The skincare industry is so confusing. Some days people will go crazy over a ten-step Korean skincare routine and the next day they will only talk about CTM (cleanse, tone, moisturize) routine. Some days people will say how important a Toner is and the other day they are skeptical about it.

At Foxtale, we have decided to put an end to the discussion of whether or not you need a toner, once and for all. Here’s everything you need to know about Toners.

What’s A Toner & What qualifies As A Toner?

A toner is a product that is completely water-based but isn’t exactly water. It is meant to be used as the first step right after cleansing the skin and hence, they have a fast-absorbing formula. Depending on the ingredients and formulation, toners serve different purposes such as hydration, exfoliation, freshness, brightness, etc.

A Little Back Story…

Earlier in the days, a toner was just another skincare product that was meant for cleansing the last few traces of your makeup and dirt. Fast forward to the present, we have the best thing for removing makeup effectively, which is Double cleansing. It includes using an oil-based cleanser as the first step and following it up with another gel/foam-based cleanser. With this, the entire purpose of a toner is defeated.

Moreover, a toner was used to maintain the pH level of your skin which was disrupted due to the usage of soap bars. But nowadays, you can easily get cleansers that are already pH balanced and are gentle enough on the skin. This again puts the whole purpose of using a toner into question.

So, Do You Even Need A Toner?

The answer is, not really, if we are living a decade ago. But now the time has changed and the skincare industry has evolved a lot. Considering the benefits of toner and its different types, there are in the market, we say, the need for a toner completely depends on YOU & your skin needs. There are some that help get your skin necessary actives while some hydrate deeply. All of them guarantee that your skin soaks up every other layer of your skincare!

If you are a boujee and you can spare a few extra minutes for your skincare and want a toner for brightening, soothing, exfoliating, or hydrating your skin. Go ahead and buy a toner! However, if you want a minimal skincare routine, that’s great too, don’t buy a toner. You can do just as fine with your basics: Cleanser, Serum, Moisturizer, and Sunscreen.

A Skincare Routine Without A Toner

1. Double cleanse your skin to make sure all the makeup, excess oil, and dirt is cleared

2. Use a Vitamin C serum to brighten up, treat, and protect your skin from free radicals

3. Apply a moisturizer to hydrate your skin and seal in everything

4. Slather sunscreen in the daytime to protect your skin from sun damage

Get your hands on our Glow of Love Set to get all our products that would cleanse, treat, moisturize and protect your skin along with a few amazing goodies to make you #SayHiToHappySkin!

What exactly is benzoyl peroxide?

Benzoyl peroxide is a topical medication that is used to fight acne breakout. It is an ingredient found in cleansers, lotions, and creams that are primarily used to kill acne-causing bacteria and hence, combat acne. It is available as medication over-the-counter as well as cosmetics from renowned brands. It is an antimicrobial that kills and minimizes the number of acne-causing bacteria on the skin.

How does benzoyl peroxide affect the skin?

Benzoyl peroxide combats the bacteria on the skin which instigate acne. It helps to unclog the pores and remove dead skin cells which lead to blockage. It also prevents new acne from erupting.

It should be used only topically. Caution must be exercised when using a benzoyl peroxide lotion. Wash your hands well before and after the application. The product must be used daily and you will see results within 4 weeks. The full effect of the treatment is noticeable after another 2-4 months.

If you are using benzoyl peroxide for the first time, it is expected that your skin might experience redness, slight tingling sensations, or irritation. And this is where Foxtale’s super-soothing Ceramide Supercream Moisturizer comes to the picture. This is what you need to calm your skin down after using any kind of active. With skin-loving ingredients such as ceramides, sodium hyaluronate, and much more, you can enjoy using your actives and have barrier friendly skin!

Benzoyl peroxide benefits vs side effects 

Benzoyl Peroxide comes with both benefits as well as side effects. Here is a glimpse of both of them:

Benefits of benzoyl peroxide:

Helps to shed dead skin cells and brightens the skin

Acne scars are lightened over time

Prevents eruption of new acne

It unclogs the pores and helps reduce whiteheads and blackheads too

Shows noticeable results quickly

Side effects of benzoyl peroxide:

• Skin irritation
• Flaking and peeling of skin
• Leaves stains on clothes and hair
• Some may be allergic to it

Keeping in mind the side effects, it is best to patch-test or get recommendations from a dermatologist, before using this product. You can also consider alternate treatments. Here is something about perfecting your skin using cellular beauty that is a holistic approach to skincare.

Comparing benzoyl peroxide to other treatments

Apart from benzoyl peroxide, there are two more ingredients popular for combating acne. Here is a comprehensive comparison between benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid and retinol, all of which are useful for combating acne:

Benzoyl Peroxide	Salicylic Acid	Retinol
Treats pustules Kills bacteria Treats mild to moderate acne Reduces antibiotic resistance Not suitable for sensitive skin	Treats blackheads and whiteheads Removes dead skin cells Treats acne and dandruff Exfoliates and reduces pore size Safe and gentle for all skin types	Speeds up skin cell turnover Prevent collagen breakdown Regulates skin cell functions Mild and suitable for most skin types

 

When you understand the different ways in which benzoyl peroxide can affect your skin, it gets easier to incorporate the ingredient in your skincare routine while avoiding the side effects.

