Is toner hydrating or drying?

Author: Kaylee Hermann  |  Last update: Monday, June 16, 2025

When used correctly, toner can help gently cleanse, nourish, and refresh your skin, without stripping away its essential moisture. With so many common misconceptions surrounding the use of facial toners, it's important to understand that not all toning products are drying or harsh on the skin.

What are the disadvantages of using a toner?

The patients that are most likely to benefit from using these products are younger patients with oily or acne-prone skin. The main disadvantages of using a toner are: -Many toners contain alcohol. -Toners may compromise the skin barrier leading to dryness, irritation.

Can I skip moisturizer and use toner?

Using a toner is not a necessary step in a skincare routine. It could be a nice addition if want to you use it but it's not strictly needed; you can absolutely skip it and use a moisturizer. Some skincare products are necessary in order for our skin to look its best, others are what I would describe as ``add-ons''.

When should you not use toner?

Who can skip it: Women with normal, dry, or sensitive complexions―that is, almost everyone. Toners often overdry these types of skin, triggering the sebaceous glands to pump out more oil in an effort to prevent dehydration. The result: rebound greasiness and more breakouts.

What is the purpose of a toner on your face?

The purpose of using a toner is to remove residual impurities after cleansing, balance the skin's pH, and prepare the skin for further treatments. Toners can also provide hydration and refresh the skin. Look for toners with beneficial ingredients to maximize their effectiveness.

Hydrating Toners for Oily, Dry, Combo, Acne-Prone, & Sensitive Skin // Dermatologist @DrDrayzday

What happens if I use face toner everyday?

If you have oily or combination skin or acne, it is safe to use your toner at least once per day. If you have normal, dry, or sensitive skin, you can use the right-fitting toner once or twice a week or even daily.

Do dermatologists recommend toners?

While they can be helpful, Dr. Elias emphasizes that most dermatologists aren't going to recommend a toner. He adds, “They can overcomplicate your skincare regiment which can usually be boiled down to a few easy steps: cleanse, retinoid at night, moisturize, and sunscreen.

How often should you tone your face?

Toners are applied after cleansing, in the morning and at night. They help balance the skin's pH and remove excess dirt, oil, makeup, and other impurities. All skin types can benefit from including a gentle, hydrating toner in their daily routine.

Do you moisturize after toner?

As a general rule of thumb, when to use toner is after cleansing and before your serum and/or moisturizer. In fact, it's best to apply your serum or moisturizer while your skin is still a little damp from toning so that those products can pull that moisture into your skin and absorb better.

Is micellar water a toner?

Micellar water lifts light makeup, oil, and impurities from skin with the swipe of a cotton pad. A versatile multi-tasker, it can be used as a cleanser, light makeup remover and toner. It combines gentle cleansing care with skin-balancing and hydrating benefits.

In what order should I apply my skincare?

How to Layer Your Skincare Products in the Right Order
  1. Step 1: Cleanser.
  2. Step 2: Toner.
  3. Step 3: Spot Treatment.
  4. Step 4: Serums.
  5. Step 5: Retinol.
  6. Step 6: Eye Cream.
  7. Step 7: Moisturizer.
  8. Step 8: Face Oils.

Can hydrating toner replace moisturizer?

Toners and moisturizers serve different purposes in a skincare routine, and they are not interchangeable. Using a toner instead of a moisturizer is not recommended because toners typically do not provide the level of hydration and moisture that the skin needs to remain healthy and balanced.

What is skin purging?

“Skin purging” is a term some people use to describe an increase in acne after starting a new skin care product, such as a retinoid. However, there are no scientific studies on this topic. Dryness, flaking, or peeling are well-known side effects of some skin care ingredients, such as retinoids.

Does toner dry out your face?

Toners can also calm your skin, visibly reduce pores, and keep your skin refreshed and hydrated. Good to Know: Many toners contain alcohol, which can dry out your skin and cause irritation, so be sure to check the ingredients list.

Should I use serum twice a day?

You're not consistent. If you're using it occasionally or whenever your feel like it that approach will absolutely impact the effectiveness of your serum. Serums must be a part of your daily skincare routine. Use them twice a day.

How often should I exfoliate my face?

Ideally, you should exfoliate your face about two to three times a week, and no more. A great routine to shoot for is using an acid serum two to three nights a week, plus a weekly mask or peel.

Is witch hazel a toner?

Witch hazel leaf extract used as an astringent (tighten and tone the skin) and emollient.

Who should not use facial toner?

You may want to avoid toner if you have very dry skin, sensitive skin, or rosacea. Some toners contain azelaic acid and alcohol. While these ingredients can be great for some skin types, they can irritate sensitive and dry skin.

Are toners good for aging skin?

By incorporating face toners specifically formulated for mature skin into your skincare routine, you can help address the unique needs of aging skin and achieve a more radiant and revitalized complexion.

Can I use only toner without moisturizer?

Can I Use Toner Without Moisturiser? No, you should not use toner without moisturiser. Toners can be drying, so it is important to follow up with a moisturiser. Moisturisers help to lock in moisture, reduce dryness, and smooth fine lines and wrinkles.

What are the disadvantages of rose water toner?

Mixing rose water with toners that contain alcohol can be harsh and drying on the skin. This combination may lead to irritation, redness, and over-drying. Strong Acids (e.g., Glycolic or Salicylic Acid): Combining rose water with potent acids can disrupt the skin's natural pH balance.

Is aloe vera gel a toner?

Scoop out a small quantity and apply it on clean, damp skin twice a day. And if you have normal to dry skin, layer 2-3 drops of facial oil on top to seal the moisture into the skin. Aloe vera plant juice has up to 96% water which makes it a super-hydrating toner that can be used before moisturiser or face oil.

What's the best natural moisturizer for dry skin?

Home remedies for dry skin
  1. Sunflower seed oil. A 2013 study found that sunflower seed oil improved hydration when used as a moisturizer on participant's arms. ...
  2. Coconut oil. Another natural oil that works well to treat dry skin is coconut oil. ...
  3. Oatmeal bath. ...
  4. Drinking milk. ...
  5. Honey. ...
  6. Petroleum jelly. ...
  7. Aloe vera.

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