Glycolic acid had for a while now been a popular ingredient in skin care. Glycolic acid belongs to the alpha-hydroxy acids (AHA) family, which comes from sugary fruits such as cantaloupe, unripe grapes, pineapple, sugarcane, and sugar beets. It is a natural exfoliator. When used as a dermatological exfoliate, it reacts with the upper layer of the epidermis, diminishing the binding properties of the lipids that hold the dead skin cells together, to uncover your younger living cells that have been hidden underneath, leaving your skin with a smooth texture.
Beneficial Properties
When a glycolic toner is applied after cleansing it will remove excess makeup, dirt or impurities, as well as balance the pH levels of your skin. Furthermore, it prepares the skin for additional targeted and nutritive treatment. Glycolic acid further helps achieve toning duties by shedding dead skin cells and improving the skin’s overall tone and texture. Acne-prone skin can also benefit from a glycolic toner, as glycolic acid helps keep pores clear and prevents clogging.
In addition to its exfoliating properties, glycolic acid also carries vital hydration properties improving the toning formula. It will enhance your skin’s moisture retention by increasing its ability to bind water. Accordingly, this will help with skin irritation and dryness as well as improving your skin’s ability to combat signs of aging, such as wrinkles and fine lines
Why use a toner?
A good toner extracts any leftovers your cleanser was unable to completely remove. It also prepares your skin for the application of any serum and/or moisturizer by cleaning and clearing your skin, allowing the skin to fully receive the benefits of such products without the hindrance of unwanted remnants.
If you have dry skin you may feel disinclined to use toner as you have heard toner is solely for people with oily skin. However, that is a common misconception. In fact, many toners have soothing and moisturizing properties that make them perfect for even the most dehydrated skin.
If you have oily skin, a toner can be very beneficial as it can act as an extra defense against oil. Makeup will also sit better on your face if you use toner prior to makeup application. Oily skin often has a layer of oil that is not sufficiently removed after cleansing and before makeup application. The toner creates a better surface for makeup application, giving your skin a smooth and flawless appearance.