Ready. Steady. Glow!💡 A new Generation of Exfoliators
/ By. Crystal Nguonly
#   AHA #   BHA #   PHA #   Smooth #   Exfoliatingtoner #   Glowyskin #   Brighten

Ready. Steady. Glow! The Ren Clean Skincare Ready Steady Glow Daily AHA Tonic is chemical exfoliant meant to gently sloth away those dead skin cells to reveal a brighter and smoother complexion. Long gone are the days of using harsh and abrasive exfoliating scrubs on your face … Yes, we are talking about you, St. Ives Fresh Skin Apricot Scrub. Skinfluencers and skin care lovers are now turning to a new method. Chemical exfoliants such as alpha hydroxy acids, beta-hydroxy acids and even polyhydroxy acids have been shown to yield great results without the physical harshness of scrubs. Who knew there were so many different ingredients that could create glowing skin?

The most common types of chemical exfoliants used in skin care are lactic and glycolic acids (AHA’s), salicylic acid and willow bark (BHA’s) and PHA’s, which are commonly found in Korean skin care products. Various mixtures and combinations of these acids have been proven to be effective in exfoliating the skin with the intensity ranging from gently exfoliating to a high concentration of acids. All of these acids penetrate the skin at different levels, but all yield the same end results. Smoother, clearer and brighter skin. Since achieving the glowy skin look is the ideal and standard these days, many brands have hopped on the exfoliating acids train producing a whole new generation of products to help achieve that look. Exfoliating toners such as the Ren Glow Daily AHA Tonic is just one of many created to help beauty lovers get that baby soft skin.

The Glow Daily AHA Tonic is a skin resurfacing facial toner formulated with Lactic Acid and Salicin to help smooth, even out skin tone, brighten and hydrate the skin for a newer complexion. The product retails for $20 and contains 3.4 fl.oz. It is alcohol free, cruelty free and vegan.

Our Glowish influencer Serena Shi is curious about the Ren Glow Daily AHA Tonic and has high hopes that it will help get rid of the pesky milia on her face. Upon first application, she experiences a slight tingle and recommends letting the product completely dry and absorb before applying other products on top as it does feel a bit tacky to the touch. After that first night, she woke up with "really soft" and "new" skin. By the end of week one, she has noticed that her milia and more acne-like blemishes have been popping up. She notes this could be because they were hiding under her skin and the exfoliating product has removed the skin cells on top revealing them or that her skin could be going through a purging phase.

“I don’t know why I’ve been actually getting more milia and some more pimples … I don’t know if that’s because of the weather or if it’s because of this product…

or I’m just purging.”

- Serena Shi

As she continues to use the product into the end of week two of the 14-day honest review, the influencer is pleasantly surprised by the results after having mixed feelings in the beginning. In the end her skin looks plump, cleaner, brighter and more “alive.” Rating the product, a solid 8/10 stars, Serena would recommend this product as a gentle exfoliator, but does note that it would take longer than two weeks to see any significant positive results.

Like we mentioned before there are a TON of exfoliating toners on the market. Take a look at a few others we have compiled for you at different price points depending on your budget.

Of course we know The Ordinary always comes through with affordable, reliable and effective skin care. The Glycolic Acid 7% Exfoliating Toning Solution retails for $10 and contains a whopping 8 fl.oz. of liquid magic. This AHA toning solution also highlights ginseng root and aloe vera added as radiance and soothing benefits for the skin.

Another budget friendly product is the ever so popular Pixi Glow Tonic. Formulated with 5% glycolic acid, this toner exfoliates, brightens and smooths adding an instant glow to the skin. It retails for $15 and contains 3.4 fl.oz. Both The Ordinary and Pixi toners are suitable for all skin types.

Now if you’re feeling a little fancy and fruity, Korean American brand Glow Recipe also has its Watermelon Glow PHA+BHA Pore Tight Toner. This product uses more gentler forms of acids mixed with watermelon extract and hyaluronic acid as soothing properties to balance out the exfoliating elements. The product retails for $34, contains 5.07 fl.oz and smells like a delicious watermelon smoothie.

Have you tried any of these products? Did they work for you? Smooth, radiant and clear skin is the goal for every beauty lover. But can this new generation of exfoliants help us achieve our glowy skin dreams?

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