Many people are interested in K-beauty because of the innovative products it introduces. Its most recent hit? Popular K-pop artists endorse toner pads! Products like this make us wonder, "That's adorable, but is that truly essential?" We never imagined we'd experience that emotion again—until toner pads came along—after discovering our passion for skincare with K-beauty. The main ingredients of toner pads are hyaluronic acid, alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs), and beta-hydroxy acids (BHAs) absorbed into cotton pads. The ingredients are a mainstay in everyone’s regimen because of their reputation for exfoliating, combating acne, and providing a healthy dose of moisture to the skin. But why buy a toner pad? We explore this and more, so you can ultimately decide for yourself – are toner pads really for me?
The case for toner pads
Toner pads are useful for addressing a wide range of skin issues, including pigmentation, pore size, texture, and general radiance, regardless of whether your skin is oily or not. Another plus is that you may get pads instead of a large bottle. Pads are a great asset because they help prevent contamination of leftover product in a jar and ensure the correct quantity of product is used.
So should I ditch my liquid toner? We help you make this decision!
"I have liquid toners already," you may be thinking. Why are toner pads worth trying? Both liquid and pad toners do a good job of regulating the skin's pH, cleaning it of pollutants, and getting it ready to absorb other products, but toner pads go it a step further by gently exfoliating the skin with their design or composition. Form, application technique, and skin care objectives are the key differentiators between toner pads and liquid toners. If you prefer to use your hands to apply toner to your face instead of a spray bottle, a liquid toner is a great option. On top of that, the quantity of toner you use to your face is completely up to you.
You could find that toner pads work better for you than cotton balls or spherical pads while applying toner. The toner pads are soaked in a watery essence and kept in sealed tubs. A majority of toner pads are designed with two sides, one plain and one with an embossed pattern. The embossed side eliminates dead skin cells and cosmetic residue, while the smooth side efficiently applies active chemicals to skin. You may also use hydrating or calming toner pads as a mask by layering them on top of each other and leaving them on for 5 to 10 minutes. As a precaution, most toner pads include a tweezer for clean application.
What kind of toner pad is right for me?
- Checking the pH level of toner pads should be your priority. As is well-known, toners help maintain a healthy pH level for the skin. You should seek for toner pads that are slightly acidic to neutral, ranging from around 5.0 to 7.0, as the skin's ideal pH level is 5.5.
- There are cases when cosmetics labels exclude information about the pH level. Another option is to check the list of ingredients. You should only use toners once or twice a week, particularly if your skin is really sensitive, since they are on the acidic side and include chemical exfoliants like alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs).
- Exfoliating toner pads work best for oily and acne-prone skin types. If you have sensitive skin or want to avoid clogged pores, choose toner pads that are hypoallergenic and non-comedogenic. To prevent over-exfoliation and skin irritation, don't use toner pads made with chemical exfoliants in a toner mask pack.
Is a toner pad sustainable?
One of the primary benefits of toner pads is their ease of use; simply swipe the pad, and you're ready to use. Ideal for those crazy mornings when you have to leave home at 7:55 in order to make your 8 in the morning appointment. If you use them every day, however, the convenience isn't cheap or good for the environment. The accumulation of garbage from such single-use pads is both environmentally and financially detrimental. Buying replacement pads every month may eat into your cosmetic budget more quickly than a bottle of ordinary toner would. To illustrate the point, toner pads start at just Rs 2,000, while a bottle of ordinary liquid toner may cost anything from Rs 150 to Rs 1,500!
When should you use toner pads?
Remember to observe the guidelines of effective exfoliation while using toner pads, and save them for days when you're busy or travelling. Simply said, the simplicity of use comes with the possibility of misuse, which in turn leads to excessive waste, especially when used regularly. Using too many pads soaked with AHAs or BHAs can remove the skin's natural oils, harm the skin barrier, and lead to irritation- so proceed with caution!