Me and my skin have always had a love-hate relationship. Breakouts and scarring have always been present for me, in the last years. My main concern is that every breakout leaves a mark and it takes ages for it to go away afterwards. Fortunately, if you're in the same boat or would just like to resurface your skin for a brighter and softer complexion, there is something that can help with the process: acids! They are incredible for getting rid of acne, acne marks, discoloration and uneven texture.
I've tried a lot of them - salicylic, lactic, pretty much everything. However, my favorite one is definitely glycolic acid. It's mild enough that it doesn't irritate my skin but strong enough for me to see the results. My skin reacts wonderfully to it so I'm always on the hunt for products that contain the right concentration of glycolic acid.
If you've never tried glycolic acid before, I'd suggest you start with a small concentration, something like 5% maybe. That's usually the concentration you'll find in your average skincare products. Remember that everything over 40% is mostly for professional use, therefore you shouldn't probably use it at home (my experience with 30% glycolic treatment coming in a future post!) However, I found my skin can take bigger concentrations of this stuff as it got used to it pretty well, so I opted for 13% in the form of a toner from Bravura London.
________________________
I had never heard of this brand before, but it had pretty good reviews online and it seemed to be the only one offering the type of products I was looking for, so I gave it a try.
Firstly, I was surprised by the packaging! I actually posted an Instagram when it came in the post saying how weird it looks and you guys agreed! I'm not sure if I want to drink it or put it on my face. It's a frosted glass bottle with a screw-on lid. It's pretty heavy but sturdy and it's really easy to pour the toner onto a cotton pad.
The smell is something I absolutely love about this one! I don't know what it reminds me of but it's amazing! Maybe that's how calendula is supposed to smell? I don't know, but it's a winner in my book!
Now for the toner itself, it's incredible! I usually swipe this all over my face after cleansing and before moisturizing and it feel so nice and fresh on my skin. It doesn't sting, except for when I have an open breakout and even then it's not unbearable. It dries almost immediately and doesn't leave a sticky finish. I follow up with my night cream and I can usually feel my skin being softer right away, as I'm massaging the cream. It's like it swipes away all of the dead skin and annoying bumps and leaves you with new baby-like skin in seconds! It doesn't dry up my skin either, but I have pretty oily skin and don't tend to use it under makeup, so I'm not sure about that.
The long term results are definitely great too! My dark marks from acne are fading away and I'm sure the toner helps with the process as they are a lot less noticeable than they were before.
I would highly recommend this to everyone who likes glycolic acid or even to someone who wants to try it, only if you know you don't have really sensitive skin. Otherwise, start with something lighter, like the Mario Badescu Glycolic Acid Toner (3%) and follow up with this magical product if your skin likes it! You'll be surprised at how soft and even this makes your skin feel! I know I sound like an advert right now, but I really feel like raving about this endlessly, haha!
Let me know if you like to use acids and what's your favorite way of using them!
Oooh so glad this product works for you. Thanks for the great review :)
ReplyDeleteEnclothed Cognition/Bloglovin
Thank you for the lovely comment! x
DeleteI have some scars left from picking my pimples before, will this help?
ReplyDeleteYousra | Mystic Tales
So do I and it works wonders for me! You should give it a try! x
Deletewow nice
ReplyDeleteMaybe you have time to see my New outfit post Blue Drive
Follow me on Google Plus
Love
Akanksha
Thanks for stopping by! x
DeleteI like your blog, its really dope.
ReplyDeleteDo you want to follow each other?
If you want, than follow me, and let me know in comments, so I can follow you back with pleasure.
We can follow each other on Instagram @andjela.dujovic, let me know in the comments so I can follow you back.
www.bekleveer.com
xoxo
Thank you! Sure, I'll check it out! x
DeleteI love acids and use pretty much all of them depending on my skins needs. Glycol in PIXI Glow Tonic and for stronger effects in Liquid Gold, lactic in Good Genes and salicylic in my Clearasil pads.