What if there's one product that takes care of all of your skin concerns without any strings attached? Sounds like a dream, right? But this dream has come to life, all thanks to Niacinamide or otherwise known as Vitamin B3. A very well-known, hyped, and researched ingredient that deserves all the place in your heart (and skincare routine).

Any skin type can easily use this ingredient without any issues, and you can find it in many forms, including serum, moisturiser, and sunscreen. Here's everything you need to know about Niacinamide; keep scrolling to learn about it.

What is Niacinamide?

Niacinamide is like a friend that everyone should have, mainly because it goes along with every other ingredient and works amazingly. Being a water-soluble vitamin form of Niacin, Niacinamide offers numerous benefits to your skin. It is one of the most stable ingredients in your skincare, which is why it is perfectly suitable for all skin types. It can easily absorb in the upper layer of your skin where barrier-friendly ingredients such as ceramides and other proteins reside. So, unlike other actives like BHA that penetrate deeper, this ingredient doesn't cause any irritation, and you can always get well-hydrated and glowy skin. 

What does Niacinamide do for your skin?

There are numerous benefits of using niacinamide for your skin. So let's take a deep dive into it and get to know them better:

• Strengthens skin barrier: 

To help strengthen your skin barrier, incorporate niacinamide into your skincare routine. Research has shown that niacinamide, when used in appropriate quantities along with other healthy ingredients like ceramides can augment the barrier properties of the skin.

• Reduces skin hyperpigmentation: 

With consistent usage, potent Niacinamide can be effective on hyperpigmentation and spots. In addition, Niacinamide very mildly exfoliates the skin and removes dead skin cells, thus increasing cell turnover.

• Lessens fine lines & wrinkles: 

Niacinamide can delay ageing and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. It is power-packed with several vitamins that improve skin texture, deliver hydration, and keep the skin looking young.

• Treats redness/inflammation:

While niacinamide suits all skin types, it is best to use when you have a compromised skin barrier. This is because it soothes the skin and thus reduces redness or inflammation. 

• Improves skin elasticity & boosts collagen: 

Niacinamide helps to increase the natural lipids of your skin that are responsible for helping to retain younger-looking skin. This, in turn, boosts collagen and helps improve skin elasticity. 

• Controls sebum production: 

When your skin doesn't get enough hydration, it signals your pores to produce sebum for the lost moisture. Since niacinamide helps to retain moisture, it balances the hydration levels in your skin. This further helps with the prevention of acne. 

• Fights free radical damage:

Niacinamide acts as a protective shield for your skin and fights free radical damage and pollutants. In addition, it acts as an excellent antioxidant for your skin that fights against various environmental aggressors.

• Protective against UV-induced damage: 

Not many people know this, but niacinamide makes up for an incredible ingredient in sunscreens due to its properties that fight against UV light. 

If you're looking for a sunscreen that incorporates niacinamide as a key ingredient, look no further and get your hands on the Foxtale Cover-Up Sunscreen. This ingredient itself has not only made the formula easy to apply and blend in the skin but also made it dewy and quick absorbing. This sunscreen is your chance to claim and access niacinamide's benefits.

How to incorporate it into your routine?

1.As a standalone serum:

Most commonly, niacinamide is used in the form of serums. This is because water-based serums make it easy to use, apply, and blend in with other products. If you're using this ingredient in serum form, pick the right formula with additional ingredients to target specific concerns. Look for serums with at least 2-5% Niacinamide to get full benefits. Also, follow up with sunscreen to guard your skin against sun exposure, as it can make your skin photosensitive when used in high concentrations.

2.In your Sunscreen:

Using niacinamide in your sunscreen is the way to go when you want to avoid incorporating different steps for different concerns. Minimal routine makes your life, as well as your wallet, happier. When used with sunscreen, niacinamide becomes much more capable and can fight free radical damage, UV light, pollution, and blue light. Moreover, it makes the sunscreen formula much easier and more satisfying to apply. If you don't believe this, try the Cover-Up sunscreen and experience it yourself!

Things to keep in mind before using Niacinamide

Niacinamide is safe for all skin types and concerns, but only when used in the right concentrations and precautions since every skin is different. It is best to start using it with lower concentrations, as higher concentrations might cause irritations for beginners. You can use it daily once your skin becomes tolerant to the ingredient. Niacinamide is a stable ingredient, but it takes time to work on different issues, so patience is key. 

