It has been a while since I last posted anything on my blog but
I very much believe that you should do what’s right for you at the time, and
simply life got in the way. I lost motivation and dare I say it more important
things took over and blogging took a back seat. But fear not, my passion for all things beauty
has not waivered during this time! I’ve been enjoying playing around with new
products and being more consistent with my skincare routine.
I am going to attempt to get back into a much more regular
schedule with posting, without putting too much pressure on myself. Quite simply, if I
have something to talk about I will do it here rather than at length on my Instagram…
Anyway, I am back with a first impression review of the
newly released Ren acid toner. I’ve been using this every night for just over a
week, and I wanted to share my thoughts. Touted to be similar to Pixi Glow
Tonic without the glycolic, this has been everything I wanted it to be and more.
When I first saw that Ren were releasing a lactic acid based toner in a pump
style bottle I knew I had to have it. Even if I didn’t ‘need’ it!
The star player in this formulation is Lactic Acid which is
hailed as a gentler, more tolerated alternative to Glycolic. This milder AHA is
becoming much more popular within the beauty industry and I can totally see
why. It delivers results without stripping the skin or leaving it uncomfortable.
I personally cannot use glycolic as it causes me irritation no matter what
percentage I use, so I had really high hopes for this.
In addition to the lactic, salicin (willow bark extract) has
also been included, this is a popular natural exfoliant which is both
anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial. These ingredients combined work together
to clear pores, smooth the skin and improve texture/tone whilst minimising
irritation.
Another interesting inclusion is Azelaic Acid precursor
which without going into too much detail is an organic compound found in wheat,
rye and barley. To be honest I haven’t really heard much about this ingredient
but after doing a little research have found that it has many skincare
benefits! Primarily it is used to treat rosacea and like Salicin has
anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial powers which helps prevent clogged pores. But
from what I understand Ren have included this ingredient for its abilities to
help with pigmentation and promote the brightening of the skin, which leads to
the name ‘ready steady glow’!
Anyway, now onto the bit you all want to know, does it
deliver! So far yes…
I’ve been applying around 4 pumps of this to a cotton pad, gently
sweeping across my skin, paying particular attention to congestion prone areas.
There is a slight tingle and immediate mild redness but nothing that doesn’t disappear
within minutes. Based on this sensation I thought that maybe my skin would
react, but have been pleasantly surprised that my skin can tolerate this regularly.
Although, half way through the first week I did notice my skin was feeling a
little sensitive, so decided to back off and refrain from using it that
particular day, but continued the following evening and all has been fine since
then. No irritation has occurred.
In terms of results, without sounding like a cliché, my skin
straight away looks brighter and more glowy after use! I imagine that using
this paired with the mask in this range would be amazing when you want to get a
radiance hit and lift dull skin.
Since adding this to my routine my skin has stayed blemish and
bump free, even during my hormonal week, which is no mean feat! The texture
around my jawline and chin area has improved, it’s the most prone to clogged
pores but is currently smooth and calm! Of course, it may not solely be down to
this, but in general if my skin is exfoliated regularly with formulations that
suit my skin, breakouts/congestion occur rarely.
The biggest change in my skin which I’ve only noticed in the
last few days especially is that I am not as oily. Usually come early afternoon
my skin is in much need of powder, but it’s not been required. I look in the
mirror and feel comfortable with how my skin looks. Glowy, not greasy. In fact,
I haven’t felt the need to even look in the mirror, oily skin folks will know
what I mean, I haven’t been getting the urge! It could be a complete co-incidence
but rarely do I find something that improves sebum production! I will keep a
watchful eye and will continue to report back my thoughts!
The only thing I would say is it is fragranced. I personally
have no issues with this and I quite like the citrus scent, but it may be too
strong for some. It has mandarin peel oil, orange flower oil, grapefruit peel
oil and tangerine peel oil alongside added fragrance. These are lower down the
list of ingredients and aren’t a concern for me but it may not be suited to
highly sensitive skins. Saying that I wouldn’t disregard this tonic based on
this, I have sensitivities towards some essential oils and fragrance but I really
think it depends on the quality/formulation and quantity used.
To wrap this up it has been the perfect boost to my skincare
regime, it has refreshed my skin and lifted it to a happier place. The
formulation is gentle but very effective especially compared to other ‘acid
toners’ on the market. The only other product that I have tried that possibly
rivals this in terms of results is Sunday Riley Good Genes, but this is much
more affordable! The pump delivery system is fun and practical, a design I wish
other brands would take note of! I am looking forward to seeing the longer-term
results, but based on my feelings so far, I am convinced this is going to be
hugely popular in the beauty world and a product you will be seeing a lot more
of. Especially in my skin routine!
Ingredients:
Aqua (Water), Sodium Lactate, Lactic Acid, Heptyl Glucoside, Potassium Azeloyl Diglycinate, Triethyl Citrate, Glyceryl Caprylate, Salix Nigra (Willow) Bark Extract, Benzoic Acid, Citrus Nobilis (Mandarin) Peel Oil, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis (Orange) Flower Oil, Citrus Grandis (Grapefruit) Peel Oil, Citrus Tangerina (Tangerine) Peel Oil, Heptanol, Parfum* (Fragrance), Limonene
You can purchase this whopping 250ml bottle from here for £25.00 at Cult Beauty.
Have you tried this yet? If so I would love to hear your
thoughts!
Thanks for reading xx
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