What is the Difference Between Toner and Face Wash

The main difference between toner and face wash is that toner cleanses the skin, help to balance the pH of the skin and control acne and dry skin in addition to cleansing while face wash cleanses the facial skin.

Face wash and toner are two skincare products you can use daily. The first step in your skincare regime should be using a face wash to clean your face. Then, you can use a toner to further cleanse the skin, contract pores, and balance the pH of the skin.

Key Areas Covered

1. What is a Toner 
     – Definition, Features, Benefits
2. What is a Face Wash
     – Definition, Features, Benefits
3. What is the Difference Between Toner and Face Wash
      – Comparison of Key Differences

Key Terms

Face Wash, Toner, Skincare

What is a Toner

Toner is a skincare product for cleansing the skin and contracting the pores. It’s usually applied on the face after cleansing to make the skin feel firm. Moreover, toners have the ability to moisturize, refresh and protect the skin. They are especially useful for people with oily or acne-prone skin or those who need extra cleansing after wearing makeup.

You can use face toners at morning and night. However, if you feel that it irritates your skin, try using it once a day or every other day. There are three basic ways to apply toner on the skin: on a cotton round, spraying directly on the face, or using a tonic gauze facial mask. Furthermore, there are different types of toners like skin toners, acid toners, skin bracers/fresheners, and astringents.

Benefits of a Toner

• Shrinks pores on the skin
• Restores the skin’s pH balance
• Acts as a moisturizer
• Adds a layer of protection to the skin
• Refreshes the skin
• Prevent ingrown hairs

What is a Face Wash

Face wash is a skincare product that cleans the skin on the face. It can purify, soothe, and hydrate the skin. Face wash can cleanse the pores on the skin deeply. Its texture can be milky, creamy or gel-like. When you apply it on your damp skin, it will lather into a foam. Before using the face wash, first, wet your face with lukewarm water. Then, apply the face wash with your fingertips. Finally, wash off the face wash with lukewarm water, and use a soft towel to pat dry your skin.

When you are choosing a face wash, you must consider your skin type – whether you have dry skin, oily skin or combination skin. For example, if you have oily or acne-prone skin, you can use a foaming face wash; it helps to keep skin’s pores clear and remove the dirt, oil, and impurities that can worsen sebum production, which makes your face more oily.

You have to use your face wash twice a day. Using a face wash in the morning can help you clear oil, sweat and dirt that get accumulated in the skin overnight. During the day, various pollutants, makeup, dust, and excess oil get accumulated in the skin; you can clean this off in the evening using a face wash.

Difference Between Toner and Face Wash

Definition

Face wash is a skincare product that cleans the skin on the face while toner is a skincare product for cleansing the skin and contracting the pores.

Benefits

Face wash can cleanse, hydrate and moisturize your skin while toner can clean the skin, close pores, moisturize and balance the pH of the skin.

Method of Use

You can directly apply face wash on your damp skin. In contrast, you don’t directly use a toner on the face; you have to use it after applying it on a cotton round or using a tonic gauze facial mask.

Foam

When you apply face wash on your damp skin, it will lather into a foam, but most toners don’t create foam when applied to the skin.

Order of Use

Toners are used after cleansing the skin with face wash, but before using face serum or moisturizers.

Conclusion

Toner cleanses the skin, help to balance the pH of the skin and control acne and dry skin in addition to cleansing while face wash cleanses the facial skin. When you apply face wash on your damp skin, it will lather into a foam, but most toners don’t create foam when applied to the skin. Moreover, toners should be used after cleansing the skin with face wash. Thus, this is the main difference between toner and face wash. 

Image Courtesy:

1. White textile on person skin, skincare, cleaning skin, cotton pads, HD wallpaper” (CC0) via Wallpaper Flare
2. “Woman Washing Her Face With Soap” By Shiny Diamond (CC0) via Pexels