The Conclusion 

As a skin-loving ingredient, niacinamide strengthens the barrier and slows down the rate at which you age. The best part— it's perfect even for sensitive skin types. It has soothing effects on the skin and calms redness. This ingredient is a saviour for people with oily skin as it helps regulate and control oil production. Avail the benefits of this magical ingredient by including it in your routine today! 

FAQ

1.What is niacinamide good for? 

Niacinamide offers a range of benefits to your skin. It regulates oil production and minimizes skin redness. It helps treat severe cases of acne and reduces its appearance over time. In addition, it protects you from sun damage and gives you a youthful and radiant complexion.

2.Which skin type is Niacinamide best for?

Niacinamide is the perfect fit for all skin types. It is particularly well-suited for those with oily or acne-prone skin, as it can help regulate sebum production and reduce inflammation. However, it can also benefit those with dry or sensitive skin, improving hydration and strengthening the skin barrier.  

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Even in general life, when we think of water and oil- they just do not mix. Yet they are two vital elements necessary for our skin.

Although they are incompatible and do not mix, our skin attracts both and needs them to stay healthy, hydrated, and radiant. Hence, striking a balance is the base for good skin. A proper balance is needed to retain the youthfulness of your skin. This is where the water-oil balance becomes essential for your skin. Hydration and moisturization are the two necessities for healthy skin. They are achieved when the water-oil balance is perfect. Today, let us dive deep and find out how water and oil affect skin texture.

Water: Hydration 

Water is the basis of the hydration of your skin. Though often used interchangeably, hydration and moisturization are not the same. Water hydrates the skin but does not moisturize it. Our body contains 70% water however it cannot produce water voluntarily. We can retain water from external sources, such as humectants, which in turn help to keep our skin supple and youthful.

However, when we grow older, the skin’s ability to retain water gets reduced. Drinking enough water and following a proper diet help to keep the skin hydrated. At the same time, good quality hydrating products for skincare are also essential. The key is to get products that have ingredients known for their water retention ability.

This includes Sodium Hyaluronate and Niacinamide. Niacinamide prevents the skin from losing water to external elements and free radicals. On the other hand, Sodium hyaluronate keeps the skin plump and firm by retaining enough water for a longer period.

Our Foxtale Daily Duet Face Wash contains sodium hyaluronate which is a derivative of hyaluronic acid and penetrates the skin much better. It ensures deeper hydration. Thus, even though it is a face wash, your skin will not dry out at all. You can get the benefits of niacinamide from our Foxtale Cover Up Sunscreen which not only gives optimum sun protection but also prevents water loss from your skin. This is because Niacinamide is one of the primary ingredients in it. Both these products also make up for the perfect AM routine!

Oil: Moisture

Using oils for skincare dates back to ancient times. Natural oils help to strengthen and maintain the lipid barrier of your skin. This in turn protects the inner layers ensuring that your skin remains healthy for a longer time as well as keeps the hydration level of your skin intact.

Oil can soothe sensitive skin and unlike popular belief, the right one won’t clog your pores when used in the right way. Striping your skin of oil makes it even oilier as your skin starts producing excess sebum to meet the deficit.

These days, facial oils are gaining popularity once more and so are many different oil-based products. This is because oil can attract water and hence induce better hydration and also break down pollutants. A few drops of any facial oil or even an occlusive can help retain the water and seal the essential fatty acid to strengthen your skin further. You can get the maximum benefits of oil-based products when they are used together with water-based skincare products as well.

How to keep a balance of water & oil in your skin?

Now that you have a fair idea about how water and oil play an influential role in your skincare, it's time to understand their role in different skin types. Not every skin type requires the same ratio of water and oil. Here is a breakdown of the different skin types so you can make the most of both the elements:

Dry Skin:

Dry skin doesn’t just lack hydration, it does not even produce enough sebum. Moreover, hydration is lost quickly on such skin types. Thus, products with ingredients that can retain water well are particularly suitable. Look for ingredients like niacinamide and sodium hyaluronate (a better version of hyaluronic acid). Such skin also requires intense moisturizing hence, a thick yet lightweight cream or lotion is highly recommended. Try our Foxtale Ceramide Supercream Moisturizer which can keep the skin moisturized for a longer time. 

Oily skin:

As the name suggests, this skin type has excess oil and sebum production which can clog the pores and lead to acne. But the excess oil production also forms a protective barrier that helps retain enough water and keeps the skin moisturized. Such skin type will require more focus on oil control to strike the balance. Gel-based moisturizers and lotions as well as face serums are the best choices. A good option would be the Foxtale C For Yourself Vitamin C Face Serum which is lightweight and helps to control excess oil while keeping the skin hydrated.

One can rightly say, striking the water-oil balance is a lot about understanding your skin type well. When you work out the basics of your skin’s requirements, choosing a suitable product gets easier. Maintaining the balance means choosing a suitable product that is tailor-made for your skin’s requirements and you can do so easily when you understand the individual purpose served by water and oil in skincare.