The Ultimate Guide to Glycolic Acid Exfoliating Toner
Meet the Glycolic Exfoliating Toner - a powerhouse in the SKINICIAN toner collection. Formulated with 4% Glycolic Acid and a carefully selected blend of active ingredients, this toner delivers gentle yet effective daily exfoliation for all skin types. It works by unclogging pores, dissolving dead skin cells, and stimulating cell turnover, revealing a smoother, more radiant complexion.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through the science behind glycolic acid, how to incorporate it into your routine, and how long it takes to see results. Get ready to elevate your skincare and unveil your healthiest, most glowing skin yet!
Glycolic Acid Benefits for Skin - What Does the Glycolic Exfoliating Toner Do?
Improves Skin Texture & Smoothness
The Glycolic Exfoliating Toner works by gently dissolving dead skin cells, promoting exfoliation at the surface level. This process helps to refine the skin's texture, making it appear smoother and more even. By removing build-up and impurities, it enhances the skin's natural radiance and clarity, leaving you with a refreshed, revitalised complexion.
Fades Hyperpigmentation & Brightens Skin
Glycolic acid accelerates cell turnover, effectively reducing the appearance of dark spots, sun damage, and post-acne marks. Combined with Succinic Acid, which targets acne-causing bacteria and helps regulate oil production, this toner helps to brighten and even out skin tone. Within just four weeks, you'll notice a clearer, more luminous complexion with improved pigmentation.
Controls Acne & Clears Pore Congestion
Ideal for those with acne-prone, oily skin or hormonal break-outs, the Glycolic Exfoliating Toner helps to deeply unclog pores and regulate excess sebum, preventing future breakouts. Oatmeal Extract provides soothing properties, calming inflammation while maintaining a healthy balance in the skin’s natural ecosystem. Its gentle yet effective formula makes it suitable for even sensitive, acne-prone skin.
Reduces Fine Lines & Wrinkles
By stimulating collagen production, this toner helps smooth fine lines and wrinkles, giving the skin a more youthful appearance. Enriched with a bioavailable amino acid, it enhances radiance, supports skin structure, and improves elasticity for firmer, more resilient skin.
Enhances Product and Active Ingredient Absorption
The Glycolic Exfoliating Toner removes dead skin cells and boosts cellular turnover, enhancing the skin’s ability to absorb subsequent active ingredients. This increased absorption allows your products to penetrate more deeply and work harder, meaning you can achieve lasting results while using less.
How to Use Glycolic Acid Toner Correctly
How to Apply Glycolic Exfoliating Toner on the Face
For optimal results, apply the Glycolic Exfoliating Toner once daily, either in the morning or at night, after cleansing. Using a cotton pad, gently sweep the toner across the face, or alternatively, press it into the skin using your hands to encourage better absorption. Avoid the delicate eye area, as glycolic acid can be more sensitising. Always follow with a broad-spectrum SPF during the day to protect against UV-induced photo-sensitivity, as glycolic acid can increase the skin's sensitivity to the sun.
How to Use Glycolic Acid on the Body
Glycolic acid isn't limited to facial skincare; it’s highly effective for treating areas of the body prone to rough texture and congestion. Apply a thin, even layer of the Glycolic Acid Exfoliating Toner to areas such as elbows, knees, back (bacne), and Keratosis Pilaris (chicken skin) once daily. The glycolic acid works to exfoliate the stratum corneum (the top layer of your skin), promoting smoother, more even skin texture by removing dead skin cells and stimulating cellular turnover.
Can You Use Glycolic Acid on the Scalp?
Glycolic acid serves as an excellent scalp exfoliator, effectively breaking down sebum (oil) build-up, removing dead skin cells, and promoting a healthier environment for hair growth. To use the Glycolic Exfoliating Toner on the scalp:
- Transfer the toner onto a cotton bud or into a dropper bottle for precise application.
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Section your hair and apply a few drops directly onto the scalp, focusing on areas with excess oil or product build-up.
- Gently massage with your fingertips to facilitate absorption and enhance circulation to the scalp. Leave the toner on as part of your routine - there is no need to rinse.
Pro Tip: Use 1-2 times per week to avoid over-exfoliation and dryness, ensuring balanced treatment without compromising the scalp’s natural barrier.
How Often Should You Use Glycolic Exfoliating Toner?
Glycolic Exfoliating Toner can be introduced into your skincare routine once a day. However, if your skin is sensitive, it’s advisable to start with 2-3 times a week and gradually increase usage as your skin builds tolerance.
When to Use Glycolic Acid Exfoliating Toner for Best Results
For optimal results, apply glycolic acid toner in the evening, allowing the skin to undergo its natural overnight renewal process. This will help maximise the efficacy of your night time skincare products. Because glycolic acid can increase skin's sensitivity to sunlight, always follow with a broad-spectrum SPF during the day to protect against UV damage.
For maximum absorption, glycolic acid should be applied after cleansing but before serums and moisturisers.
Can I use Glycolic Exfoliating Toner with other treatment serums?
The Glycolic Exfoliating Toner is a versatile addition to any skincare routine, enhancing the efficacy of other treatments and active ingredients. When paired with Hyaluronic Elixir, the toner helps exfoliate the skin, allowing the hyaluronic acid to better penetrate and hydrate deeper layers of skin.
Similarly, when used with Vitamin C Elixir, glycolic acid’s exfoliation works synergistically with vitamin C to accelerate cellular turnover and brighten the complexion. Both ingredients support skin renewal, creating a more vibrant skin surface.
When using Overnight Retinol Powerbalm in the evening, applying the Glycolic Exfoliating Toner beforehand will gently exfoliate and clear the skin, allowing the active ingredients, retinol and peptides to penetrate more effectively. Together, these ingredients speed up cell turnover, promoting smoother and more youthful-looking skin.
How Long Does Glycolic Acid Take to Work?
Results vary, but many notice smoother skin within a few uses, with significant improvements in skin tone and texture after 4-6 weeks of consistent use.
Results can vary depending on your skin type and concerns. However, you can expect:
- Instant glow after the first use as the toner removes dull surface skin.
- Smoother texture and refined pores in 1-2 weeks.
- Brighter skin tone and reduced pigmentation within 4-6 weeks with consistent use.
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Fine lines and wrinkles appearing softer over time with prolonged use.
Real Results after 4 weeks daily use.
The Glycolic Exfoliating Toner is an effective way to exfoliate, refine and brighten your skin. By incorporating it into your routine alongside other targeted skincare products, you can give your skin the reset it needs to level up. With consistent use, using once daily, either in the morning or evening - it helps optimise absorption, making your skincare routine work harder for maximum results. The result? Happy, Healthy Skin.
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