Exfoliating Toners 101: Why You Need One in Your Routine

by Marina Ljubisavljevic

 

How can your skincare routine get any better? By incorporating skin-resurfacing treatments, like our Texture Magic Exfoliating Toner, is how. New to the world of toners? We’ve outlined all the details about chemical exfoliants, toners, and why you need one in your lineup. Keep reading to have all your toner FAQs answered. 

 

What’s The Deal With Chemical Exfoliants

Chemical exfoliants are non-abrasive formulas that lift off the cell build-up and unclog the pores to reveal a brighter, smoother complexion. They use gentle acids to dissolve impurities, penetrating deep into the skin’s layers to work on the issues from within.

Unlike physical exfoliants that incorporate small particles derived from fruit pits, various nutshells, or/and sugar scrubs, the chemical exfoliants use acids or enzymes to gently dissolve dead skin by breaking the bonds that hold these cells “glued” together. These physical particles and aggressive rubbing can cause micro tears on the surface of the skin that can further lead to compromised skin barrier, dry, flaky skin, and redness, while gentle chemical exfoliators can unglue and lift the dead cells away from the skin, leaving you with nothing but glowing skin. 

The most common types of acids used in skincare products are AHAs, short for alpha hydroxy acids, and BHAs, or beta hydroxy acids. The difference between the two? They address different skin issues, depending on your skin type. 

AHA-based products are recommended for dry or sun-damaged skin as they exfoliate the skin surface drawing in moisture to keep your face hydrated. BHA is recommended for oily and sensitive skin. Due to its ability to penetrate deep into pores (unlike AHAs), BHAs loosen the buildup, eliminating excess oil as well as blackheads. BHAs also have anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial effects, making them an ace for acne or rosacea-prone skin.

While often being overshadowed by their more popular cousins, the AHAs and BHAs, there is another group of exfoliating acids that are just as deserving of your attention and your praise. Due to their large molecular size, poly-hydroxy acid, or PHAs gently and efficiently work on the skin surface to smooth and reduce hyperpigmentation with minimized photosensitivity and irritation. But what makes them really special is that they have unique hydrating and skin-plumping benefits, so you’ll never experience dryness, which is often associated with the other two types of acids.

 

The Best News? Goodhabit Texture Magic Exfoliating Toner Incorporates ALL Of Them

Feel free to call it the gentle giant, because this Goodhabit product is lightweight, fast-absorbing, incredibly powerful, hydrating, yet extremely, extremely gentle. The Texture Magic Exfoliating Toner combines our proprietary BLU 5 technology with a curated blend of lactic, phytic, citric, malic, and salicylic acid exfoliators and high-potency skin-loving actives revered for their efficacy. Incorporate it into your ritual to streamline all your skincare needs into one much-needed step for a skin that's perfectly prepped to absorb and amplify the many benefits of your chosen hydrating product.

 

PHYTIC ACID

It’s an alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) that promotes cell turnover to decongest the surface of the skin, boosts collagen production, evens out skin tone, reduces the damage caused by free-radicals, and helps improve less noticeable fine lines;

CITRIC ACID

Citric acid is an alpha/beta hydroxy acid that gently removes dead cells and supports the hydration of the new skin cells; 

MALIC ACID

Malic acid is a gentle alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) that’s primary role is to exfoliate and balance the skin’s ph levels. 

SALICYLIC ACID

A powerful beta hydroxy acid, salicylic acid exfoliates inside the pores to unclog dead skin cells, dirt, and excess oil and helps fight acne-causing bacteria to reduce breakouts, giving skin a smooth, visibly poreless texture.

GLUCONOLACTONE 

Gluconolactone, a poly-hydroxy acid, or PHA has a larger molecule size than all other acids, providing gentle, non-irritating exfoliation to dry, sensitive skin types. Attracts water molecules to hydrate skin, helping to fill in fine lines and promote a plumper appearance 

NIACINAMIDE

Creates a more even tone, controls sebum production, reduces breakouts, and strengthens the skin’s barrier

HYALURONIC ACID 

Attracts and retains up to 1000x its weight in water and locks it into skin for intense, immediate hydration

BLUE SPIRULINA 

Packed with antioxidants, vitamins, and amino acids to help improve skin tone, promote cell turnover, and reduce inflammation

BLUE TANSY FLOWER 

Rich in chamazulene - a powerhouse compound known for its & anti-inflammatory properties. Blue Tansy has an unparalleled ability to bring peace to troubled complexions, while reducing redness and soothing inflammation

BLU5 TECHNOLOGY 

Minimizes the effects of blue light damage while shielding skin against future exposure

 

There’s More: The Texture Magic Exfoliating Toner Is Incredibly Hydrating

Formulated with hyaluronic acid, the Texture Magic Exfoliating Toner delivers a burst of hydration deep in the cells, while leaving skin looking smooth and soft. So, you get one toner that does it all.

Yours truly has used this product for four weeks straight, and I cannot express my love for it with all the words in this world. I use it right after cleansing my face with the Clean Scene Micellar Gel. Right after its application, I can sense a very gentle tingling sensation on my skin, telling me that the exfoliating toner has started to do its job. I can assure you, it’s a very gentle feeling that won’t cause you any discomfort. I wait a few minutes between and then proceed with the Glow Potion Oil Serum. I need to say that I use retinol at night, so at the beginning, I was uncertain how my skin will react to the acids. However, the exfoliating toner does what it says on the bottle: The ideal pH of 3.7 is truly ideal for even the most sensitive skin types. It’s like a light switch for grey, dull skin, and having it in my routine has changed my skin for the better, for sure. 

 

 

Try the Texture Magic Exfoliating Toner, come find us on ‘gram @goodhabitskin, and tell us how good it makes you feel in your own skin.