Why you should invest
Although many people see “toner” as something that’s just a filler product dreamt up by marketing companies, it’s actually a crucial part of any skincare routine. Acid toners such as Alpha H’s Liquid Gold are especially good for sorting out “problem skin”. This can range for dullness to dehydration and blemishes. Acting as a “chemical exfoliator”, Liquid Gold dissolves and sweeps away dead skin and dirt, while the ingredients stimulate collagen production to leave your skin looking plumper in the process.
How it works
This is a beloved product in beauty circles for good reason. It’s often described as a toner, exfoliator and moisturiser in one and is used twice a week at night, after you’ve cleansed your skin (you don’t need moisturiser over the top). It contains glycolic acid – hence the slight tingle you get after applying it. This not only dissolves dead skin (by dismantling the bonds holding dead skin cells together) but also triggers fibroblast activity in the skin to boost production of collagen and hyaluronic acid – which gives you that post-facial glow when you wake up the next morning. And if you suffer from pigmentation, it also contains liquorice extract to promote a more even skin tone. So potent is this stuff that you shouldn’t use it every day – think of it more like a “twice-weekly workout” for your skin.
Top tip
If you do have sensitive skin, start out by applying Liquid Gold to a cotton pad soaked in water so it’s slightly diluted and your skin can get used to it.
£33.50 from Cult Beauty
