Some people are naturally born with drier skin, or they may be susceptible to dry skin because of the climate they live in. Dry skin also becomes more common as we get older, since our sebaceous glands (oil producing glands) slow down.
Moisture is everyone's friend, but for dry skin types it's important to seek out ingredients in your toner that your skin happily soaks up, and then to follow up with an occlusive ingredient that locks it all in. We recommend ceramides (vitamin b5), oils, and hyaluronic acid. It's also wise to avoid drying or astringent ingredients.
In addition to producing less sebum as we get older — which contributes to dryness, dullness, and laxity — we also begin to notice more issues with fine lines. Super moisturizing ingredients, including hyaluronic acid and fruit butters, can temporarily plump your skin to reduce fine lines, so seek them out. You can also use toners with ingredients that help combat fine lines over the long term, such as alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs), collagen, and peptides.
Sensitive skin types — which include everything from mild sensitivity to dermatological issues such as psoriasis — really need to be careful about the ingredients they're putting on their faces. In a way, it's more about what you're not applying rather than what you are. For example, essential oils can be very disruptive (even though they're found in a lot of natural brands), and should be avoided, as should fragrances and dyes. Calming ingredients to look for include centella asiatica (cica), aloe vera, and chamomile.
Dull skin is often the result of inadequate exfoliation, so seeking a toner that helps buff away those dead cells, grime, and other buildup — aka a "glow tonic" — is important. The most common ingredients you'll find to help revitalize and brighten are AHAs such as glycolic and lactic acids. You can use these types of toners once or twice a week (sometimes daily, but do refer to the product application instructions), and then a more straightforward toner on alternating days.
