aha & bha toners compared to GoW Synergistic gel

[cargoee]

Right now for my exfoliating, I'm using GoW AHA/BHA 4% Synergistic Exfo Tonic Gel [1.9pH]
which states- Glycolic/Lactic Acid 2% - AHA exfoliant blend and Salicylic Acid 2% - gentle deep pore exfoliant. ($23.20 for 2 oz.)
I'm wondering how the SN aha and bha tonics compare to this? I know this is a blended product which is a thicker gel application and blends both the aha & bha into one application, where the SN are separate. Do you do them on separate days? do you use only one and not the other? How does the pH compare and are there any other differences?
I'm just curious as to the efficiency of these compared to the in one blend.


I also use the GoW Mandelic Acid 10% Yes Alcohol / Yes Seaweed Ph 1.9 - 2.2
Does SN have *anything* that is comparable to a Mandelic acid?

[karen]

For me, as a formulator, and as a user of AHA's- I prefer a more gentle product used more frequently. Ours is made to be about as gentle as an AHA can be while still being effective. Glycolic is a smaller molecule so it penetrates deeper, and stings more- combined with the lower pH it's probably a deeper peel.

We use lactic acid which is the most mild feeling with a pH of 3.5, and with aloe vera so it helps fight the irritation. If you've been using the GoW gel you probably won't even feel ours. I haven't tried the GoW gel, but a pH of 1.9 does sting quite a bit.

You can layer AHA and BHA toners- they serve different purposes, and it's not a big deal. In the bottle they don't really mix- the BHA in the willow bark extract we use comes out of solution, but on your face, you'll be fine. I do it pretty frequently.

It's really a your mileage may vary situation. I've tried different acids, different concentrations, different pH levels, and this isn't the deepest peel available, but it's still very effective for basic exfoliation.

[cargoee]

Karen, thanks so much for your reply.
I had been having some huge skin issues and worked up to the Synergistic gel. At first it was stinging as you said, but I don't feel it anymore. I'm coming close to being out of it and wondered should I re-order or replace it. I really don't want my skin to revert, but am hesitant to continue with the harsher... would like to see if I can maintain where I'm at with a milder approach.
I ordered a sample of both your toners in my order and will see how they go!

[JenK]

I am a huge fan of both GoW and SN skincare. SN is much more gentle and just as effective long term. I actually get better results long term w/ SN products. Have you tried either the Super Serum or Vit C serums...awesome for so many skin issues. I find I don't need a strong exfoliant when I use them, a toner is enough and I often don't even need that.

On a side note, I was ADDICTED to Mandelic Acid for about a year!! I stopped cold turkey...LOL!! I thought I might need a 12 step program to get off it!!