Hydro tonic and Peeling tonic with AHA and PHA acids are the latest additions to the Professional collection. Considering the same liquid form, there are still doubts about the similarities and differences between them, to whom they are recommended and when exactly they are used. Below we provide answers to all the most frequent questions from the inbox.
Hydration VS. exfoliation
Although they are bound by the same type of product, these tonics differ in their purpose. Hydro tonic is a product intended for classic skin hydration and preparation for applying hyaluronic-based serums that require a moist base. It is a very gentle formulation rich in beta-glucan with a trinity of moisturizers – betaine, allantoin and glycerin for deep moisturizing, soothing and restoring natural softness. Hydro tonic also contains phytic acid, which acts as a chelator here and helps soften the impact of hard tap water on the skin. It has optimized pH values so that it "follows" the naturally slightly acidic pH of the skin, and is suitable for all skin types, including sensitive skin. It can be used daily in the morning and evening or as needed, for refreshment during the day.
On the other hand, Peeling Tonic is a treatment product intended for chemical exfoliation, that is, the removal of dead skin cells, with accompanying benefits. The cocktail of mandelic acid, gluconolactone and lactobionic acid (5.9% AHA and PHA acids), as well as apple extract, hyaluronic acid, betaine, glycerin and panthenol is found in a formulation with a specially adapted pH value of 3.6. All of the above guarantees effective but very gentle exfoliation for almost all skin types, even mature skin or beginners with chemical peels and retinoid users. Peeling tonic gently removes dead skin cells and restores moisture, while long-term use makes the complexion smoother, purified, more uniform and brighter. Since it is a treatment product, this tonic is used occasionally, in the evening routine and depending on the needs of the skin. Twice to three times a week is the optimal frequency of use in most cases. The use of AHA acids in the routine (as well as the act of exfoliation itself) strengthens the skin's sensitivity to the sun, which is why sun protection during the use of the Peeling Tonic is mandatory.
How to (exactly) apply them, incorporate them into the routine and combine them
Toners should be used on previously cleansed skin, before serums, creams and oils. Hydro tonic is applied by pressing the spray pump directly on the face, while Peeling tonic is ideally applied to dry skin with dry palms - the bottle is shaken, a small amount of liquid is poured into the palms and then dabbed on the face avoiding the eye area. Application without the use of pads has multiple advantages - possible irritation is avoided by just pulling the pads over the surface of the skin, product is saved and waste is reduced. While Hydro tonic can be used several times a day, Peeling tonic is applied in the evening and like any treatment product, carefully and only a few times a week (the exception is extremely oily and resistant skin used to very potent active ingredients).
Hydro tonic can be combined in the same routine with almost all Professional serums and products from the Smilje and Green Coffee collection, and is ideal as a supplement to hydration after using the Microexfoliant. Peeling tonic, on the other hand, is not recommended to be combined with Microexfoliant, since these are two products with the same purpose. The microexfoliant is more suitable for oily and problematic skin because it contains salicylic (BHA) acid , while the Peeling tonic (with AHA and PHA acids) will be more suitable for skin with gradual redness, hyperpigmentation, first wrinkles and a generally tired appearance of the skin. After using the Peeling Tonic, it is enough to apply a moisturizing cream of your choice or a moisturizing serum and then the cream. As for the active ingredients, they can be hyaluronic acid, polyglutamic acid ,ectoine and the like, while vitamin C and retinoids are generally not suggested as the first choice of care after the Peeling Tonic due to the (possible) risk of irritation.
Why Hydro tonic is a spray and Peeling tonic is not... and some other advice
You also asked us why the Peeling Tonic does not come with a practical pump that enables direct spraying on the face. Such product packaging is not possible precisely because of the contained acids and low pH. For this reason, the liquid should never come into contact with the eyes, nor with the more sensitive area around the eyes. Applying with the palms allows for the precision that is necessary for this type of treatment product. It is important to emphasize that the Peeling Tonic is not recommended for extremely sensitive, damaged, inflamed skin, and it is not recommended to use it in parallel with retinoids or other AHA and BHA acids (layered application and combination in the same routine). Both Hidro tonic and Peeling tonic are suitable for use during pregnancy and breastfeeding, unless there are obstacles of an individual nature.
