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What They Are: Oils are oils. This seems like it should be a no-brainer. But oils are also emollients, which means that unlike creams or ointments, which sink deep into skin for intensive, long-lasting hydration, oils tend to hang out near the surface. Essentially, their moisturizing power just isn't up to snuff. But while you don't get quite as much moisture, it's not like they're not doing anything useful. "Oils do add barrier protection, silkiness, and superficial hydration," says cosmetic dermatologist Paul Jarrod Frank, M.D. They may sink into skin just enough to nourish the topmost layer—but that's still not a whole lot compared with true hydrating heavyweights like hyaluronic acid, which literally binds water to skin cells.A good way...

It shrinks pores. Applying a small amount of toner to a soft cotton ball or pad and gently blotting and wiping your face with it will remove oil and give the appearance of smaller pores. It gives your skin pH balance. Our skin is naturally acidic, normally with a pH balance of between five and six. After cleansing, due to the alkaline nature of soap, the pH balance of skin gets disturbed. When this happens your skin needs to work overtime to restore the balance (and that may result in oil), but using a toner helps to restore this balance quickly. It adds a layer of protection. Toners can help close pores and tighten cell gaps after cleansing, thus reducing...