The magic’s in the acid. Chemically exfoliating your skin, when done correctly, has the potential to keep dead skin cells away, your pores gunk-free, and your face looking bright and radiant. So packing some trusty chemical exfoliating acids into a toner—the step that comes between your cleansing and your serums—makes the products that are layered on after work even more effectively.
“Exfoliating acid-based toners are a smart method of removing dead skin cells and sloughing the superficial layers of the skin,” says Rachel Nazarian, MD, a dermatologist with
Schweiger Dermatology Group. “Regular use can improve the texture of the skin and diminish hyperpigmentation and dark spots caused by ultraviolet radiation and pollution.” The other perk? “They offer a secondary level of cleaning that may not be achieved by basic cleansers for those who may need deeper removal of debris, such as people who wear heavy makeup,” she says. This can be particularly helpful for people with acne-prone skin, as it helps to get rid of every last bit of crap in your pores. If I had a dollar for every time my face dirtied a cotton pad after swiping on my toner (post-cleanse!), I’d be rich enough to create my own line of acid toners."
-Well and Good
