"There are alcohol-free toners and most have it written on their packaging." Choose soothing ingredients. According to Wnek, allantoin is a great ingredient to look for for sensitive skin, as it moisturizes and soothes. Other good ingredients for sensitive skin are hyaluronic acid, aloe vera and rose water.
Use a toner morning and night. But if your skin gets dry or irritated easily, try once a day or every other day. Remember, these toners contain potent ingredients. And for more astringent formulas (designed for oily or acne-prone skin), she suggests using it every two days before gradually ramping up.
You definitely need to apply moisturizer after toner. Moisture is necessary for having healthy, wrinkle-free skin. After using a toner, your skin can absorb and retain moisture better than before; hence you should use a moisturizer.
Toner is meant to absorb quickly and be left on—it isn't a rinse-off facial cleanser. Think of toner as being similar to astringent or micellar water in this way, which also shouldn't be washed off.
Toners can be beneficial for people with sensitive skin. Not only do they clear the skin of possible irritants, but they can also help keep your skin healthy and hydrated. Toners can be used even on sensitive skin that is particularly dry, oily or acne-prone.
For sensitive skin: Dr. Brankov recommends choosing a hydrating toner that contains moisturizing ingredients like glycerin and hyaluronic acid. Other skin-soothing ingredients to look for include chamomile and rosewater, she adds.
Calming, nourishing toners have a wide range of benefits for sensitive skin and can really help to alleviate any discomfort and tightness you may feel. Sensitive skin is particularly prone to being aggravated and irritated by our surroundings.
Vitamin C is generally pretty safe and well tolerated, but if you have sensitive skin, it might sting a little bit—especially if you use it in the same part of your routine as exfoliating scrubs or acids.
It treats certain skin conditions
Allawh says that rose water may help treat mild acne, eczema, psoriasis, and dry, flaking skin on the face. It's also safe for sensitive skin and can be used to soothe sunburns.
But, whether you get it in a toner, exfoliant, serum, or moisturizer, it doesn't matter. Just find a product you like and that works for you. If it's a toner, use a toner. If it's a serum, use a serum and skip the toner.
OTC treatments include oral antihistamines, like diphenhydramine (Benadryl) tablets, and topical steroids, like hydrocortisone creams (Cortizone 10). Cover-ups. A natural, tinted beauty balm can help cover spots, restore moisture, and protect the skin from UV rays.
At night, the toner will help complete your cleansing routine by removing any dust, makeup, or impurities that the cleanser missed, as well as any oily residue left over from your cleanser. If your skin is especially dry, you may want to start by using toner only once a day at night.
However, as gentle as they are, you do not want to use an exfoliating toner daily. Once or twice a week should do it, unless you have dry skin, in which case, once a month. "That can cause a major imbalance in your skin's microbiome, disrupt your natural skin barrier, and make your skin dehydrated.
Anthony Rossi, MD, a board-certified dermatologist at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center who has a skincare line launching in 2022, says serums that are devoid of irritating filler ingredients, such as parabens and sulfates, and ultra-concentrated additives, such as retinol, work well for sensitive skin.
“When used topically, niacinamide can improve skin hydration by preventing evaporation of moisture from the skin into the environment. It's also a natural anti-inflammatory ingredient, so it's great for calming irritated skin but also good for people with sensitive skin,” says Nazarian.
Sensitive skin is a common condition and means your skin is more prone to reactions such as redness and itching. Most people who have sensitive skin notice occasional or frequent itching, burning and stinging of patches of skin. Sensitive skin is very treatable and may require a visit to the dermatologist.
Also, witch hazel may not be advisable for certain skin conditions, such as rosacea or extreme dryness. You may also want to use with caution if you have sensitive skin. Remember, just because witch hazel is a “natural” ingredient, this doesn't mean that it's right for everyone.