I used toner a lot in my preteens when I went all-natural with my facial products. I used witch hazel as a toner following cleansing. But then again, I was using a glycerine-based facial soap that wasn't pH balanced.
Nowadays, almost all facial cleansers are pH balanced. Toner was used primarily to restore the natural balance to our skin because our skin has a slight acidic pH. Basically what happens is when you wash your face with soap, you are adding alkaline products that will slowly raise your skin's natural pH. Naturally, your skin begins to produce oils and works naturally to return back to its natural acidic (less than 7 on the pH scale) state. With toner, you are basically making it easier for your skin to return to normal. Also, toner can remove any left over residue that your facial soap may leave and may also treat areas where oil tends to get out of control.
A lot of people with dry skin choose to avoid using toners for fear that they may dry out of their skin worse. Look for a product that is moisturizing with aloe or that is water based. I have dry combination skin and I use Clinique's Clarifying Lotion #2 in their three part skin system.
Do not look for a toner with salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide. Toners are alcohol based and they will evaporate off of the skin over a short period of time. For acne treatment, stick to creams- something that stays on the skin.
So should you tone or not? A lot of people incorporate toners into their daily routine in the summer, but I feel toners can be used year round. If your current cleansing routine is working for you and doesn't contain toner, don't mess with a good thing. If you find your skin is dull or that your cleanser leaves a film (many cream cleansers do), maybe adding a toner into your routine can help your skin change. If you are not sure, I recommend starting with witch hazel which is usually less than three dollars. If you have dry skin, mix equal parts water with witch hazel. It doesn't smell great, but it doesn't stay on your skin forever.
And always, moisturize and add sunscreen after toning! That's just good skin care.
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