5 Things To Avoid While Using An Exfoliating Toner

An exfoliating toner is a game-changer, especially for folks with oily or acne-prone skin. Just a spritz or two of this formula soaks excess sebum, removes dried-dead cells, and reveals a smooth, radiant surface. However, since this skincare staple is packed with powerful AHAs or BHAs, the possibility of flare-ups is never zero.    

To help circumvent this problem, here’s everything you shouldn’t go with an exfoliating toner. 

5 Top Mistakes To Avoid While Using An Exfoliating Toner  

Reap the maximum benefits of the humble toner sans the flareups by avoiding these steps -

1. Using it on dry skin 

If your skin is dry or extremely flaky at the moment, maybe tuck your exfoliating toner away.  

Why Dry Skin is A No-Go For Your Exfoliating Toner?

For those unaware, an exfoliating toner soaks up excess sebum for less shine. However, if the skin is inadequately hydrated, the toning formula may unknowingly zap moisture molecules from the skin. Results? More dryness or even oiliness by the triggered sebaceous glands. 

Skin Prep Tips For Better Results 

To prevent overdrying the skin, start with a hydrating face wash to seal moisture molecules to the skin. After spritzing the toner, use a Hyaluronic Acid-infused serum or treatment to double down on efforts for hydration.

2. Overusing the toner  

Using the exfoliating toner repeatedly can derail the efforts for good skin. 

The risk of over-exfoliation 

Over-exfoliation diminishes your skin’s moisture reservoir, leading to dryness, flakiness, and even redness. Moreover, over-exfoliation meddles with the skin’s natural pH, leading to an underlying sensitivity.

Finding the right balance 

To avoid over-exfoliation, we recommend the ritual only 2 to 3 times a week. Please close attention to your skin’s reaction for any warning signs.

3. Using an exfoliating toner with harsh ingredients  

Using an exfoliating toner with harsh ingredients can lead to redness, inflammation, and other flare-ups.

Why harsh ingredients can harm your skin? 

Ingredients like alcohol and high-strength actives dehydrate the skin, leading to a gamut of skin concerns. You may experience extreme dryness, flakiness, and irritation in the form of a stinging sensation. 

Choosing the right formula for your skin type.

If your skin is susceptible to dryness or flakiness, ditch the regular tones. Instead. Place your trust in toner with gentle exfoliants like Lactic Acid, or natural fruit acids.

4. Not pairing it with sun protection  

Your efforts for smooth, even-tone skin will be futile without sun protection.

Increased sun sensitivity

Certain individuals may experience photosensitivity due to topical application of exfoliants. Results? Inexplicably episodes of burns, tanning, and pigmentation. To prevent these problems, a generous slather of sunscreen is non-negotiable in your routine.

The importance of SPF after exfoliation 

Since exfoliation sheds dead cells to regenerate new ones, a potent broad-spectrum sunscreen helps shield this newest skin layer. It also offsets any redness or inflammation caused due to the topical use of AHAs or BHAs. Look for non-comedogenic sunscreen formulas that don’t feel sticky or heavy on application.

5. Using it on broken skin 

Using an exfoliating toner broken skin can hamper the healing process. 

Avoiding further irritation  

If your skin has recently experienced trauma, using an exfoliating toner adds to the irritation. Topical application of AHAs or BHAs increases sensitivity, worsens breakouts, and leads to inflammation.. 

Safe alternatives 

To combat the sensitivities of broken skin, we recommend gentler, calmer toners. Look for formulas with Hyaluronic Acid or Glycerin that accelerate healing while ensuring a healthy, balanced microbiome. 

Conclusion

Adding an exfoliating toner to your skincare routine can work wonders for the skin. Infused with AHAs or BHAs, this formula reduces shine, and clear buildup, and ensures a smooth, even surface. To make the most of this toner, avoid mistakes like using it on dry skin, over-exfoliating, using the active-infused formula on broken skin, and so forth.