How To Use Toner For Dry Skin

Cleansers, moisturizers, sunscreen, and lip balms are staples in any skincare routine for dry skin, and their benefits are well-known. But when it comes to the use of toner, you might be left stumped!

Most skin experts and influencers mention face toners in their regimen, but more often than not, the function of toner on the skin is not well understood. Plus it leads to a hoard of other doubts such as simple toner ingredients to look for, the right way to apply toner, and if homemade face toners for daily use can yield the same results.

But before jumping into any of these, you need to first understand what this skincare product is and if using toner for dry skin is a good step in your routine.

What is a toner?

A toner is a tonic-like or light skincare product that is water-based and contains essential oils and other gentle ingredients.

Known for its benefits of pH balancing, toners were initially used to strip out any excess oily or dirt left behind on the skin even after cleansing. To aid in this use of a toner, they used to be astringent products with high alcohol content that could dry up the skin. However, with more and more developments in the world of skincare, these properties are swapped out to create some of the best natural toners with hydrating and soothing properties.

So, which comes first in your skincare routine, the toner or moisturizer? The right way to apply toner is to spritz or dab it on after using a cleanser on your face. It works to restore the pH balance of your face, as most cleansers are generally alkaline, as well as seal in moisture, which is what makes toners for dry skin a great option. Plus, it preps the skin to absorb nutrients from other skincare products more effectively.

Why is toner necessary for dry skin?

The alcohol-based toners of yesteryears would often leave a drying effect on the skin. But in recent times, skincare brands have transformed the idea of a toner, meaning now you can find toners for every skin type, from oily and sensitive to dry skin.

Dry skin is prone to flaky or peeling patches of skin that are rough to the touch, as they lack the required moisture to maintain supple skin. So, good toners for dry skin focus on locking in moisture on your skin after cleansing, as they have a high water content.

The best toner for dry, sensitive skin can even come with hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid, like White Formual’s toner. They refresh your skin and get it ready to soak in the benefits of other skincare products. Regular use of toner for dry skin helps reduce dry, peeling patches and smoothen your skin’s texture.

How to apply toner for dry skin?

Follow the CTM routine when using a toner, meaning it will go after your cleanser and before your moisturizer. You can apply it twice in your day to lock in added moisture, but experts often recommend dry skin types use it only once daily. Keep reading to learn how to use toner for dry skin:

1. If your toner comes in a spray bottle, you can spritz it on and gently tap it into your skin.
2. The right way to apply toner if you are using a cotton ball or pad is to moisten it with a few drops and then gently swipe it from the center toward the outer part of your skin. Avoid applying the toner on more sensitive and delicate areas, like the eyes and lips.
3. To get the most face toner benefits, apply it to damp skin on your face and neck, and gently wipe in an upward motion.
4. Wait a few seconds after using your pH-balancing toner and then follow it up with a hydrating moisturizer. But remember, even if you learn how to apply toner the right way, overapplying can cause irritation on your skin, so be mindful of the same.

How often should you use face toner for dry skin?

Even the best hydrating toner for dry skin needs to be eased into your routine gradually. Start by using your product twice or thrice a week. If you observe that there is no irritation, then you can ramp up the use of a toner to every alternate day, and then apply it daily. If you are using an exfoliating toner for dry skin, you will have to limit the usage to once a week, to avoid overstripping of natural oils.

What are the benefits of toner on dry skin?

1. Restoring pH Balance

One of the most essential face toner benefits is its ability to restore pH balance to your skin. Your skin’s natural pH balance can be affected by several skincare products you use, including face cleansers or washes that are more alkaline. When the balance is disturbed, your skin will be more susceptible to inflammation or irritation. The function of toner on the skin is to bring back this balance as it has a pH level similar to that of our skin.

2. Hydration Boost

When you choose a more moisturizing toner for dry skin, you can get that much-needed hydration boost in your AM and PM routine. Toners have a high water content and are beneficial in sealing moisture after an exfoliating task like cleansing. The best hydrating toners for dry skin also contain additional water-binding agents like hyaluronic acid or the best natural toner ingredients like rose water or cucumber extract.

3. Enhanced Absorption

Good toners for dry skin help prep and prime your skin to absorb the nourishing ingredients of layered skincare products, rather than letting it sit on top of the skin. Even a homemade face toner for daily use is created with ingredients that can unclog your pores and open them to soak in skincare benefits. Plus, the water content and hydrating agents in the best toners for dry skin, increase the moisture on the topmost layer of the skin, allowing other ingredients to seep in.

What factors should be considered when selecting a toner for dry skin?

1. Alcohol-Free Formulas

Skin toner ingredients like alcohol contain astringent properties, which means they help extract excess oil from those with oily or acne-prone skin. However, for those with dry skin, this just results in stripping away too much oil when there is not much to begin with. So, when picking your product, look for the best toner without alcohol.

2. Hydrating Ingredients

A moisturizing toner for dry skin should include hydrating ingredients that can nourish the skin and smoothen the texture, without damaging the protective moisture barrier. Ensure that your toners have simple toner ingredients like glycerin, hyaluronic acid, or Vitamin E as they add more moisture to the face and lock it in. If you want the best toner for glowing skin that also contains natural ingredients, look for plant-based ceramides, aloe vera gel, or cucumber extracts.

3. Gentle Formulas

Whether you shop from the store or make your own DIY toner for dry skin, you must ensure that the formulation is light and gentle on your skin. Avoid exfoliating ingredients like glycolic acid, that work to strip away excess oil and dirt from your skin. As they penetrate the skin, they are not ideal in toners for dry skin. If you want to use exfoliating toners for dry skin, use them only once a week.

The best toners for dull skin can still cause irritation or inflammation if they contain synthetic fragrances, so steer clear of them. You can check out the best Korean toners for dry skin available in the market as they don’t contain alcohol but more natural ingredients to exfoliate and hydrate.

4. Avoid Overuse

Too much of a good thing will ultimately be a bad thing. The best toners for dry skin are meant to hydrate and balance the pH of your skin. But, use it beyond the recommended amount and you will have to deal with irritation and inflamed skin or extreme dryness. Start with a lower frequency when introducing even the best organic toner. Based on your skin’s reaction to it, you can choose to use it daily or every other day.

Conclusion

Most pH-balancing toners with gentle, hydrating ingredients can be a boon for dry skin. Even a simple DIY toner for dry skin, made from natural ingredients like rose water or aloe vera, can remove impurities and refresh your skin. But you must remember to look for the right ingredients and use them in moderation to quench dry skin and get that soft, supple look you desire!