What is the primary function of skin toners in a skincare routine?

The primary function of skin toners in a skincare routine is to balance the skin's pH and remove residual impurities. After cleansing, the skin can often feel unbalanced or carry traces of dirt, oil, and cleanser. Toners help to restore the natural acidity of the skin, which is crucial for maintaining its health and barrier function.

In addition, toners can help remove leftover impurities that were not effectively cleaned away during the cleansing step. This ensures that the skin is prepared to better absorb subsequent skincare products, such as serums and moisturizers. Balancing the pH is particularly important because skin that is too alkaline can lead to irritation or breakouts, while overly acidic skin can also disrupt its protective barrier.

The other options address different aspects of skincare but do not accurately describe the primary purpose of toners. For example, while moisturizers hydrate the skin, toners are not intended to serve this function. Similarly, sun protection is typically provided by sunscreens, not toners, and while some toners may enhance makeup application by preparing the skin, that is not their main role.