If you’ve been religiously following a CSMS regimen all this while – an abbreviation for cleanser-serum-moisturiser-sunscreen– allow us to introduce you to the modest toner, which may constitute the second step of your skincare routine. This water-like, advanced formula minimises the appearance of enlarged pores, boosts hydration, and removes even the last traces of dirt. Ideal for all skin types, toners are also known for their pH-balancing properties, gently refreshing your skin without stripping it of its natural moisture.
yourself a hardworking elixir that delivers an extra-deep clean. As a beta-hydroxy acid (BHA), salicylic acid works hard to eliminate dead cells from the surface of your skin. Besides tending to mild acne, blackheads, and whiteheads, this potent active exfoliates your epidermis to reveal a healthy glow while curbing inflammation and zapping excess sebum. Head below to view our curation of the best salicylic acid toners that keep breakouts at bay and dissolve excess oil while delivering many more benefits.
For Pore Tightening
Drive acne-prone skin woes away with this potent amalgamation of salicylic acid, Bija seed oil, and white willow bark extract. Regulating sebum oversecretion and tightening your pores, this cooling formula delivers a refreshing feeling to your skin, perfect after a long, tiring day. The best part? This 7-free formula is dermatologically tested and non-comedogenic, so you don’t have to worry about waking up with a zit.
For Pore Unclogging
Delivering the goodness of salicylic acid with a dash of coffee, this homegrown offering cleanses your pores to eliminate deep-seated impurities while caffeine works to tone and soothe irritated skin. With the power of a serum and toner packed into one formulation, MCaffeine’s potion gives you the option to skip the third step in your skincare routine. Allow this non-greasy formula to lock in ample moisture!
For Even Skin Tone & Texture
Besides offering the usual benefits of a toner, Dermatouch’s formula goes the extra mile to limit skin discolouration and minimise the appearance of dark spots, UV-induced discolouration, and other types of hyperpigmentation. Gently exfoliating your skin, it tightens the pores and revitalises your skin for an even-toned appearance.
For A Mattified Appearance
Bid farewell to grease and shine with this Farmacy Beauty offering that is specially designed for oily and acne-prone skin. While salicylic acid and papaya enzymes gently exfoliate the skin, nutrient-rich moringa sweeps your pores clean. Meanwhile, antioxidant-dense chlorella nourishes and soothes your epidermis.
For Skin Soothing
Invite this no-nasties formulation into your CTSMS routine to treat all your acne concerns in a single swipe. Enriched with salicylic acid and tea tree oil, this deep-level pore-cleaning formula tackles congested pores, blackheads, and breakouts while calming irritated skin. Conscious consumers take note that this potion is cruelty-free.
For Acne Scar Removal
Quench your skin with Aqualogica’s Clear+ Refresh Toning Mist. The hydration-boosting formula tightens open pores, controls overactive sebaceous glands, and also aids in the removal of acne spots and scars. Leaving no greasy residue and a matte finish, this one’s for you, acne-skin girls.
Benefits of Salicylic Acid
- Gets rid of excess shine: Shiny skin can be a result of excess oil production. Salicylic acid mattifies the skin by curbing oil and sebum.
- Draws out impurities: When dust and pollution stick to the skin, it can clog the pores along with sebum, causing blackheads. Salicylic acid dissolves hardened sebum and grime and refines the pores.
- Kills acne-causing bacteria: Trapped dirt and oil can become breeding grounds for acne-causing bacteria that cause pimples, blackheads, and whiteheads. Using salicylic acid at regular intervals kills acne-causing bacteria to soothe inflamed, bumpy pimples.
- Improves cell turnover: Salicylic acid exfoliates the skin and rids the pores of dead skin cells. This makes the skin smooth and gives it an even-toned appearance.
How Often Should You Use Salicylic Acid?
Salicylic acid should be used once to twice a week. However, if you’re a beginner, it’s best to use this BHA once a fortnight to help your skin build tolerance towards the ingredient. For better results, use salicylic acid as a part of your nighttime skincare routine.
Who All Can Use Salicylic Acid
While salicylic acid can be used by all skin types, it’s commonly recommended to people who struggle with oily skin or acne-prone skin. People who have dry skin can also use this chemical exfoliant once a week so as to avoid over-stripping the skin of natural oils.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the best toner for oily skin?
The best face toners for oily skin have ingredients that remove excess oil, mattify the skin, and keep breakouts at bay. Ingredients like salicylic acid, niacinamide, and tea tree are commonly used to control oil production, reduce acne spots, and kill acne-causing bacteria. If you want to reap the benefits of both salicylic acid and niacinamide, try the NIVEA Derma Skin Clear Toner which is a new launch on Nykaa.
Is toning good for oily skin?
Toners are a lightweight skincare product that regulates oil production while giving the skin a healthy glow. Due to its water-light formula, face toner easily absorbs into the skin without clogging the pores. Therefore, a face toner is good for oily skin.
Can I skip moisturiser after toner?
No matter the skin type, moisturiser is a very important skincare step. More importantly, a moisturiser, which has a thicker base, will help seal the hydration that toner imparts while deeply nourishing the skin’s natural barrier.
Can I use sunscreen after toner?
Absolutely! During the daytime, sunscreen is a crucial step. Toners have ingredients that can make the skin hypersensitive to the sun. Wearing sunscreen after a toner will prevent oxidisation and protect the skin further from harmful UV damage.
While a toner needn’t be a strict addition to your skincare routine, we recommend it for that extra deep-clean step. Besides, this add-on delivers umpteen benefits to your epidermis and is especially effective during hot summer months when your skin is plagued by the muggy weather.
Editor’s Note: Those with oily and acne-prone skin should most certainly consider incorporating this humble beauty offering into their daily regimen.
