Afternoon beauty fix: We explain why, how, and if you should use toner

I keep hearing that it’s important to use a toner, but I’m not sure why. What does a toner do to your skin, and which one do you recommend? Our mothers and grandmothers grew up in an era when alcohol and salicylic acid ­infused toner was applied to remove soapy residue and every last trace of oil from the skin. Between then and now, advancements in dermatology have taught us to embrace natural oils as our best defence mechanism against dryness and damage, and by gently cleansing and not stripping our skin, we can achieve optimal hydration and a perfect pH balance. So, what used to be the “cleanse, tone, cold cream” regime has turned into the modern “cleanse, hydrate, protect with SPF” skin care system, and, lucky for us, our generation has access to “skinceutical” products like the Gentle Clean Cleanser by Auspect Skincare ($35, at theshoppingchannel.com). It lets us wash up without suffering the dangerous effects of alcohol, chemical dyes, parabens, artificial fragrances, and sodium lauryl sulfates too.

In need of an afternoon beauty pick-me-up? Email us at beautyfix@fashionmagazine.com.