Louisiana Cosmetology Board Practice Exam

The primary purpose of a toner in skincare is to tighten pores and balance pH. After cleansing the skin, it can experience slight disruption to its natural pH levels and may feel overly dry or tight. A toner helps to restore this balance, ensuring that the skin remains healthy and functioning optimally. Additionally, toners often contain ingredients that can help refine the appearance of pores, making them appear smaller, and can prepare the skin for better absorption of subsequent products like serums and moisturizers.

Moisturizing is primarily the role of creams and lotions, while exfoliation involves the removal of dead skin cells and is usually achieved through scrubs or acids, rather than a toner. Sun protection is provided by sunscreens, not toners, reinforcing the specific role of toners in a skincare routine.