Dry skin can be frustrating, especially during colder months when the weather strips the skin of moisture, leaving it irritated, flaky, and often uncomfortable. While moisturizing is essential for dry skin, toning is as important in maintaining skin hydration and restoring its natural balance. A good toner helps to replenish the skin after cleansing, balance the pH, and prepare the skin for further skincare products. Discover 12 homemade toners for dry skin, including cucumber, honey, and aloe vera.
Many people mistakenly believe toners are only helpful for oily skin types, but dry skin also requires toning, albeit with a more hydrating and soothing approach. Homemade toners made from natural ingredients are ideal for dry skin because they provide the necessary hydration while avoiding harsh chemicals and alcohol, which can strip the skin of moisture.
This comprehensive guide explores the 12 best homemade toners for dry skin, complete with easy-to-follow recipes, additional tips, and winter skincare advice for sensitive and dry skin.
Apple Cider Vinegar Homemade Toner
Apple cider vinegar is a classic and effective toner for all skin types, including dry skin. Its natural acidic properties help balance the skin’s pH levels and act as a gentle exfoliant. When diluted properly, apple cider vinegar can help dry skin by restoring moisture and minimizing skin irritation.
How To Use:
- Mix 1 part apple cider vinegar with 3 parts water.
- Store the mixture in a clean container.
- Dampen a cotton ball with the mixture and gently apply it to your face.
- For a more convenient application, transfer the mixture into a spray bottle.
Tips:
- Always dilute apple cider vinegar with water before applying to your skin to avoid irritation.
- If you find the smell overpowering, add a few drops of essential oils, like lavender, to mask the scent.
Rose Water Homemade Toner
Rose water is well-known for its soothing, hydrating, and anti-inflammatory properties. It helps balance the skin’s pH while providing moisture, making it a perfect toner for dry skin. Rose water also helps calm irritation and redness, giving your skin a fresh, dewy glow.
How To Use:
- Mix 40 ml of rose water with 5 ml of glycerin.
- Store the mixture in a bottle.
- Apply it on cleansed skin using a cotton ball.
Tips:
- For added hydration, refrigerate the rose water toner for a refreshing effect during hot weather.
- Plain rose water can also be sprayed on your face throughout the day to keep your skin hydrated.
Cucumber Water Homemade Toner
Cucumbers are naturally hydrating and known for their cooling properties. Their juice helps calm inflammation, reduce puffiness, and moisturize the skin. It’s ideal for soothing dry and sensitive skin, especially during the warmer months.
How To Use:
- Grate 2 cucumbers and extract their juice.
- Store the juice in a container and refrigerate it.
- Apply the juice with a cotton ball as needed.
Tips:
- Add a teaspoon of honey to the juice for added moisturizing benefits.
- You can also apply cucumber slices directly to your skin for a quick hydrating treatment.
Tomato Homemade Toner
Tomatoes are rich in antioxidants, especially Vitamin C, which helps fight free radicals and promote healthy skin. The tomato juice is mildly acidic, making it practical for toning and moisturizing the skin. It also helps remove tan and brighten the complexion.
How To Use:
- Mix juice from one small tomato with 3 tablespoons of water.
- Apply the mixture with a cotton ball to cleanse the skin.
Tips:
- Use fresh tomato juice for the best results.
- Make a fresh batch daily, as the mixture should be stored for up to two days.
Green Tea Homemade Toner
Green tea is well-known for its antioxidant properties and excellent ingredient for toning dry skin. It also has anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties that help soothe irritated skin and keep it nourished.
How To Use:
- Boil 2 cups of water and add 2 green tea bags.
- Let it steep for 20 minutes and allow the tea to cool.
- Store the tea in a bottle and refrigerate it.
- Apply it with a cotton ball.
Tips:
- This mixture can be stored in the fridge for up to a week.
- Green tea is also a natural skin refresher and can be used as a face mist.
Papaya Homemade Toner
Papayas are packed with enzymes, Vitamin A, and Vitamin C, which help moisturize and brighten the skin. The papaya enzymes gently exfoliate dead skin cells, helping your skin feel soft, smooth, and hydrated.
How To Use:
- Scrape the pulp of one slice of papaya and remove the seeds.
- Add the pulp to a blender with one cup of water and blend until smooth.
- Apply with a cotton ball after cleansing.
Tips:
- Store papaya toner in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- Papaya is also great for treating sunburn and reducing fine lines.
