Many people swear by a toner for his or her second skincare step post-cleanse. Whereas this is not a necessity for these seeking to maintain their routine streamlined, it’s one straightforward method so as to add hydration to the pores and skin and enhance your barrier—however what sort of toner you utilize makes all of the distinction.

For these with oily or acne-prone pores and skin, utilizing an astringent toner with substances like witch hazel, mild exfoliants, or tea tree could assist ease the shine. Nevertheless, these astringent toners aren’t going that will help you out within the winter.

“Watch out to not overdo it, as astringent toners typically include alcohol and could be overly drying and disruptive to the pores and skin barrier,” board-certified dermatologist Rebecca Marcus, M.D., FAAD, as soon as advised mbg.

As a substitute, go for a hydrating essence: This sort of toner typically comes freed from drying substances, as a substitute filled with highly effective hydrators like hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, ceramides, and aloe vera.