SkinCeuticals Blemish + Age Toner 200ml is a triple-acid exfoliating toner that decongests clogged pores, reduces excess sebum and refines uneven texture on skin that is dealing with breakouts and visible ageing at the same time. Also sold as Blemish + Age Solution, it pairs glycolic acid with salicylic acid and LHA to sweep away surface cells and blotchiness. Available at MedX Pharmacy, a licensed UAE pharmacy, with fast delivery across Dubai and the Emirates.

Why This Toner Works

Most acne toners are built for teenage skin and simply strip it. This one is formulated for adult skin that has to solve two problems at once. The acids work at different depths: one dissolves oil inside the pore, one resurfaces the skin at the top, and one sits in between with a slower, gentler release. That layered approach is what lets it decongest without the flat, over-stripped feeling a single strong acid leaves behind.

Ideal For

Oily, combination and blemish-prone skin, particularly adult skin in its thirties and beyond that is still breaking out while showing fine lines, post-blemish marks and uneven tone. It suits congested pores, blotchiness and photoaged skin. Because it is alcohol based and contains three acids, it is not suited to dry, sensitive or rosacea-prone skin, and it should not be layered with retinoids or other exfoliants on the same night. Patch test first and avoid broken or irritated skin.

Full ingredient list: Aqua/Water, Alcohol Denat., Glycolic Acid, Sodium Hydroxide, Capryloyl Salicylic Acid, Salicylic Acid.

• Salicylic Acid (BHA): oil-soluble, so it dissolves into the sebum blocking a pore and clears it from the inside. The reference exfoliant for blackheads and closed comedones

• Glycolic Acid (AHA): the smallest alpha-hydroxy acid and water-soluble, working at the surface to smooth rough texture, even out tone and soften the look of fine lines

• Capryloyl Salicylic Acid (LHA): a lipophilic derivative of salicylic acid that penetrates the pore more slowly, extending the exfoliating effect with less irritation than a straight BHA

• Sodium Hydroxide: a pH adjuster, present in small amounts because acid exfoliants only work in a precise pH range

• Fragrance free and colourant free

SkinCeuticals does not publish the acid percentages for this toner, so none are stated here.

1. Cleanse first, ideally with a SkinCeuticals cleanser.

2. Pour a small amount onto a cotton pad.

3. Sweep over face, neck and chest, avoiding the eye area.

4. Follow with your serum, moisturiser and, in the morning, sunscreen.

The brand directs twice-daily use, but acids increase sun sensitivity and the UAE sun is unforgiving. If you are new to chemical exfoliation, start once daily at night, watch how your skin responds, and wear broad-spectrum SPF every morning without exception.