Yes, you do use toner when skin cycling.
Skin cycling, a popular skincare routine, involves cycling between active ingredient nights and recovery nights. The reference provided highlights the importance of toner application as part of your routine, stating that you should "saturate skin with a toner/hydrator to prep skin for moisturization." This step is crucial before moving on to serums and moisturizers.
Here's how toner fits into the skin cycling routine based on the provided reference:
- Double Cleansing: Begin with an oil or cream-based cleanser, followed by a foaming cleanser.
- Toner Application: Apply toner to your skin, saturating it.
- Serum Application: Apply a hydrating serum, such as one with hyaluronic acid, or a nighttime antioxidant serum.
- Moisturize: Finish with a moisturizer.
Toner acts as a crucial preparatory step, ensuring your skin is properly hydrated before the application of other products. This is especially important during skin cycling, where you alternate between active ingredient and recovery days, each demanding different care.
Here's a breakdown of why toner is important during skin cycling:
- Hydration: Toner provides a layer of hydration, which is vital for product absorption.
- Preparation: It preps the skin for subsequent products like serums and moisturizers.
- pH Balance: Some toners help to balance the skin's pH after cleansing.
- Enhanced Absorption: When skin is properly hydrated with toner, serums and moisturizers can penetrate the skin more effectively.
| Step | Product | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Cleansing | Oil/Cream then Foaming Cleanser | Removes makeup and impurities |
| 2. Toning | Toner/Hydrator | Hydrates skin and prepares for serums and moisturizers |
| 3. Serum | Hydrating/Antioxidant Serum | Provides targeted treatment and moisturization |
| 4. Moisturizing | Moisturizer | Locks in hydration and provides a protective barrier |
Therefore, toner is an essential part of the skin cycling process and should be incorporated into your nightly routine.
