A facial tonic that contains acids (salicylic, succinic, etc.) plays an important role in the daily care program, namely, it dissolves the stratum corneum of the epidermis and irritates the connections between dead keratinized cells and protein structures. This is an ideal remedy for problem skin, which normalizes the hydrolipid balance, kills bacteria, and restores the normal functioning of the sebaceous glands. Since the upper stratum corneum dissolves, the production of natural collagen and elastin - elements responsible for the appearance, smoothness, and elasticity of the skin - increases. The acid contains a wide range of minerals and vitamins that are beneficial for the epidermis.
Types of acids
There are 2 types of acids used in cosmetic products. They differ in nature and active actions. They are divided into two groups:
- AHA (Fruit or alpha hydroxy acids) . The content can vary from 5 to 10%; higher concentrations can lead to burns of the epidermis. They dissolve well in water, but are able to affect the upper layers of the skin. Suitable for regular cleansing and removal of the stratum corneum. They are of natural origin. Suitable for sensitive and dry types. Composition designations: AHA, Malic acid or Citric acid;
- BHA (beta hydroxy acids). Completely dissolves only in fat. Capable of penetrating into the deep layers of the epidermis. Contained in a concentration of 1-2%. Recommended for combination, problem and oily skin. BHAs include kojic acid and salicylic acid.
Tonics with such ingredients should not contain alcohol. This negatively affects the quality of the product and reduces its effectiveness. When choosing a product, you should carefully read the composition, which indicates the type of acid and concentration. The best masks with acids are presented at the link.
Salicylic acid is suitable for regular use throughout the year. Does not cause pigmentation and does not increase photosensitivity.
How do acids affect facial skin?
They are aimed at destroying and removing dead cells, promoting deep cleansing and stimulating the regeneration of the epidermis. They have a mild effect and are not capable of causing burns or irritation. Additional beneficial properties of acid tonics:
- normalize metabolic processes;
- smooth out fine wrinkles, slow down premature aging;
- give the skin a matte tint, eliminate pigmentation;
- restore the functioning of the sebaceous glands and water balance;
- reduce the severity of cosmetic defects (scars, stretch marks, acne marks);
- tighten pores and reduce the risk of recurrent breakouts.
Acids in cosmetics cannot have such a wide range of effects. The positive effect depends on a balanced composition. Extracts of beneficial herbs, vitamins and minerals act as auxiliary components.
Composition of tonics
There is no universal tonic formula - and this is natural, because different types of products solve different problems and are intended for oily, dry or combination skin.
Typically, toners contain herbal ingredients, such as extracts of iris, rose, borage (also called borage), chamomile, aloe vera, sage, mint and rosemary. Different components provide individual tonic properties - for example, rose has restorative properties, aloe vera softens, and borage moisturizes. An effective toner should also contain antioxidants, soothing and moisturizing ingredients.
Despite the fact that all tonics are different, it is still possible to create a kind of “top 10” of popular ingredients:
- Glycerin - moisturizes, helps retain moisture inside cells.
- Hyaluronic acid - has a deep moisturizing effect and prevents skin dehydration.
- Salicylic acid - in toners for oily and problem skin has a drying and exfoliating effect.
- Hydrolate (flower water) - gently moisturizes the skin, saturates it with vitamins, and normalizes blood circulation.
- Essential oils provide nourishment and hydration to the skin.
- Vitamin C is an antioxidant that fights free radicals and protects the skin from aggressive environmental influences.
- Alcohol denat - stabilizes the tonic formula, dries and disinfects the skin.
- Aloe - softens, moisturizes and soothes the skin, preventing irritation.
- Thermal water contains many minerals and trace elements necessary for healthy skin.
- Plant extracts (green tea, algae, calendula, rose hips, etc.) share their healing properties.
Important! Ingredients to definitely avoid include synthetic fragrances, acetone and camphor. Tonics that contain more than 95% pesticide-free ingredients are considered organic.
Indications for use
Tonics with salicylic or fruit acid are optimal for oily and problem skin types. They can be used as a daily care product, especially in the presence of severe pimples, acne and other dermatological problems. After 35-40 years, you should carefully choose the composition; soft and gentle brands with a low concentration of the active substance are recommended.
For those with dry and sensitive skin types, it is not advisable to use such cosmetics every day. It is better to use toner 2-3 times a week. Before the first application, be sure to check the body's reaction to allergies.
Regularly wiping your face with an acid tonic cannot replace the need for exfoliation. During the procedure, deep cleaning does not occur; the effect is on the surface layers of the epidermis.
