*Last update on 25/05/2021

Preparing // The must-do step

After cleansing, you may want to prepare the canvas (thus your face). After all, a damp canvas always absorbs better than a dry one. Here in the west, the toner step is often skipped, simply because people don't fully understand the idea behind it. But this is a very important step in the daily routine according to the Korean thinking of skin care!

Sometimes also called: tonic, astrigents, (re-) freshener, essence (toner), skin, activating serum, skin softer, booster, lotion tonic

4. (low) pH TONER

[immediately after washing your face (on a damp face)]

Use the toner to balance the pH (/acid) layer so that the skin is repaired, soothed and prepared. In addition, toners can also have other beneficial properties such as helping to remove residual facial cleansers or providing hydration and nutrition to the skin.

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4. Essence toner

As the name implies, these types of toner fall somewhat between the 2 categories and can be used for both purposes; balancing the pH values and moisturizing the skin. You can use them as your only toner after cleansing on damp skin or after another (ex: exfoliating) toner as your essence step. They are often ideal for dry, dehydrated and sensitive skin. // An essence toner is often alcohol-free and can be used perfectly for the 7-skin method or DIY sheet mask as below in the video.

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Tip: in combination with the Pyunkang Yul cotton pads you can use make excellent DIY facial masks.

Application

[Use a toner immediately / as soon as possible after cleansing with water, on slightly damp skin. (within 30 sec.)]

Method A - Cotton pad: wet a cotton pad with toner and pat / press gently on face, starting at dry areas such as cheeks, then wipe from the inside out and bottom up. This removes leftover dirt and cleansers, in addition, with the right kind of cotton pad you can exfoliate the skin in a very mild way because the cotton can take the softened dead skin cells with it. When using cotton wool, always start with the problem areas such as forehead, nose, cheeks and wipe from the inside out. // When you suffer from inflammation such as acne, be careful not to reuse the used cotton ball on the "clean" areas to avoid spreading.
Method B - Patting with hands: pour a few drops directly onto the hands and pat directly onto face so that the skin can slowly absorb it. In the case of hydrating (essence) toners, you can dab a number of layers in succession for more hydration.
Method C - Facial mist: Spray directly on face then pat gently on skin until absorbed or use cotton ball to wipe lightly.

Does your skin feel moist / hydrated after applying the toner and is not greasy or tacky? If so, then you did well!

Also see:
How much should I use?
Applications and handlings: toner

Skin improvement is being patient! It is important to give a new skin care routine/product a trial period of at least 1 month since your skin will renew its cells each 28 days. In case you notice (a small) difference, please try another 2-3 months.