Dr Bollmann, Skin care specialist, anti-aging specialist

"Toner is something I consider a step in the cleansing process," says Dr. Alicia Zalka, a Yale-affiliated dermatologist. "The benefit is that, when used correctly, it can help remove excess oils and dead skin cells that may lurk on the face after washing. To some extent a toner can help other skin applications penetrate more rapidly. However, this can be the case when one puts a product on moist skin (water can do this). It is a well-known fact that moist skin can better absorb topical products than dry skin. That is why certain products, such as retinol, come with instructions to apply to skin that is dry to avoid irritation from 'over-penetration' so to speak."

Toners can be a great adjunct to a skincare regimen for those that need help with oily skin or markedly plugged pores. My main use for toners are in my acne patients." Dr. MacGregor adds that "every person needs an individualized skincare regimen. Using a toner can be a nice way to add active ingredients like retinoids, antioxidants and exfoliants to your existing products."

So when you are using a program that contains retinol and other medical grade ingredients, as in our Bare Skin Care Programs, a toner can act like a key to the cell that opens the cell wall and allows better and deeper penetration.