Are acid-based toners good for your skin?

Proper understanding of acid toner helps you have even skin color, repel dark spots after acne.

Toner is a familiar name for the pH balance solution after the cleaning step. With the development of beauty science, toner’s skin care role becomes more diverse. Besides moisturizing toners, there are many other toners on the market. In particular, acid toner is a skin care product that is increasingly commonly used. Acid toner is loved by many beauty followers because it has many effects on the skin. Photo: Pinterest, Beautytap. Definition of acid toner According to the Well and Good The composition of acid toner includes humectants and certain acids. Acid is added to gently exfoliate, remove dull skin. Acid toner is a chemical exfoliant. When used correctly, it works to remove pore-clogging impurities. From there, your face will look bright and radiant. This product is used between cleansing and intensive care with essences, serums and lotions. Adding acids to the toner contributes to making nutrients from the next cosmetic product more powerful. Dermatologist Rachel Nazarian of the Schweiger Dermatology Group (USA) said: “Acid-containing toners are a smart way to remove impurities, while also exfoliating old cells in the surface layer of the skin. “. This toner contributes to improving skin texture, reducing hyperpigmentation and dark spots caused by ultraviolet radiation and pollution. Besides, they also aid in deeper cleaning for those who are exposed to a lot of dirt every day or often wear heavy makeup. Some common acids in acid toner AHAs (glycolic acid, lactic acid, mandelic acid) and BHA (salicylic acid, betaine salicylate) are the two groups most commonly encountered in many acid toner products. Acids of the AHA group (alpha hydroxy acids) have hydrophilic properties. They break the bonds between water and cells, remove rough, dead skin flakes, and help brighten and radiant skin. Meanwhile, acids belonging to the BHA group (beta hydroxy acids) have oily properties. Therefore, they easily go deep into the hair follicles to remove dead skin, impurities and excess oil that are residing there. This contributes to unclog pores, reduce hidden acne, and blackheads. The concentration of AHA and BHA in the acid toner is adjusted with the right concentration for each specific skin problem. On the other hand, acid toner is also fortified with many nutrients so it is suitable for many skin types. “Salicylic acid (BHA), glycolic acid (AHA) and lactic acid (AHA) are common ingredients in acidic toners. You can choose from one according to your skin type,” says Dr. Rachel Nazarian. “. Salicylic acid is the ideal skin care solution if you are suffering from acne. This acid gently removes dirt, sebum, and dead skin. Glycolic acid brings anti-aging effects, supports acne treatment, exfoliates, maintains natural pH balance. Meanwhile, lactic acid helps in improving signs of sun damage such as darkening and wrinkles. Acid toners may contain individual AHA, BHA or a combination of different acids. Photo: @cosrx. AHA-containing toner, such as lactic acid, helps to deal with dry, rough, and scaly surfaces. In addition, it also provides a mild moisturizing effect, inhibiting melanin pigmentation. This is the ideal toner for people with dry skin. BHA-containing toner helps to fight inflammation, thoroughly remove dead cells that are clumping along with excess oil in the pores. This toner also helps to treat hidden acne, so it is suitable for people with oily skin, easily acne. In addition to AHA and BHA, some beauty brands are now exploiting the beauty benefits of PHA (poly hydroxy acids). The acids in the PHA group include gluconolactone (D-gluconic acid), lactobionic acid and maltobionic acid. The common feature of the acids in the PHA group is that they have large molecular size, promoting effects on the skin’s surface, thus not affecting the fragile layers below. Like AHAs, PHA breaks water bonds between aging cells to remove them. PHA helps to protect moisture so it won’t dry out after use. Therefore, acid toner containing PHA will be suitable for people with sensitive skin, easily irritated. Acid toner containing PHA is a gentle exfoliating solution for sensitive skin. Photo: @bentoncosmetics. Consequences when using too much The concentration of acid in the acid toner is not as high as a specialized chemical exfoliant. In moderation, acid toner is considered to be an effective skin lightening exfoliant. It helps your serum and cream to penetrate better. If overused, a burning, itching, or stinging sensation may appear. Frequent use of concentrated acid toner causes skin to weaken, become sensitive and irritable. Combining acid toner with specialized exfoliating cosmetics in the skin care process easily weakens the skin barrier. Excessive exfoliation causes serious damage to the skin even if you don’t see it. When the skin barrier function is impaired, the ability to retain water is lost. At this time, the skin is very prone to dryness and lack of moisture. In addition, the harmful agents from the environment such as UV rays, toxic substances, and pollutants are easy to attack. This causes the skin to dull, form brown spots, become dry and premature aging. Even if you love acid toner, you should keep using it less than three times a week. Acid toner should not be used during the day, especially when exposed to frequent sun exposure. Acid toner will make skin weak and worse if not used properly. Photo: Herworld. Why are you prone to acne? Certain daily habits can cause breakouts, affecting your appearance.