Facial masks are a skin care staple that surge your complexion with active ingredients that target any skin concern. However, you won't receive the full benefits from your facial mask without the proper prep and finish steps. A high quality toner goes hand-in-hand with your favorite face mask – but do you use toner after mask or before? Keep reading to find out.
Toner before face mask
All treatment masks work best when applied to skin that has been prepped properly. For starters, face mask preparation should always consist of cleansing your face – double cleansing if you have makeup on. It's a little known fact that toners make one of the best mask primers.
"Spritzing the skin with the appropriate toner for your skin type and skin concerns balances the pH of the skin and maximizes absorption of the key ingredients of whichever mask you will apply next." –Teresa Stenzel, Bioelements Director of Education
Not only that, but using toner before a face mask can help soothe irritated skin, rid the skin of excess impurities and oil, prevent premature aging and more. Toners can be used as a priming mist that sets the stage for ultimate benefits.
Toner after mask
Most people know it's crucial to moisturize after masking, but adding a spritz of toner is an often overlooked step. Not only does a high quality toner work as skin prep, but it works post-mask (or post-exfoliator) too.
"Saturating your skin post-mask with a good toner will once again normalize the pH level, and skin that has been treated by the mask is now ready for a fresh drink of toner. You can even massage in the toner with your fingertips for additional penetration and a tingly, fresh mini-massage before applying your serum or moisturizer." – Teresa Stenzel
Use toner after mask to provide a myriad of different benefits to the skin:
- Saturate the skin with problem solving ingredients
- Keep skin hydrated
- Prevent premature aging
- Soothe irritated skin
- Help your skin better absorb serums and moisturizers
- Protect your skin from outside irritants
Some skin care pros recommend toning both before and after your mask, but it depends on your personal preference and your skin needs.
Whether you choose to tone before or after masking (or both) the important thing is to make sure you choose the right formula for your skin type and concerns:
Keep age signs at bay and add youthful radiance with this spritz on tonic. Power Peptide uses hydrating anti-aging peptides and extracts to brighten, revitalize and refine the skin for a younger-looking appearance, whether you have dry, oily, or combination skin.
Refresh and rebalance dry, oily or combination skin with this hydrating toner. Equalizer is an alcohol-free toner laced with Chinese herbs and aromatherapist oils to strengthen, calm, rebalance and nourish skin – prepping your skin for mask or moisturizer.
A soothing face mist to leave sensitive skin nourished, hydrated and protected. With therapeutic aloe vera and chamomile, plus deeply moisturizing and barrier strengthening Chinese medicinal silver ear mushroom to comfort, reduce visible redness, and calm reactive skin.
Fight stubborn acne with this salicylic acid treatment. Acne Toner hydrates, clears and eliminates excess oil, as it keeps skin clear of pimples, blackheads and whiteheads. This astringent helps treat existing acne and keep skin clear of new breakouts.
