If you live in Dubai, you know how difficult it is to deal with oily skin. The scorching heat, rainy weather, and incessant exposure to air conditioning have the capability to confuse your skin and get its oil balance out of order. One day you believe your skin is dry due to the AC, then you are heading out and your face is oily again. For oily skin people, it is a never-ending process.
This is where face toners come in handy. Toners are usually underappreciated, but they can be a lifesaver when it comes to skincare. They work as a refreshing step after cleansing, helping to balance your skin, keep pores clean, and control excess oil. With Dubai’s beauty market offering so many options, it can get overwhelming to pick the right one. Let us take a look at why toners are necessary, how to identify the good ones, and which ones really work best on oily skin in Dubai.
Why Toners Matter for Oily Skin
Greasy skin is not necessarily a bad thing. It takes a little oil, or sebum, to keep your skin healthy and young. The problem comes when your sebaceous glands work a little too hard. This excess oil combines with dirt and dead skin cells, clogging pores, causing blemishes, and giving your skin an overall greasy appearance.
Toners assist in several manners:
- Level pH balance: Cleansers dry out your skin too much. Toners correct that.
- Regulate shine: Salicylic acid or witch hazel slow down oil production.
- Pore tightening: Smaller pores give less space for oil and dirt to clog them.
- Clean leftovers: Leftover makeup or cleanser are cleaned with gentle care.
- Enhance absorption: Prepares the skin for moisturizers and serums so they are able to do their job better.
Think of toner as a support player in your skincare routine. It does not work alone but makes everything else more effective.
What to Look for in a Toner for Oily Skin
Not all toners are created equal. Some contain strong alcohol that dries out your skin, which only makes it produce more oil to compensate. For oily skin in Dubai’s climate, it’s best to choose toners that are:
- Alcohol-free: Mild enough to apply every day without stinging.
- Oil-controlling: Tea tree oil, witch hazel, or salicylic acid are good choices.
- Hydrating: Aloe vera and glycerin ensure your skin doesn’t get too dry.
- Soothing: Green tea or chamomile calm redness and pimples.
The ideal toner should never be harsh. It should leave your skin feeling refreshed, not tightened or uncomfortable.
Best Toner Options for Oily Skin in Dubai
Dubai’s beauty marketplace is vast, from expensive global skincare brands to low-cost pharmacy staples. Some of these top toners for oily skin that you can find in stores or on the internet without breaking a sweat are:
- The Body Shop Tea Tree Skin Clearing Mattifying Toner
Contains tea tree oil to combat zits and control oil..
Perfect for humid weather when your skin especially looks oily.
- Pixi Glow Tonic
Has glycolic acid, which gently exfoliates and cleanses pores.
Works to treat dullness without tampering with excess oil.
- Kiehl’s Calendula Herbal Extract Toner
Alcohol-free, packed with calendula flowers.
Ideal for oily yet sensitive skin.
- La Roche-Posay Effaclar Clarifying Solution
With salicylic and glycolic acids infused within.
Ideal for oily, acne-predisposed skin requiring intense cleansing.
- Thayers Witch Hazel Toner (Alcohol-Free)
An affordable classic that balances the oil while calming skin.
Aloe vera makes it hydrating and soothing.
Quick Comparison Table
| Toner | Key Ingredients | Best For | Price Range in Dubai |
| The Body Shop Tea Tree Toner | Tea tree oil | Acne-prone, oily skin | Mid-range |
| Pixi Glow Tonic | Glycolic acid | Dull, oily skin | Mid to high |
| Kiehl’s Calendula Toner | Calendula extract | Sensitive, oily skin | High |
| La Roche-Posay Effaclar | Salicylic acid, glycolic acid | Acne-prone, oily skin | High |
| Thayers Witch Hazel | Witch hazel, aloe vera | Everyday oil control | Budget-friendly |
Everyday Toners You Can Find in Local Pharmacies
Sometimes you just need something basic that does the trick without costing too much. Dubai pharmacies like Boots, Carrefour, and Lifestyle usually have good toners at reasonable prices. Top sellers are:
- Nivea Mattifying Toner: Gentle but controls shine.
- Garnier Pure Active Toner: Instant solution for oily and acne skin.
- Simple Soothing Facial Toner: Extremely gentle for sensitive oily skin.
These are affordable and easily available if you wish to begin small and work your way up to the more expensive brands.
How to Use a Toner Correctly
No matter how good a toner is, it will do you no good if you’re using it incorrectly. Here’s a quick rundown:
- Cleanse your face with a mild cleanser.
- Put toner on a cotton pad or pat it in with your fingers.
- Let it sit for a minute.
- Then top it with serum and moisturizer.
- Use twice a day, unless your toner has strong acids, then use once a day.
This little step can make your routine feel more complete.
FAQs
1. Can oily skin avoid toner?
Skipping toner means missing out on oil control and pore maintenance. For oily skin, toner is crucial.
2. Should I use toner in the morning or evening?
Either will do. Used in the morning, they’ll control shine; used in the evening, they’ll strip the skin of the day’s oil and dirt.
3. Can toners be applied to sensitive oily skin?
Yes, as long as you opt for alcohol-free products containing soothing ingredients such as aloe vera or calendula.
4. Do toners completely stop oil production?
No. Toners balance out excessive oil, but normally healthy skin always secretes a little oil to keep itself protected.
Final Thoughts
For any resident in Dubai, facial routines are slightly more planned due to the climate. Oily skin particularly requires toners that balance, stimulate, and control shine. Incorporating a toner for face into your routine is an easy step with a significant effect on having clean, healthy, and confident-looking skin throughout the day.