Dr Vanita Rattan Super Hydrating Toner -150ml

Understanding Toners & Their Role in Skincare

There was a time when toners were responsible for damaging our skin barrier, leaving us with a host of other skin concerns, including dryness and irritation. This was mainly because most toners back then contained harsh alcohols such as denatured alcohol. However, the toner landscape has evolved significantly in recent years.

The Purpose of a Toner in Your Skincare Routine

Toners are primarily formulated with water, allowing us to dissolve higher concentrations of water-based skincare active ingredients and effectively address various skin concerns. This is why you need to be smart in selecting your toners. A toner can help:

• Balance your skin’s pH level

• Remove any residual impurities

• Hydrate and prep your skin for better absorption of the next products

Look for toners that contain ingredients tailored to your specific needs, whether it's hydration, hyperpigmentation, brightening, or anti-ageing benefits.

Key Ingredients to Look For

• For dehydrated or ageing skin: Opt for toners enriched with hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid, glycerin, ceramides, and peptides.

• To strengthen the skin barrier: Look for anti-inflammatory ingredients such as Centella Asiatica, aloe, panthenol, and bisabolol.

• Protection against environmental stressors: Toners infused with soothing antioxidants like green tea extract and resveratrol protect against environmental stressors while promoting skin health.

• For glowing and brightening effect: Toners containing niacinamide and glycerin offer targeted solutions for achieving a radiant complexion.

• For oily or acne-prone skin: Instead of a toner, use a salicylic acid exfoliator to help unclog pores and regulate oil production. Niacinamide is also a fantastic ingredient to control sebum production.

Ingredients to Avoid

When selecting a toner, it's essential to steer clear of certain ingredients that may have adverse effects on the skin:

• Witch hazel: Often distilled in alcohol, witch hazel can lead to increased transepidermal water loss and dryness. This quick-drying effect provides instant gratification but is not good for the skin in the long term.

• Menthol: Despite its cooling sensation, menthol can sensitise the skin, making it unsuitable for acne-prone or inflamed skin types.

• Denatured alcohol: A volatile ingredient to avoid. It generates free radicals in the skin and dries out the skin. The removal of natural oils can trigger overproduction of oil, creating a damaging cycle.

• Fragrance: Fragrance has no skincare benefits. It is usually included to mask the smell of other ingredients or for sensory appeal. However, it is the leading cause of contact dermatitis and can sensitise the skin long-term.

• Essential oils: These can irritate and sensitise the skin, especially in skin of colour.

Where Should Toner Fit into Your Routine?

1. Double Cleanse
   Properly cleansing the skin is important to remove impurities and prepare the skin for optimal absorption of active ingredients.

   • First, use an oil-based cleanser to remove all the makeup and sunscreen

   • Then, use a water-based cleanser to remove remaining grime and residue

2. Toner
   Apply toner immediately after cleansing to restore the skin's pH balance and prep the skin.

   • Recommended: Dr Vanita Rattan Super Hydrating Toner – a hydrating toner packed with antioxidants and anti-pigmentation ingredients such as:

     • Niacinamide: to minimise pores, fine lines and pigmentation

     • Glycerin: to plump and smooth skin

     • Buddleja Davidii Leaf Cell Culture Extract: to treat hyperpigmentation

3. AHA/BHA (1–2 times per week)
   Apply acids like mandelic acid or salicylic acid to exfoliate dead skin cells. Using them after toner helps minimise irritation.

4. Serum
   Follow with antioxidant-rich serums.

   • If you've exfoliated, avoid irritating ingredients such as pure retinol or ascorbic acid.

   • Instead, use gentler derivatives like retinyl palmitate or tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate (a non-irritating form of vitamin C).

5. Moisturiser
   Seal in moisture with a product suited to your skin type:

   • For normal/dry/combination skin: Dr Vanita Rattan Cera Pep Moisturiser

   • For oily or acne-prone skin: TRIO Blemish Gel PM Moisturiser