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"+++inset-image-left\\n\\n[#image: /photos/57d8ccfb4b76f0f832a0f5ee]||||||\\n\\n+++\\n\\n When I was in middle school, Clinique's three step system was the skin care standard: Wash, tone, hydrate. Twice a day. Every day. But lately, I feel like people have ditched the toner thing, an opting for wash, treat, hydrate, protect. Protection and treatment are great, but what happened to our old friend, toner? That extra-refreshing step is my favorite part of washing my face, and yet people seem to shun the stuff.\\n\\n So, when my friend asked \\\"Do I really need toner?\\\" I did a little research. Am I just conditioned to think you do, or does the stuff really help?\\n\\n The answer? You don't *need* them, but they are a good idea! Here's why:\\n\\n Toner does a few things. First, it helps rebalance your skin's pH to the optimal slightly-acid 5.5. If your skin is too basic (like non-acidic, not like simple), your skin can't fight off all the gnarly bacteria that lands on it during the day. Which, b-t-dubs can totally mess with your immune system. But, let's be real. Unless your using bar soap on your face, your pH probably isn't that out of whack.\\n\\n Another reason to use toner (and the reason I use it daily): it helps whisk away any left over makeup or dead cells your cleanser might leave behind, while adding an extra layer of benefits. Oh, and if you apply other products right after, it boosts affectivity because skin absorbs active ingredients better when it's damp.\\n\\nSo which toner do you use? These days, there are so many different types of toners.\\n\\n- If you are dry, look for something with built-in moisturizers. The [Burts Bees Rosewater Toner](http://www.soap.com/p/burts-bees-rosewater-toner-612349) that I use has aloe and glycerin to hydrate while rosewater acts as an astringent.\\n- If you are on the acne-prone side, opt for something with alpha hydroxy acids formulated within. I've heard amazing things about [Peter Thomas Roth Glycolic Acid 10% Toning Complex Clarifying Toner](http://www.sephora.com/glycolic-acid-10-toning-complex-clarifying-toner-P375358?skuId=1446186), which has a double shot of exfoliants.\\n- Sun damage or aging your vice? Try a toner with built-in antioxidants and repairing ingredients. I'm a fan of [Origins A Perfect World Age-Defense Treatment Lotion With White Tea](http://www.sephora.com/a-perfect-world-age-defense-treatment-lotion-with-white-tea-P297529), which has an insane amount of antioxidants and hydrators built in.\\n\\n Oh, but no matter what you do, avoid toners with alcohol: that's way to drying (even for your greasiest days).\\n\\n RELATED LINKS:\\n\\n- [Match Your Nails With Your iPhone case](/beauty/2013/01/match-nail-art-with-your-smartphone-case-slideshow#slide=1)\\n- [Your Skin Problems, Solved!](/beauty/2012/09/skin-problems-solved-slideshow)\\n- [The Ultimate Guide to Gym Hair](/beauty/2013/01/gym-hair-guide-slideshow#slide=1)\\n\\nImage Credit: *Ricdardo Tinelli*"^^<http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema#string>
<http://www.self.com/story/beauty-need-to-use-toner>