Although toners with alcohol content effectively fight bacteria but they are also the major reason behind skin irritation, redness, and inflammation. When alcohol-enriched formulations interact with body pores at the top of our hair follicles, they tend to strip them of their natural moisture content causing dryness and skin rashes.

Just like facial cleansers have become scientifically more balanced and gentle over time, face toners have progressed by dropping contents like high concentrations of alcohol. They are now curated to successfully address a multitude of skincare concerns suitable to specific skin types. They accommodate way more than just maintaining the skin's pH level. Toners

• Improves skin tone
• Boosts hydration
• Reduce the appearance of enlarged pores
• Refines skin texture
• Regulating sebum production.

Larger pores are typically determined by genetics. Nevertheless, ageing, sun damage, and greasy skin can also contribute to the appearance of larger pores. Even though you cannot do much about adjusting the size of your pores, however, one can minimize how prominent enlarged pores appear with the use of a suitable toner.

1. Balances the pH levels of the skin

Certain cleansers can dry up your skin leading to a flaky, over-stretched texture. Post-cleansing, using a toner helps restore the natural oils and maintain the required pH levels while preventing your skin from feeling overly tight or dry. One of the most efficient ingredients to look out for in a pH-balanced toner is witch hazel extract.

2. Retains moisture level

Water-based facial toners effectively work to replenish the moisture levels in the skin. To treat your dehydrated skin, one may rely on hydrating toners that have a high concentration of water and water-attracting components like hyaluronic acid, propolis, and glycerine.

3. Regulates oil production

Sebum production can be regulated with toners to prevent a greasy-glazed appearance. Witch hazel and tea tree oil are two such astringent ingredients in toners that can gently remove extra oils from the skin, help tighten pores and soothe acne-inflamed skin.

4. Lightens pigmentation

Alpha-hydroxy acids, or AHAs present in several toners improve skin texture. They aid in the removal of dead skin cells and inhibit ingrown hair growth. They act as a second cleanse by speeding up cell turnover, which promotes the formation of new skin cells and a clearer skin tone.

Pigmentation and dark spots

Toning is an essential link to the effectiveness of other skincare products. In addition to removing pollutants and excess dirt, toners are formulated to target specific skin conditions like hyperpigmentation, dark spots, and uneven skin tone. You can opt for an alcohol-free vitamin C-enriched face toner with the following combination of ingredients -

• Witch hazel extract- helps reduce oil production, tighten pores, and also aid in reducing acne breakouts and scars.
• Allantoin- This emollient is excellent for sensitive skin types and is known for its anti-ageing properties. It aids in removing fine lines, dark patches, and acne scars.
• Citric acid- helps in removing free radicals from the skin, lightens dark spots, evens out uneven skin tone, reduces wrinkles, reverses photo-aging, and clears clogged pores.

Enlarged pores

If you are struggling with enlarged pores and seeking out for a specific solution to regulate sebum production and minimizing pore size, go for a formulation that consists of active ingredients like-

• Ivy leaf extract- This works around the eradication of fine lines, wrinkles, and stress on the face. It helps in deeply moisturising skin and easing inflammation from acne breakouts, eczema, skin pits, etc.
• Witch hazel- This active compound helps decrease pore inflammation. They work by removing extra oils from the skin that helps the pores adjust to normal size and give the skin a more balanced firm appearance. It also helps balance the pH of the skin.
• Arctium majus- This element has natural anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. When used topically, the anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties of burdock root may benefit a variety of skin issues, including wrinkles, eczema, acne, and psoriasis. Scientific research claims that burdock may be beneficial for acne that is inflammatory and improves skin quality and elasticity.
• Watercress plant extract- Watercress has an ingredient called isothiocyanate (ITC), which, along with vitamin C, prevents the breakdown of collagen and elastin and in turn increases collagen formation, resulting in younger, healthier, and more firm skin.