Rules of application
Salicylic lotion for acne and other manifestations of inflammatory reactions, excessive formation of keratin, hyperpigmentation on the face should be selected depending on the characteristics and type of skin. The store and pharmacy chains offer a wide selection of similar products, completely ready for use, differing in composition:
- Salicylic lotion without alcohol. As a rule, it contains allantoin and herbal extracts.
- Salicylic lotion with alcohol, in which the active substance content is from 1 to 10%.
You can prepare the tonic yourself.
How to choose an acid tonic
When choosing a product, you should take into account the composition and type of skin. If you have problems and oily shine, it is recommended to choose tonics with BHA. They help eliminate and prevent acne and inflammation, remove redness. Salicylic acid is suitable for clogged pores, comedones, and severe pigmentation.
Under the age of 35, as well as with increased dryness and sensitivity of the skin, a tonic with AHA is better suited. It has a gentle effect and additionally moisturizes the epidermis. The maximum concentration of fruit acids is 10%; the lower the value, the softer the product. You should not purchase toners containing BHA above 2%, which can lead to irritation. The acidity level should be between 3-5 pH.
Mechanism of action of salicylic acid
The properties of the drug were studied more than a century ago. It belongs to drugs with pronounced antiseptic properties, suppresses the secretion of apocrine sweat and sebaceous glands, and normalizes skin pH. The main indications for use are:
- Treatment of local inflammation on the skin, including infectious diseases.
- Wound healing.
- Excessive keratin deposition is a phenomenon of hyperkeratosis, since the acid has pronounced keratolytic properties.
- Treatment of increased secretion of sweat and sebaceous glands.
- In complex therapy of skin diseases (acne, acne, eczema), salicylic acid can increase the degree of permeability to other drugs, which increases the effectiveness of treatment.
When applied, the product has a pronounced irritant effect. The use of lotion with salicylic acid is recommended for the skin. On the mucous membranes, the drug causes severe itching, irritation, redness and swelling.
In cosmetology, acid is used to improve the condition of problem skin. This is an effective remedy for the appearance of pimples, acne, and acne. It is used for increased secretion of sweat and sebaceous glands, removes oily sheen. Facial lotion containing salicylic acid is an indispensable and affordable product for effectively cleansing the skin, eliminating blackheads and hyperpigmentation.
Rating of the best tonics
High-quality products should be purchased in specialized cosmetic stores or pharmacies - all storage conditions are observed there. The range of acid products is represented by a wide variety. We have identified a rating of 15 popular brands of such products:
L'Occitane radiant facial toner with whitening effect
Does not contain alcohol, but contains salicylic acid. The active component is a plant complex based on meadowsweet extract. Can whiten and even out skin tone. Suitable for daily toning, recommended for problematic and oily epidermis. May cause burning and irritation if hypersensitivity occurs. It has a pleasant and persistent smell. Market price for 200 ml – 1890 rub.
REN Clarifying Toning Lotion for problem skin
An exfoliating and refreshing toner with fruit acids. The main components of the composition are willow bark and hawthorn extract. They have an antibacterial effect and normalize sebum production. The tonic is suitable for oily and combination skin, not recommended for dry skin. Helps eliminate swelling and rashes. After application, it soothes irritation and does not cause redness. Available in 150 ml packaging.
Cost – from 1450 rub.
SkinCeuticals Blackhead Cleansing Toner
A product for daily use. Designed for aging and mature skin prone to acne. Neutralizes the effects of hard water, stimulates the regeneration of the epidermis and normalizes metabolic processes in cells. Evens out the shade, eliminates blackheads and excess oily shine. Contains glycolic and salicylic acid. To achieve a pronounced and lasting result, it is better to use the tonic with other products in the series. Price for 250 ml – from 1620 rub.
The manufacturer produces a complex of cosmetics Blemish+Age for mature and problem skin. The line includes toner, moisturizing gel, and corrective serum.
CosRx for acne spots
Korean tonic, active action is achieved by a combination of BHA and AHA in the composition. Recommended for oily or combination epidermis with severe acne. Suitable for daily use, it tightens pores and cleanses cells in deep layers. Evens out complexion, eliminates weak pigmentation and acne marks. It has a pleasant consistency and does not leave a sticky residue on the skin after use. Available in a convenient 150 ml bottle with a spray bottle. Not found in retail sales, can be purchased to order. Cost – from 1500 rub.
Aravia AHA Glycolic Tonic for normal to dry skin
Recommended for intensive care if the epidermis is prone to oiliness. Enhances the effect of subsequent application of moisturizer. Tightens and cleanses pores, reduces the likelihood of acne and hyperkeratosis. Restores acid balance and actively fights bacteria. Thanks to AHA in the composition, it exfoliates dead cells and stimulates the production of collagen and elastin. Aravia pore whitening toner helps get rid of pigmentation and acne. Price for 250 ml – 654 rub.
