Do you really need both a serum and a tonic? Two Skincare.com experts weigh their positions

So you just got a brand new powerful skin care serum – but don’t know how to incorporate it into your routine, Considering you swear by toner. This may make you wonder if you really need both. While it may seem like overkill (you may be wondering if one potent and highly concentrated skincare product is enough?), serums and toners both serve different purposes. Ahead we chatted with Lindsey Malachowski, Chief Operating Officer and Cosmetologist at SKINNEY Medspaи Tina Marie Wright, Licensed Pomp Esthetician, about why both products are important in your daily routine. 

Do I need both a serum and a toner?

“Toner and serum are two completely different products with different functionality,” says Wright. While toners prepare the skin and help balance its pH levels, serums contain more active ingredients that are [designed to] penetrate the [superficial layers] of the skin and provide targeted care.”

What is a toner?

The toner exfoliates and prepares the skin after cleansing and helps remove any remaining dead skin cells. They come in a variety of formulas and can be used day or night. Some of our favorite tonics are mild. SkinCeuticals Smoothing Toner for sensitive skin. We also recommend INNBeauty Project Down to Tone Tonic, which contains an exfoliating blend of seven acids.  

What is serum?

The serum is formulated with a higher concentration of ingredients to achieve targeted skincare results such as reducing the appearance of dark spots, acne scars or dullness. If you are looking for a new serum to try, we recommend Skinceuticals Anti-Bleaching Serum to eliminate uneven tone or YSL Beauty Pure Shots Anti-Wrinkle Serum to hydrate and fight signs of aging.

How to include serum and toner in your daily routine

Both skincare experts agree that serums and mild toners are the best, especially if you're trying to find products that won't irritate your skin. “If you use a toner with active ingredients like alpha or beta hydroxy acids and then also use a serum with those ingredients, it might be too much for sensitive skin,” says Wright. Instead, “you can use a milder toner and a more active serum, or use a toner with more active ingredients and a milder hyaluronic acid serum designed to soothe and hydrate the skin.”

Not sure if your serum and toner are doing your skin more harm than good? We suggest you follow Malachowski's advice: "If your skin is suddenly getting worse or more sensitive, it's screaming at you and you need to know how to adjust," she says.