I buy most products myself. This post contains affiliate links. Full disclosure
Do you wipe your face with toner pads?
I don’t. I lay them on my skin and let them soak in. One on each cheek, one on my forehead, for about 10 minutes.
This post is for you if:
- You just bought toner pads and aren’t sure how to use them
- Your skin feels dry, but a sheet mask feels like too much
- You’ve damaged your skin barrier before
Why I Don’t Wipe With Them
A while back in Korea, wiping toner was a big trend. People called it “dakto,” short for wiping toner.
The idea was that wiping your face with a soaked cotton pad would exfoliate your skin and clear out oil.
I am going to be honest here. I don’t agree with it.
Your skin is more sensitive than you think. Rubbing it again and again, even with a soft pad, is still friction. And friction can break down your skin barrier.
I’ve had a damaged skin barrier a few times, so I try to avoid any rubbing I don’t need. I even put my regular toner on with my hands instead of a cotton pad. (Here’s what a damaged barrier looks like on me.)
When I Use Toner Pads
A sheet mask feels like too much on most days. But sometimes my face just needs a little more water.
That happens a lot right now. It’s the AC at work all day and the heater at home. That’s when I grab a toner pad.
How I Use Them, Step by Step
- Wash my face and put on toner like usual.
- Pick up the pads with the tweezers that come in the jar, so my fingers stay out of it.
- Lay them flat. One on each cheek, one on my forehead. No rubbing.
- Leave them on for about 10 minutes. I dry my hair, do some house stuff, or watch YouTube.
- Use the leftover on my neck. There’s usually still some product on the pad.
- Then serum and cream.
The dry spots on my face feel filled in after. That’s all I want from them.
The Two I’ve Used
Biodance Collagen Toner Pads (My Favorite)
I liked these a little more. The pads are more of a gel texture, which honestly surprised me the first time. I’d never used pads like that.
Costco sometimes sells them as a two-pack. I got one collagen and one that’s made to cool down heat in the skin. I liked both.
Biodance Collagen Toner Pads — Check price on Amazon
Mediheal Collagen Ampoule Pads
When I finished my Biodance pads, I was about to reorder them. Then I spotted these at Costco and thought, why not try something new?
These are simple, watery pads. They’re soaked with product, and they come with little tweezers inside.
The cotton isn’t rough at all. But I still don’t wipe with them. Soft or not, rubbing is rubbing.
Mediheal Collagen Ampoule Pads — Check price on Amazon
I’ve found both at Costco. If yours has a K-beauty section, check there first.
Toner Pad FAQ
Can you wipe your face with toner pads?
You can, but I don’t. Wiping adds friction, and friction can hurt your skin barrier. I lay them on and let them soak in.
How long should you leave toner pads on?
I leave mine on for about 10 minutes, usually while I dry my hair.
Toner pads or sheet mask?
For me, toner pads are the lighter option. I use them when a sheet mask feels like too much.
Where do you put toner pads?
One on each cheek and one on my forehead. Those are the spots that get the driest on me.
Want to Read More?
My Korean Skincare Routine for Dry Skin
How I Calm a Damaged Skin Barrier
Dry Skin 101: Start Here
Final Thoughts
Toner pads are an easy way to give dry skin a little extra water. Just don’t scrub with them.
Lay them on, wait, and let your skin drink it in.
Do you use toner pads? Do you wipe or lay them on? Tell me. I’m curious.
Thank you for reading.
Sincerely,
Hazel 🙂
Disclosure: I buy most products myself. Some were gifts from friends or family, and I’ll always tell you when. No brand has ever paid me or sent me anything to review. Some links in this post are affiliate links, so if you buy through them I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. It never changes what I recommend. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
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