Stopproblem, brightening lotion
Russian pharmaceutical product for working with sensitive skin. Does not contain alcohol in the composition, the active effect is achieved thanks to salicylic acid. Promotes deep cleansing of pores. Removes makeup residues and does not cause redness after use. Auxiliary ingredients are chamomile extract, string and aloe. They have a calming effect, relieve itching, irritation and normalize cell sensitivity. Suitable for facial care, does not dry out the skin.
Cost for 100 ml – 90 rub.
Clarins Gentle Exfoliator
It belongs to the premium segment cosmetics, produced by a French brand. Exfoliating lotion has a soft and gentle effect. A product for daily facial care that promotes cell renewal and evens out skin tone. Suitable for any skin type and age. Efficiency is achieved by combining Indian date acid and white nettle extract. Available in a 125 ml bottle, no spray. Average price – 2100 rub.
The Clarins company produces a wide range of care and decorative cosmetics. It has become popular thanks to affordable and high-quality perfumes.
Stridex Soft Touch Pads
The exfoliating toner comes in the form of impregnated discs for one-time use. The composition contains a large number of chemical additives, the active component is salicylic acid, 2%. A product for daily care of problematic and oily skin. Eliminates greasy shine and narrows pores, normalizes natural metabolic processes. Sold in sealed plastic packaging containing 55 or 90 discs. Can be purchased to order. Cost – from 450 rub. You can learn about Green Mama tonics for oily skin in this material.
Biologique Recherche Lotion P50
Professional lotion for comprehensive facial care, not recommended for sensitive skin. Contains a complex of fruit acids, which achieves deep cleansing, narrows pores and normalizes oil production. Contains fragrances. It has an unpleasant odor, reminiscent of a mixture of bite and gouache. May cause redness and irritation after first application. Sold in beauty salons. Cost for 150 ml – from 5 thousand rubles.
Bielenda, Skin Clinic Professional Mezo with lactobionic acid
Active corrective tonic from a Polish manufacturer. Suitable for working with aging skin of oily or combination type. The composition contains hyaluronic, mandelic and lactobionic acids, and vitamin B3 acts as an auxiliary component. The product has an antibacterial effect, exfoliates dead cells and stimulates regeneration. Helps fight skin rashes and eliminate acne marks. It is recommended for application no more than 2-3 times a week after preliminary cleansing. You can find out about Cora toners for oily and combination skin here.
Average price – 458 rub.
Pixi Glow Tonic
Available in the form of a scrub-tonic for mature skin of any type. Contains 5% glycolic acid to cleanse & remove dead cells. Aloe and ginseng extracts in the composition help relieve inflammation and redness after use. The product saturates the cells with oxygen and prepares the face for further exposure. Recommended for application up to 2-3 times a week. The cost of Pixi Glow Tonic for 250 ml is 1540 rubles. Find out about Christina's toners for problem skin in the article.
Pixi tonic is not suitable for daily use, as it actively affects the surface layer of the epidermis. May reduce the protective properties of cells.
Gentle facial tonic Faberlic “Oxygen Breathing” Oxiology series
Mass segment product for daily skin care. It has a pleasant consistency and does not leave a sticky sheen after use. Cleanses pores of impurities and cosmetic residues, giving a pleasant feeling of freshness and cleanliness. Contains a whole complex of chemicals, not recommended for sensitive epidermis with a tendency to allergies. Contains glycolic and lactic acid. The price of Faberlic gentle tonic “Oxygen Breathing” is 200 rubles.
Tonic/lotion with hyaluronic acid Tete (Clear Blue Toner/Lotion)
Swiss cosmetics for basic home care. Gently removes impurities and makeup from pores. Moisturizes cells and normalizes their acid-base balance. With regular use, it tightens pores and reduces the likelihood of acne. Suitable for any skin type. In addition to hyaluronic acid, the composition contains wheat germ oil and yeast extract, as well as panthenol to enhance regeneration.
Cost for 200 ml – 1400 rub.
The Ordinary, Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution
Renewing facial tonic, recommended for problematic skin with severe blackheads. Remedy for women over 25 years old, effectiveness is achieved by combining herbal supplements with 7 glycolic acid. It contains a natural complex, auxiliary components - rose water, aloe juice and Tasmanian pepper extract. It has a pleasant smell, but may cause a burning sensation after use. Price for 240 ml – from 1800 rub. You can find out about other products with glycolic acid here.
A'pieu 18 First Toner weak acid
Low acid toner from Pieu 18 is suitable for all skin types. The product is designed specifically for teenagers, taking into account the age-specific characteristics of the epidermis. It has a gentle effect and does not cause allergies or irritation. Helps maintain water balance and helps prevent acne. After application, it soothes the cells and prepares them for subsequent hydration. It contains a complex of green vegetables - extract of asparagus, broccoli, spinach and cucumber water. A product for regular skin care morning and evening. Available in a 180 ml spray bottle. Cost – from 1200 rub.