ReplyDeleteLinda, Libra, Loca: Beauty, Baby and Backpacking
I really want to try out Liquid Gold, it sounds amazing! x
DeleteI have so many acne scars and I've also used salicylic and lactic acid to improve their appearance. I started using the glycolic acid pads from Nip + Fab, but I didn't like them all too much. This toner looks like it would be perfect for me!
ReplyDeleteTia | the10amblog.squarespace.com
You should definitely give it a go! x
DeleteI use acids a lot and I think they make my skin much smoother, but unfortunately they don't seem to be helping much with acne scars for me. I use glycolic, salicylic, and there's often lactic acid in many products too.
ReplyDeleteBeaumiroir
I know how it feels to wait for the results until you get bored. For me it was the wrong concentration.. maybe you should try something a bit stronger? I hope you find something that works..but then again, with scarring it's all about patience unfortunately!
DeleteI have honestly never tried anything like this before. But really want too. My skin can be really bad at times! :(
ReplyDeletehttp://www.makeerinover.co.uk
Acids are like magic for your skin, I promise! You should give it a go! x
Deleteoooo, I love me some glycolic acid! I use Liquid Gold, and I've been wanting Pixi Glow tonic for ages, this sounds lovely though. Will defo have to have a look into it.
ReplyDeleteTenz
www.shesabouthatlife.com
xxxx
Glad you found this useful! xx
Deleteyour skin sounds as stubborn as my skin! I will def need to check this product out!
ReplyDeletewww.prettyinleather.net
Haha, stubborn skin girls unite! Hope it works for you! xx
Deleteamazing product :)
ReplyDeleteplease follow my blog : YOUNG BLOG
Glad you enjoyed it! x
DeleteAwesome product! I cam definitely relate on that. My skin is so sensitive. Anyways. Good review <3
ReplyDeleteAly In Wanderland | alyinwanderland.com | Alyssa X
Thank you, lovely! x
Deletethis sounds like a such fab product! I tend to stay away from acids as they seem to burn, but this one sounds great!
ReplyDeleteRachel xx
http://www.thedailyluxe.net
I love the ones that have some soothing ingredients in there as well, to help with the effects of the acid. There are some great products out there! x
DeleteThat's amazing! You mentioned that you have oily skin, but I was wondering if it works on sensitive skin too? Also, how often do you use it? I have some discoloration I've been trying to get rid of for awhile.
ReplyDelete~Andrea Tiffany~
aglimpseofglam.blogspot.com
I use it every night but my skin is not really sensitive. If yours is, you can try using it twice a week maybe.. or start with a lower concentration. Personally, I believe acids can do wonders on any skin type, it's all about finding the right one for you!
Deleteawesome! thanks for sharing this!
ReplyDeleteHave a great weekend!
Animated Confessions
No problem! Glad you enjoyed it! x
DeleteCurrently using PIXI Glowtonic Toner and I'm loving it! 5% seems to be great on my skin so far :)
ReplyDeleteReal Life Nerd
www.vivienekok.com
That's great! I really wanna try it out! x
DeleteSo stunning! I like this so much.
ReplyDelete** Join Love, Beauty Bloggers on facebook. A place for beauty and fashion bloggers from all over the world to promote their latest posts!
INSTAGRAM @BEAUTYEDITER
BEAUTYEDITER.COM
Thank you! xx
Deletelove this x
ReplyDeleteStefanie | Casualllyawkward | Bloglovin'
Thanks for reading! xx
DeleteI've tried literally every beauty counter product to try and erase my acne scarring but nothing has worked. This is such a fab review and sounds like a dreamy product - I'm hoping I'll have similar results :) x
ReplyDeleteViva Epernay
I know how annoying it is! It's all about patience and prevention with acne marks :( For me however, acids are the only thing that help speed up the process. Hope this helps! xx
DeleteI will give this a try! I never tried before!
ReplyDeleteDora www.BangsBang.com
Glad you found this useful, lovely! x
Delete