A colleague recently asked: “Do you know of any good exfoliating toners? I bought a huge bottle of Mario Badescu a while ago, which works, but i’d love to pick your brain.” — Jackie
My answer: I’m a long-time fan of Mario Badescu and have actually used their toners on and off for years. But, I’ve actually been using a Peter Thomas Roth product that’s pretty darn good. The product: Peter Thomas Roth Complexion Correction Pads, $36 (for 60 pads). The pads contain a 10 percent glycolic acid and .5 percent salicylic acid concoction that’s blended with soothing ingredients like arginine, allantoin, aloe vera, chamomile and green tea. So, this isn’t one of those does-nothing toners. With this combo of ingredients, you’ll keep skin pimple and blackhead-free without totally overdrying or irritating your skin. I’ve been using these for about a month now, and the breakouts I mentioned previously, have been more under control than usual. And, the pad form makes the extra step of using a toner so much more convenient. I say, give ’em a try and let me know what you think.