Many of us who have been indoctrinated in the “3-step” skincare method of cleanser, toner and moisturiser will have at least once in our lives, used a toner with a cotton pad to prep skin before applying moisturiser. I used to do it from way back.
But about 5 years ago, I stopped using this method. It was also when I stopped using “toner” in the sense of an astringent lotion to “close your pores” which I’d tell you not to believe. Pores aren’t doors you can open and close at will. I started using the SKII Facial Treatment Essence which the SA told me can be patted directly on skin. Then, I went on to use Japanese brand lotions which I found better for my skin as they were more hydrating and less astringent. Some, like the Hada Labo SHA lotion advise you to pat it on. Some of them advised the use of a cotton pad, but I was stubborn, prefering “not to waste” product. So I continued with the no-cotton pad method, patting product directly on skin which I thought was good enough.
I’ve been doing this for at least 5 years. But in the past 2 months, in my bid to get my troublesome skin under control, I switched things around and decided to go back to using a cotton pad with a lotion/toner. To my surprise, I’m reaping benefits so I’m once again sold on the idea. I’ll tell you why 🙂
A point to note is to follow the instructions on the skincare you use. So naturally, if they ask you to pat it on, as the Hada Labo lotion does, then do so. Swiping it on skin with a cotton pad will not reap you the maximum benefits.
However, with those that do advise the use of a cotton pad, then do so too. I am presently using lotions that are hydrating for skin so these aren’t the traditional “toners” in a true sense (I’ll tell you about the ones I’m using in a future post). They cool down my skin, prep my skin for moisturiser and helps my skin feel more hydrated.
What I do is saturate a cotton pad with the lotion (toner), wipe it all over my face and then lightly pat the cotton pad all over my skin. When I was using the Kanebo Blanchir Clear Conditioner (which I still use to this day) this was the way I was taught and I’ve carried it over to any hydrating lotion. It serves to provide a combination of benefits – light exfoliation with the cotton pad, and helping product penetrate better when patting on skin.
A cotton pad will help exfoliate and remove surface dead skin cells which can help product penetrate better. This is the primary benefit I derive personally. I was having a lot of problems with my skin – dry and flaky skin all over, rough and “hard” skin that didn’t seem to get any better no matter what I used, and enlarged pores.
My skin is on the mend which has also to do with a whole change in skincare routine and that includes using a cotton pad with my lotion/toner after washing my face. Here’s a tip I picked up from a trainer at Estee Lauder:-
- If you wipe the toner/lotion infused cotton pad over your face and see that its BROWN – that’s remnants of foundation and you should be cleansing your skin better or change your cleanser
- If you wipe the toner/lotion infused cotton pad over your face and see that its GREY – that’s dead skin cells
Truth or not, I found it interesting, because I was surprised at how grey my cotton pad was when I started this routine. Now that I do it daily, twice a day, my cotton pad no longer looks as grey. Maybe there’s truth in that tip?
Do you use a cotton pad with your toner or lotion? If you do, have you derived benefits from this? If you don’t, why not?
I’m coming back full circle after years away and I’m seeing benefits. I personally feel that the light exfoliation with the cotton pad helps prep my skin for the skincare to follow and even reduces the appearance of pores. The hydrating lotions do help my skin feel better and more comfortable and things are finally looking up. How about you? 😀
Paris B
hmm I never thought of grey as being dead skin cells, even though I would see them on cotton pads when I wiped my face at the end of a long day! I’ve always applied toner with cotton rounds, because if I tried to pour it in my hands I’d probably make a mess LOL. Glad to hear your skin’s been more well behaved after you started doing this 🙂
Yes, the ol skin is finally behaving itself! Whew! I never thought about the grey vs brown thing either. Makes sense though!
I don’t know maybe because I have oily skin but I never benefited from the padding method! Like Chole, unless instructed otherwise, I always use toner with a cotton pad. I only use Beauty Elixir without cotton pad but even then I really have the urge to swipe with a pad after the spritz 🙂
I think the patting method does depend on the type of toner or lotion used. Always good to follow instructions though! I haven’t tried the Beauty Elixir yet but there’s so many raves about it!
