Let's Talk: Acid Toners

                         

Using a toner isn't the most important part of a skincare routine but it can be very beneficial to your skin. Most toners are designed to balance out your skin's PH level as well as help to alleviate any tight, dry or irritated feeling skin may have after cleansing. Now you may think all toners work the same and to a degree they do but when you include an acid into the ingredients, it completely changes the way a toner acts on your skin.

Most acid toners are AHA (Alpha Hydroxy Acid) based and work to not only balance skin but to also retexturise, refresh and revitalise skin to leave it looking brighter and feeling softer and smoother to the touch. They're the most commonly found acid based toners on the market with the two most commonly found AHA's being Glycolic Acid and Lactic Acid. Both of these AHA's work to loosen the bond between dead skin cells and new skin cells so that when you exfoliate with a face scrub they come away easier and reveal healthy, glowing skin. 

Now you may think that only certain skin types can use an acid based toner but in fact all skin types can use them. A lot of brands have either different variations of toner or focus on producing one AHA based toned that is catered to be more effective for a particular skin type but also works with other skin types as well. And yes I'm even talking about those of you with sensitive skin types. 

The trick if you have sensitive skin is to start with a low percentage of acid in your toner. It's less likely to cause irritation and is an easy way to see if skin agrees with acid based products. A low percentage acid is around two percent and the highest you can find in most brands is five percent but occasionally a few brands will go up to a maximum of ten percent. And the best way to see if your skin agrees with acid based products is to start with something with a two/low percent acid and slowly build your way up to five percent or higher if your skin doesn't flare up or breakout. 

Glycolic Acid is the most commonly found acid in acid based toners but again it doesn't agree with everyone. Especially those with sensitive skin which is where Lactic Acid comes into play. Lactic Acid works exactly the same way as Glycolic Acid but tends to be slightly gentler and is less irritating for those with sensitive/reactive skins. It's slightly harder to find a Lactic Acid based toner and you may find you have to pay a bit more but it'll be worth it when your skin is glowing, smooth and breakout free. 

Top Tips

- Start low and work your way up, giving your skin a chance to get used to the AHA's.

- Wear SPF. Both Lactic Acid and Glycolic Acid can make skin more sensitive to the sun so SPF is a must. I recommend a minimum of a SPF30 to protect skin. 

- Try budget friendly version first and if they work then purchase a higher end toner. 

- Sensitive skins are more likely to agree with Lactic Acid whilst others are more likely to agree with Glycolic Acid. 

- Start off using a toner two to three times a week to let skin get used to it. If your skin agrees with the toner then build it up to once a day or every other day. 

- Acid toners are a type of exfoliant so overdoing it can cause irritation. Don't use a scrub and an acid toner in conjunction with each other. Try a gentler toner or a face mist after using a scrub to nourish/hydrate skin. 

                        

Product Recommendations 

- Naturally Radiant 5% Glycolic Toner £5.99- Perfect starter toner. 5% Glycolic Acid. Infused with Kiwi Extract and Horse Chestnut aswell. Suitable for sensitive skins. Suitable for everyday use. 

- Nip & Fab 6% Glycolic Liquid Glow £19.95- Mainly suitable for those who are used to acid based toners. Higher percentage of Glycolic Acid. Not advised for those with extremely sensitive skins. Advised to be used two to three times a week. But can be used everyday if skin is used to high percentages of AHA's. 

- Pixi Glow Tonic £18- 5% Glycolic formula alongside Aloe Vera and Ginseng. Can be used everday. Suitable for sensitive skins. Soothes and brightens as it works. One of the best selling acid based toners. Can be used in conjunction with other acid based products without being too abrasive.
- Optimum Glycolic Cleansing Pads £9.99- Pre soaked pad. Low percentage of Glycolic Acid. Perfect to travel with. Suitable for most skin types. Can be used every day without irritation.
- Nip & Fab Glycolic Fix Extreme Night Pads £14.95- 5% Glycolic Formula. Suitable for all skin types. Sensitive skins are advised to use these a maximum of three times a week. Pre soaked pad. Perfect for travel. Also contains Lactic, Mandelic and Salicylic Acid. Best for those who's skin is used to AHA's.
- Naturally Radiant Glycolic Cleansing Pads £5.99- Pre soaked pad. Perfect for travel. Budget friendly. Contain a low percentage of Glycolic Acid alongside Aloe Vera and Pro Vitamin B5. Good product to get skin used to an AHA. Can be used everyday.