Honey & Mint Homemade Toner
Honey is a natural humectant, drawing moisture from the air into your skin. Combined with mint, which helps refresh the skin and minimize pore appearance, this toner is an excellent option for soothing and hydrating dry skin.
How To Use:
- Boil a handful of mint leaves in water.
- Strain the water to extract a clear liquid and stir in a tablespoon of honey.
- Allow the mixture to cool before applying it with a cotton ball.
Tips:
- Use this toner daily for glowing, hydrated skin.
- Honey also has antibacterial properties that help prevent breakouts.
Rice Water Homemade Toner
Rice water is rich in amino acids and vitamins that promote smooth, hydrated skin. It has been used in Japanese and Korean beauty routines for centuries due to its ability to brighten skin, reduce wrinkles, and improve skin texture.
How To Use:
- Save the water used to wash your rice.
- Apply it to your skin with a cotton ball after cleansing.
Tips:
- To enhance its effect, mix 2 parts rice water with 1 part rose water for a refreshing face mist.
Aloe Vera & Vitamin E Homemade Toner
Aloe vera is known for its soothing and hydrating properties. It hydrates the skin while preventing acne breakouts and irritation. Vitamin E complements aloe vera by nourishing the skin and helping to reduce the appearance of wrinkles.
How To Use:
- Scrape the gel from one aloe vera leaf and mash it to paste.
- Add the gel to a bottle with 3 tablespoons of rose water and one Vitamin E capsule.
- Shake the bottle and store it in the fridge.
- Apply as needed with a cotton ball.
Tips:
- For added relaxation, add a few drops of lavender essential oil for a soothing aroma.
Lemon & Honey Homemade Toner
Lemon is rich in Vitamin C, which helps brighten the skin, reduce dark spots, and maintain an even complexion. Honey, on the other hand, provides hydration and locks in moisture.
How To Use:
- Squeeze juice from half a lemon and mix it with a tablespoon of honey.
- Apply it with a cotton ball, gently patting your skin.
Tips:
- Since lemon can dry, use this toner sparingly and always follow up with a good moisturizer.
Witch Hazel & Aloe Vera Homemade Toner
Witch hazel is an excellent natural toner that helps tighten and cleanse the skin without drying it out. When paired with aloe vera, it offers hydration and soothing benefits for dry skin.
How To Use:
- Mix witch hazel with aloe vera gel in equal parts.
- Apply with a cotton ball to refresh and hydrate the skin.
Tips:
- Witch hazel can be intense, so test it on a small skin patch first.
Oatmeal Homemade Toner
Oatmeal has anti-inflammatory properties that calm dry, irritated skin. It helps cleanse the skin while keeping it hydrated, making it an excellent choice for sensitive, dry skin.
How To Use:
- Boil 1 tablespoon of oatmeal in water.
- Strain the water and let it cool.
- Apply the strained water to your face with a cotton ball.
Tips:
- Add a few drops of lavender or chamomile oil to soothe your skin further.
Winter Tips for Dry Skin
During winter, dry skin can become more aggravated due to the cold air, wind, and indoor heating. To keep your skin hydrated and healthy:
- Use a Humidifier: Dry indoor air can sap moisture from your skin. Using a humidifier in your room can help maintain moisture in the air.
- Avoid Hot Showers: Hot water can strip the skin of natural oils, leading to further dryness. Opt for lukewarm showers instead.
- Layer Your Moisturizer: After applying toner, lock in moisture with a thicker, more emollient moisturizer.
Conclusion
Homemade toners are an effective and natural way to nourish dry skin. From soothing aloe vera to hydrating cucumber water, these toners restore the skin’s moisture balance and help it stay hydrated and glowing. By incorporating these toners into your skincare routine and following some winter skincare tips, you can combat dry, sensitive skin and maintain a smooth, healthy complexion all year.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q. Can I skip toner if I have dry skin?
A. It’s not recommended to skip toner if you have dry skin. Toners help balance the skin’s pH levels, providing hydration and preparing your skin for the next steps in your skincare routine.
Q. Can I use a face mist instead of a toner?
A. Yes, you can use a face mist as a toner if it contains natural ingredients and doesn’t have alcohol or artificial fragrances.
Q. What is the right age to start using a skin toner?
A. You can start using a toner as early as your teenage years to help balance your skin after cleansing and keep it healthy.