I love using cotton pads! But ever since I use Hada Labo Moisturizing Lotion which works by patting, I switch my exfoliation part by using cotton pads while cleansing (using Bifesta cleansing lotion) instead of toner application. This saves me from doing facial scrubs as my face can get really sensitive with physical exfoliation. Also, I like to use those cotton pads with a layer of mesh like Etude House’s cotton pads which works better for exfoliation. 🙂
Thanks for the tip Yilian! I suppose the exfoliating bit will work both ways, whether with cleanser or toner so whichever works for you! 😉
From not using toner at all, now I’m used to patting my lotion. I know I’m not gentle enough when using cotton pad to remove my eye makeup so I felt worried having to rub my face with the cotton pad. I’ve small GWP toners that requires cotton pad application. Admittedly using the cotton pad does give a cleaner feeling and occasionally I do see brownish or grayish residual. For a chsnge in routine I might revert to using toner with cotton pad. Thanks for sharing.
Glad you found this useful, Jennifer 🙂 I went off toners or lotions for a while but its been good to come back to it. For the eye area, I suggest that you dampen the cotton pad with makeup remover, leave it over your eyes for a minute or so then wipe off. You’ll find that it comes off more easily without rubbing 🙂
Interesting…It is certainly a debatable topic… though wouldn’t a gentle exfoliator work as well to keep troubled skin at bay? And you can continue your patting method for lotions?
You’re right about that too actually. So when I use an exfoliator, I don’t use a toner to wipe in case of over exfoliation and just pat it on instead 🙂 Since I mostly use hydrating lotions, it can be either wiped on or patted on 🙂
I use a facial mist spay as a toner myself. I like your advice to follow the product instructions, thanks. I have to say I’m not sure I’ve even read my current products instructions.
I loved cotton pads…. but i don’t used the patting method. never thought that i does make a difference…..
Will try to remember that i need to pat. not swipe.
Thanks for sharing…
I do both actually depending on the toner I use 🙂 If its an exfoliating toner, I swipe only. If its a hydrating lotion, I swipe then lightly pat (so it doesn’t go to waste)
Although I m using SKII FTE lotion, but I will wipe my face with toner and cotton before applying FTE.
I find the tip about the cotton pad being grey as a sign of dead skin cells simply amazing! Now I think there is a bigger purpose to using cotton pads (if not, usually I pat them on). I do notice (whenever I feel like using a cotton pad) that it is a little grey, and never got to figuring out what it meant. Thank you!!
I’m glad you found it useful, Christina! When the EL trainer said that, I had to file it away and find a way to share it because it was too interesting a tip to ignore 😀
i have started doing this…earlier i just used to pat the toner!! i have started using the toner again that summers have arrived! otherwise skin becomes totally dehydrated 🙁 btw, have you used the clinique 3 steps skin care?? i got the samples for it so i am just trying to find out how to use the clarifying lotion – on a cotton or not!
Hiya Swati, how have you been? 😀 I have tried the Clinique 3 Step but it didn’t work for me sadly 🙁 Their Clarifying Lotion is to be used with a cotton pad and wiped off. Don’t linger too long on your skin because I found it a bit abrasive.
Haha, I’m sorry that I only read this post like few months later! According to Hada Labo official website, there’re few differences between toner and lotion.
So here are what I’ve copied from the FAQs:
There are a few types of toners:
i) Astringent: Contains high proportion of alcohol. Helps control oily skin, effectively minimizes pores and refreshes skin.
ii) Smoothing Toner: Prepares skin for better absorption of other skin care products. Helps make skin smoother and more moisturized. Which can also be referred to as Lotion.
iii) Cleansing Toner (Alkaline): Removes and wipes away dirt and impurities.
And now Hada Labo’s newest series consists of a mild peeling lotion! They said we can use it before the normal lotion. I guess it’s an astringent?
Thanks for the tips! I’ve definitely gained a lot of beauty knowledges from your blog posts!
p/s: I hope there’re more posts about skincares with lower prices yet good qualities! (I sound so greedy aha)
The Hada Labo Mild Peeling Lotion is more of an exfoliating toner, not so much astringent 🙂 It serves to help exfoliate or “peel” away the dead skin cells gently. It’s not bad. Been trying it out for a while since I bought it but can be a little drying on dry skins if used too often 🙂 Will try to feature more affordable skincare but as many of them are Asian skincare, which I don’t use many of, it’s not as easy to find. Still, I’ll try! 🙂
What brand of cotton do you use? Thanks
I use a cheap brand found at Guardian pharmacy. Talked a bit about it, and other readers share their recs here https://www.mywomenstuff.com/2013/07/favourite-brand-facial-cotton-pad/
Mine is not grey or brown is A bit grey and yello? Mean what?