First Toner from A'pieu is one of the few toners for working with young skin. The composition formula was developed specifically for the puberty period, taking into account age-related characteristics.
How to choose a toner for oily and combination skin
95% of the volume of any tonic is water, and only 5% is active additives. Manufacturers can use ordinary purified water, thermal or micellar water as a base. The softer the base, the more delicate the product is on the skin.
However, both expensive and cheap tonics hardly differ from each other in terms of the main component. The nuances of their effect are determined not by it, but by the auxiliary ingredients. Therefore, when choosing a product, you should not focus on the brand, price or image imposed by advertising. A good toner for oily and combination skin should contain one or more valuable ingredients.
AHA acids
Fruit acids (glycolic, grape, lactic and others) have a beneficial effect on oily skin. They have an exfoliating effect: they soften and dissolve dead skin cells, preventing them from accumulating around the pores and in the sebaceous ducts. This results in a smoother, more elastic skin surface, less noticeable pores, and a reduced risk of acne.
Prebiotics
These substances heal the microflora, as they serve as a breeding ground for healthy bacteria. Typically, lactulose is used as a prebiotic, which supports local immunity, helps preserve the hydrolipid mantle and has an antioxidant effect. Products with prebiotics are a real healing cocktail for skin prone to rashes and inflammation.
Acids
They acidify the epidermis, reducing the intensity of the development of pathogenic bacteria, thereby reducing the risk of inflammatory reactions. In addition, they have a drying effect, reduce the activity of the sebaceous glands and fat content.
Manufacturers usually add salicylic acid to toners, which does its job well without surface irritation. If the skin has become sensitive due to changes in care or seasonal exposure, products with acids will only stimulate its irritation and redness.
Plant extracts
Compositions containing extracts of calendula, green tea, eucalyptus, tea tree, and witch hazel are useful for normalizing fat content and improving microflora. Herbal supplements help solve the problems of oily epidermis, but you need to be careful if you are prone to allergic reactions.
Auxiliary Ingredients
The composition may contain zinc, which has a drying effect and reduces the activity of the sebaceous glands. Panthenol is valuable, as it accelerates tissue regeneration, reduces signs of inflammation and soothes areas of irritation. Glycerin is another natural component that takes care of maintaining a normal level of tissue moisture.
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Unwanted Components
Sometimes you can come across a recommendation to use hydrolates instead of tonics as more natural and effective skincare products. However, on oily skin they will not be able to demonstrate their beneficial properties.
Hydrolates are solutions with a small content of essential oil compounds, and oils with excessive work of the sebaceous glands will only contribute to fat content. In addition, such compositions have only a slight tonic and moisturizing effect, while the epidermis of mixed, oily and problematic types requires different, more targeted care.
It would also be a mistake to use alcohol solutions. They should be used only on the recommendation of a cosmetologist, as a course and to solve a specific problem. In this case, the cosmetologist must indicate the percentage of alcohol in the product or recommend a specific drug.
With regular use of tonics and lotions with alcohol, the epidermis will become even more oily. The reason is that alcohol dries the outer layer of the skin too much, literally stripping it of its protective hydrolipidic mantle. The skin has to work on its restoration, for which it accelerates the production of sebum. Therefore, trying to get rid of oiliness and acne with an alcohol toner usually leads to aggravation of the problem.
You should also not use products containing cosmetic fragrances. They not only have an intrusive odor, but can provoke allergic reactions.
How to use correctly
For skin care to be effective, it is important to choose the right toner and apply it. Basic Rules:
- Before use, remove makeup, cleanse face of dirt;
- Apply a small amount onto a cotton pad or swab. Apply evenly in a thin layer over the entire surface of the face and neck area;
- you need to move from the central part to the peripheral part;
- Do not remove any remaining product, wait for absorption and moisturize with cream or gel.
Toning the epidermis should be regular. The procedure must be carried out in the morning and evening. Alternation of acidic and neutral compositions is allowed.
Contraindications and precautions
Before purchasing, you should carefully read the composition to make sure there are no harmful components (phenols, parabens and fragrances). Acid toners should be used with caution as they can cause irritation and redness of the skin. It is not recommended to use such cosmetics under the age of 25, replacing them with soft lotions. The use of products with acids is prohibited for mechanical damage to the skin, severe inflammatory and infectious processes. Before the first application, you should ensure that you are not allergic or sensitive to the ingredients.
After the procedure, it is not advisable to go outside in sunny weather. Exposure to ultraviolet radiation leads to a negative effect of acid on the epidermis.
