Tired of bumpy, lack-lustre skin? First step, add The Ordinary Glycolic Acid 7% Exfoliating Toner to your shopping cart, grab a spray bottle and let’s go!
This toner is a budget-friendly superstar because it’s the best alph-hydroxy acid to exfoliate the surface of your skin to make it look brighter and feel softer and smoother.
I love finding ways to multitask using a single skincare product and in this post, I’ll be sharing how I use The Ordinary Glycolic Acid Toner 5 different ways for a head to toe exfoliation experience.
What Is Glycolic Acid?
Glycolic acid is a type of alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) that’s super tiny, which means it can sink deep into your skin to gently remove dead skin cells (exfoliation). The result of regular acid exfoliation? Skin looks clearer, smoother and brighter.
Personally, I’ve used glycolic acid for years to exfoliate my face and it is a skincare must for a stunning complexion. Just remember, exfoliation needs to be done properly and sensitive skin types or skin that’s not used to exfoliation can experience redness, dryness and irritation if exfoliation is done too often, and/or if the exfoliant being using is too strong.
If you’re an exfoliation beginner, start with a gentle exfoliant (5% acid content or less) and use it only 1-2 times per week – evening skincare routine only! Only after observing how your skin reacts to exfoliation should you consider increasing use or increasing the strength of the exfoliant. Your skin will very quickly tell you whether it’s happy with it or not!
How I Use The Ordinary Glycolic Acid Toner 5 Different Ways!
Here’s the fun part: this toner isn’t just for your face! You can use it in different ways to improve your skin and hair. Below, I share how to use glycolic acid toner from head to toe for best results:
1. Apply It To Your Face And Neck
Using this toner on your face and neck is the most commonly known way to get glowing skin. This toner smooths out rough texture, fades dark spots, and makes your skin look brighter. It’s also the most common method of applying this toner. Use this in your night time skincare routine after washing your face – you can apply it on a cotton pad, spray it on or pour some on your hands and then apply it to your face and neck – don’t rinse it off! Follow with serums, moisturizer and the optional facial oil to wrap up this routine.
2. Apply It To Your Scalp
Did you know you can use The Ordinary glycolic acid on your scalp? It’s a great scalp exfoliator because it helps remove buildup and dead skin, which can reduce dryness and make your scalp healthier, which is super important for growing strong, healthy hair.
I like to apply it to my scalp and massage it in once per week to get rid of any dry, flaky bits. Apply it to dry hair and spread it around your scalp and leave it on for 5-10 minutes then rinse it out. It’s is great for keeping your scalp hydrated and balanced.
3. Apply It To Your Body
Got bumpy skin on your arms, legs, or back? Crusty elbows, knees and heels? The glycolic acid 7% exfoliating toner can help remove these flaky bits for softer skin underneath. It’s perfect for getting rid of conditions like keratosis pilaris (those little annoying red bumps you get on your arms and thighs) or strawberry legs (dark pores on the legs).
You can also use the toner to brighten skin that has developed dark spots from sun damage – think areas like your chest, back, arms or legs. Personally, I love pouring it into a spray bottle to make it easy to apply it on my back, the back of my arms and legs and on my heels to fight dry skin head to toe. Use it consistently 2-3 times a week for smoother skin in these areas.
This is a game-changer for smoothing out your skin and is a simple way to get glowing skin from head to toe using an exfoliating toner. For best results, apply it to clean skin and be sure to wear sunscreen on any areas you exfoliated the following day, as it will make your skin more sensitive to sun damage.
Tip: Pour your glycolic toner into a spray bottle and use that bottle to spray the toner in those hard to reach places instead of using your hands or a cotton pad. You’re welcome!
4. Brighten and Deodorize Underarms
Dark underarms, ingrown hairs or body odor? Using The Ordinary glycolic acid for your underarms can help! The toner exfoliates to brighten the skin and may reduce odor by clearing out dead skin and bacteria. For best results, make sure your underarms are clean and dry, and be sure to avoid applying it after shaving or waxing, or you will be sorry (it will burn like hell!).
Note: Always do a patch test first, as underarm skin can be sensitive! Burning underarms is never a good feeling.
5. Exfoliate Your Heels To Soften Cracked Feet
One of my fave ways to use The Ordinary Glycolic Acid is on my super dry heels. Cracked heels can be tough to fix, but glycolic acid can help by exfoliating dry, dead skin. This makes it easier for moisturizers to work to hydrate the skin and keep them from getting super dry going forward. I apply the toner onto my heels right after a shower when the skin there is still a bit moist to help it break down the dead skin cells more easily.
This is a great way to get soft, smooth feet that are ready for the beach or an open-backed shoe. This toner won’t fix your dry heels overnight, so be sure to use it regularly and you will definitely see results. If you want a super quick way to remove dry, cracked skin on your heels, I recommend an exfoliating foot peel – I had baby soft heels within a week! Just be prepared for some serious peeling action
Tips for best results:
To make the most of how to use glycolic acid 7% exfoliating toner (or any exfoliating product, for that matter!) always keep these tips in mind:
Patch Test: Always test the toner on a small area of skin first, especially if you have sensitive skin.
Avoid Sensitive/Irritated Areas: Don’t use it on broken, peeling, or irritated skin, and steer clear of your eyes.
Sunscreen Is a MUST!: Glycolic acid makes your skin more sensitive to the sun, so wear SPF during the day – always!
Avoid Mixing: Don’t use the toner in the same areas that you apply other strong exfoliants like retinoids, peeling solutions or other acid-infused products, especially if you’re more sensitive.
- Consider a Weaker Acid: 7% glycolic acid may be too strong if you’ve never used a glycolic acid. Consider a 5% glycolic or a weaker lactic acid to start with and work up to the 7% over time.
Why You’ll Love This Toner Like I Do
The Ordinary’s Glycolic acid 7% exfoliating toner is affordable, easy to use, and works for so many skin concerns and is definitely one of my most favorite affordable skincare products.
Whether you’re aiming for a radiant face, a healthy scalp, or smooth legs, this toner can fit into any skincare routine.
Ready to try glycolic acid toning? Start slow, follow the steps for how to use glycolic acid toner, and watch your skin transform.
With regular use, you’ll be on your way to how to get smoother skin in no time!
Have you tried The Ordinary’s toner? It’s a skincare gem!
