners are part of the famous daily method, better known as cleansing, toning, and moisturizing. Admittedly, a lot has changed since then, and you’ll find that toners have changed in many ways, too. For example, the floral water step that was previously made didn’t do much for the skin other than leave it feeling clean and fresh. Now, you can find a range of toners, all with different active ingredients and chemical exfoliants, such as AHAs and BHAs, with glycolic acid being the most popular. Many times, toners can do the job of a cleanser to benefit the skin. For example, cleansers can remove traces of product and bacteria while loosening up dead skin cells from the skin’s surface. After wiping a cotton pad with your chosen toner, remove any remaining dirt, debris, and dead skin cell buildup.
Here’s a quick rundown of the benefits of using a toner in your skin care routine:
When a toner contains active ingredients and chemical exfoliants, it can help remove dirt, bacteria, dead skin cells, and traces of product left behind after cleansing.
A toner removes any barriers that prevent other skincare products from penetrating the skin and reaching the layers they need to reach.
You can find toners for all skin types, from traditional floral waters to chemical exfoliant hybrids.
If used correctly, you can keep your skin healthy and radiant by removing buildup from the outer surface of the skin and balancing excess sebum.
Can I use a serum without a toner?
This is entirely up to you and how well your skincare routine works. Since I’ve already mentioned the benefits of using a toner, there’s no legal requirement that you use all of these products. The key points to remember when using a serum with or without a toner are:
Serums can penetrate the dermis as long as your skin is clean, but if you use a toner first, it may not be as fast.
By using a serum instead of a toner, you can avoid overdoing it with a strong formula that can cause dry skin if not used correctly.
People with oily or blemish-prone skin may find that skipping a toner can lead to an imbalance in excess sebum, which can be controlled with other ingredients and products.
Each product works perfectly as a standalone, but you may find that using them together creates a powerful duo with skincare benefits.
Of course, we’ve already given you a hint about how effective it is to use a serum and toner together, so now I’ll explain this in more detail. However, if you think serums are a topic that needs a little more explanation, or if you need help choosing the right product for your skin, check out our dedicated serum blog post.
Can Toners and Serums be Used Together?
Anyway! As mentioned before, you’ll find that serums and toners are a potent duo that can provide your skin with a variety of skincare benefits. While both products work well on their own, using them together can provide additional benefits such as:
Treat your skin with complementary ingredients for optimal results
Toners remove the barrier, allowing serums to absorb faster into the skin
Serums regenerate and soothe the skin after using a toner with a chemical peel like glycolic acid
I’d even go so far as to say that if you haven’t incorporated any of these products into your daily skincare routine before, you’ll notice a huge difference in your skin.
Should serums be used before or after toners?
Toner is considered the second step in your skin care routine and helps prepare the skin for absorption and further penetration of other products. Therefore, it is recommended to use a toner before applying a serum to achieve the best results and reap the benefits of using the product correctly and effectively.
I hope this answered some of your questions about serums and toners. If you have skincare questions, don’t forget to head over to our Instagram and leave us a comment. We look forward to seeing you there!
