Don't be scared of acid exfoliants they can be gentler and better than scrubs

"The words acid exfoliant scare the bejesus out of those with more sensitive skin, but they can be a godsend in making texture more even and makeup smoother and more long-lasting. In fact, a liquid containing the right blend of dead-skin-sloughing alpha or beta hydroxy acids will be infinitely more gentle, effective and even than those gritty physical scrub exfoliants many still reach for."

"The influence of South Korea's wildly popular milky toners, with their focus on hydration and skin-barrier protection, can be seen in a new crop of milky acid exfoliants. These combine sturdy skin-clearing acids with skin-softening, soothing ingredients to cushion the blow."

"I love most things from US brand Naturium, but its recent launch of Multi Bright Milky Toner (19), is a smash. This is a blend of exfoliating polyhydroxy acid gluconolactone (already gentler than most), azelaic acid (for uneven tone) and moisturising ingredients such as squalane, glycerin and rice bran oil that smooths and brightens."

"I've worn the toner a lot in recent weeks and found it to be as effective as any exfoliant, but with no sting in its tail. I've worn Naturium's toner a lot in recent weeks and found it to be as effective as any exfoliant, but with no sting in its tail. Trinny Woodall is of the same mind."

Acid exfoliants can irritate sensitive skin, but properly formulated liquid exfoliants with alpha or beta hydroxy acids can be gentler and more effective than gritty physical scrubs. A trend influenced by South Korean milky toners emphasizes hydration and skin-barrier protection, leading to milky acid exfoliants that combine skin-clearing acids with skin-softening, soothing ingredients. Naturium’s Multi Bright Milky Toner blends gluconolactone, azelaic acid, and moisturizing ingredients like squalane, glycerin, and rice bran oil to smooth and brighten while targeting uneven tone. It suits people who want the glow of glycolic acid toners but experience tingling, harshness, or redness. Trinny London’s Tiptoe In exfoliant is a milky serum applied after cleansing and uses gluconolactone for exfoliation with additional soothing components.

Read at www.theguardian.com