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Exfoliation can be a wonderful part of a balanced skincare routine. Just like anything in life, the way to approach it is a personal choice. Some people may prefer the potentially rough but immediately effective physical scrubs, while others enjoy the slow and steady impact of exfoliating acids. I use both, depending on my mood and skin condition.
Dixionist Cyforest Fresh PHA Toner contains 95% cypress leaf extract to refresh the skin and improve the appearance of pores. PHAs are the mildest exfoliating acids (as far as I know), and it’s nice to see a product with just PHA and not also BHA/AHA (although there’s willow bark extract, which is what natural salicylic acid / BHA is made from).
The toner promises to refresh and hydrate the skin while gently exfoliating. It’s available on Amazon and eBay.
How to use:
After cleansing, apply to the skin using palms or cotton pads
Lightly pat in
Follow with the rest of your routine
I like using my palms (less friction than a cotton round) and applying this in the evening. I don’t notice a scent at all. The texture is thin and watery, not sticky.
My impressions
This could probably become a daily mild exfoliant for me, but I started slow with 2-3 times a week. I’m still keeping that schedule since I use a dedicated BHA toner some of the time, and occasionally do a peeling gel. If this is your only exfoliator, start with once a week and increase gradually, paying attention to how your skin is feeling.
I love the light, watery texture. The toner comes in a couple of sizes - I have the biggest one, so sometimes I use it on the body as well. It softens the skin wonderfully and even helps with ingrown hairs a bit. As far as the face, I see gradual but noticeable improvement in the look and feel of the skin - it’s more even, soft, and flake - free. My combination skin has oily and dry areas, and the dry ones can sometimes get a bit flaky. My pores are also looking better.
What is your favorite exfoliator? How often do you use it?
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Dixionist Cyforest Fresh PHA Toner ingredients: CHAMAECYPARIS OBTUSA LEAF EXTRACT, WATER, BETAINE, 1,2-HEXANEDIOL, BETULA PLATYPHYLLA JAPONICA JUICE, SALIX NIGRA (WILLOW) BARK EXTRACT, SODIUM CITRATE, CITRIC ACID, SODIUM PHYTATE, ALLANTOIN, GLUCONOLACTONE, HIBISCUS SABDARIFFA FLOWER EXTRACT