Do you need an acid tonic for your face?
If you’ve been using it for a while, you probably have a vague idea of what tonics and exfoliants are. Now you want to know more about what acid tonics are and whether you should add them to your skin care routine.
What is an acid tonic?
Acid Tonic is a hybrid of an exfoliating tonic and a regular toner, making it an impressive product. Acid tonic is called an acid tonic because it contains facial acids that chemically exfoliate the skin when used. Unlike physical exfoliants, chemical exfoliants work on the outer layer of the skin to remove any impurities that cause a host of skin problems, without you having to lift a finger. Read our article on how chemical peels can perfect your skin to learn more.
Similar to regular toners, acid toners open up pores, remove dirt and debris, and ensure a radiant complexion. The main difference is that the ingredients in acid toners penetrate deep into the skin, reaching areas that other toners can’t reach. The main benefit is that acid toners are gentler than physical peels, which can irritate the skin and cause micro-tears, inflammation, and fine lines.
What’s the point of an acid toner?
In your skin care routine, toners are applied after cleansing your skin. The original formula of toners was designed to help balance the pH of your skin, which is typically slightly acidic at 5.5. Toners help restore balance and prepare your skin for the rest of your routine and any products you use afterward. Over the years, a number of toners that are more like gimmicks have appeared on the market. They contain floral waters and are said to soothe and nourish the skin after cleansing. While they smell and feel great on the skin, they don’t do much for the skin when it comes to treating underlying issues like blackheads, uneven skin texture, or dull skin tone, which is why many of us choose to drop them out of our skin care routine altogether. That’s why acid toners have become increasingly popular in recent years, making the daily toning step just as important as cleansing.
The main reason acid toners offer such great results is because of the acid mixed into the mix. Here are some key ingredients to look for in an acid toner:
American Heart Association
Glycolic Acid
Citric Acid
Lactic Acid
Mandelic Acid
Salicylic Acid
To learn more about these acids, you can read our article on the benefits of AHAs and BHAs for your skin.
Any toner containing these acids will thoroughly cleanse your skin, unclog pores, moisturize your skin, and reduce skin pigmentation—much better than traditional toners. You may even find that an acid toner is missing from your skincare routine and that you need one to revive your complexion.
What are the benefits of acid toners?
For such an easy-to-use product, it’s remarkable that it has so many benefits for your skin:
Benefits of Acid Toners
Smoother Skin
Reduces Acne
Radiant Complexion
Increases Collagen Production
Improves Skin Health
Balanced pH
Boosts Circulation
Reduces Signs of Aging
How often you use an acid toner throughout the day depends on your personal preference or how much your skin type allows. As with all skincare products, be careful about introducing them into your routine. Overuse of toners containing alpha or beta hydroxy acids can cause irritation to the skin and strip the skin of its natural oils, leading to a variety of skin issues, especially for dry or sensitive skin.
Start by using the product once a day, a few times a week, and then gradually increase usage. This gives your skin time to adjust to the toner’s effects without being shocked. Once you’re sure the product is right for you, you can use it as often as you like. For oily skin, using an acid toner morning and night will help control excess sebum and other impurities that can cause breakouts and blemishes. For dry or sensitive skin, use an acid toner at night for a deep clean without causing irritation or reactions.
Are there any downsides to using an acid toner?
As mentioned before, if you get too enthusiastic and use an acid toner too often, you’ll find that over-exfoliation can lead to redness, irritation, dryness/flaking, acne, and increased oil production. If you notice some of these reactions, it’s best to go back to basics and use the product less often.
You may also notice that your skin is a little thirsty after using an acid toner, especially if you don’t follow it up with other products like hydrating serums and moisturizers to keep your skin looking healthy and radiant. It’s also a good idea to avoid physical exfoliation when using a toner to avoid irritation from too much exfoliation.
Also keep in mind that your skin becomes more sensitive to UV rays. Therefore, using an SPF 30 or higher sunscreen daily is important to keep your skin healthy and prevent hyperpigmentation or premature aging from sun damage.
Does my face really need an acid toner?
We’d definitely say yes. The beauty of acid toners is that they’re easy to incorporate into your daily routine. All you need to do is soak a cotton pad, rub it onto your skin, and let the chemical exfoliants do all the hard work. As with all skincare products, it’s up to you and your preferences whether or not you want to incorporate it into your routine, but honestly, I don’t know anyone who doesn’t appreciate radiant, healthy, youthful skin.
Hopefully, this helps you decide if you need an acid toner for your face. We think it’s a really simple step that you can incorporate into your daily regimen to achieve great results and get one step closer to the perfect skin you’ve always dreamed of.
