My esthetician told me to never skip this skin care routine step post

Oct 02, 2023

Tue, August 29, 2023 at 4:36:52 PM EDT

Like a lot of people, when it comes to my skin care routine, my main goal is simply to achieve clear skin. While I try to use high-quality products and remain consistent with my regime, I also get a facial a few times a year to score expert advice and to give my skin some extra TLC.

Recently, one of my favorite clean skin care brands, Naturopathica, had me into their Manhattan spa for a facial, and I took full advantage of asking my expert esthetician how I could improve my skin.

While I assumed she would recommend that I start using retinol or some other powerful product that I still need to commit to fully, what she suggested I do after every shower that I’ve washed my hair really surprised me. She said I needed to use a toner.

After assuring me that toners have come a long way from the drying, astringent formulas I knew in high school, she explained why this step is so crucial. In the shower, the warm water and steam open your pores. While using shampoo, conditioner and other hair products, some of those chemicals will inadvertently end up on your face and can clog your pores.

I thought washing my face at the end of my shower and rinsing off my skin right before I get out was enough, but I was wrong. This is why my esthetician insisted that after you cleanse your skin in the shower, you should be using a toner right after you get out. This ensures you aren’t leaving any residue behind.

According to Allure, “A toner is a fast-penetrating liquid that delivers skin a quick hit of hydration and helps remove some dead cells off the surface of the skin.” From balancing out your skin to hydrating it to purifying it, there are a ton of toners out there to choose from — and luckily, there are plenty of affordable options.

So if you’ve been dealing with congested skin and clogged pores and can’t figure out the cause, a toner might be the perfect solution for you. Keep scrolling to shop some of the most popular toners on Amazon, and add your favorite to your skin care routine ASAP!

More from In The Know:

TikTok is obsessed with this $17 spider catcher, and it’s the best thing you’ll ever buy in your entire life

If you only have $30 to spend, these are the 10 best skin care products to buy, according to a licensed esthetician

8 heeled sandals under $50 you’ll wear for every summer occasion

I’m a lifestyle editor, and here are 29 must-have Nordstrom new arrivals I bought in July

They’re machine washable, comfortable and cute — what more could you want?

Wrap me up in this pizza blanket and leave me to eat my slices in peace, please.

It’s a No. 1 best seller on Amazon for a reason.

The price difference is actually insane.