How Do I Choose the Best Glycolic Acid Toner?

Glycolic acid toner is praised for its ability to exfoliate a person's skin, soften fine lines and wrinkles in that skin, and lighten any skin discoloration. This toner is ideal for both dry and oily skin, because it helps to improve both skin appearance and texture. The main goal of glycolic acid toner is to restore the skin's pH to normal, which is between 4.5 and 6.0 on the ph scale. Glycolic acid toner with a pH of 4.5 to 6.0 works for most people, but those with dry skin should look for a toner with a pH range of 5.5 to 6.5, while those with oily skin should look for a toner in a pH range of 4.0 to 4.5.

Choosing a pH that is at the opposite spectrum of your skin's pH allows glycolic acid toner to work to return the skin's pH to a normal range. Another item to look at when choosing a glycolic acid toner is the concentration of alpha hydroxy acids (AHA). Alpha hydroxy acids are also known as fruit acids, with glycolic acid being the most common AHA used in skincare products. A higher concentration of AHA will tend to be more effective, so an acid concentration of at least 10 percent is recommended.

To get the most out of the glycolic acid toner chosen, it is important to use it properly. It is suggested that a person use glycolic acid toner once a day. For oily skin, using it in the morning is the best, because this will reduce shine and keep pores unclogged throughout the day. Drier skin types should use glycolic acid toner in the evening, because this will give it a chance to penetrate and moisturize the skin. Toner should always be applied after the face has been washed — and not washed off — to get the best results.

Glycolic acid toner contains alpha hydroxy acid, the same acid found in a chemical peel, but it is designed to use every day. With this regular use, users should notice improvements in their skin. Skin texture should be improved and oily skin should be calmed. The moisturizing effects of glycolic acid toner will also benefit a person's dry skin. In addition, glycolic acid toner will help to remove impurities from the skin and soften lines and wrinkles to reduce the look of aging.