Gentle Exfoliation featuring Josh Rosebrook & Deviant Skincare
Your genetics and lifestyle play a big role in the aging of your skin. I was lucky enough to always look a bit younger than I am but even now, a few years later, I don't really have any lines on my face which I attribute to my regular use of acids.
Chemical exfoliation has made the biggest difference to my skin and I don't even feel the need to deep dive into retinol (Vitamin A) yet. I remember vividly when I purchased my first acid treatment/toner and I've come a long way since then.
Why you need to start chemical exfoliation
Exfoliation removes dead skin cells and cleanses clogged pores, revealing fresh and glowing skin. Chemical exfoliators are great to prevent or when you are already seeing first signs of aging. It increases your skin cell turnover, evens out your skin tone and texture and reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
There are three main types:
AHAs - alpha hydroxy acids
- most common type of acid which includes glycolic, mandelic, lactic, malic, citric and tartaric
- they are water-soluble and don't penetrate deeply (except for glycolic acid) into the skin
- they exfoliate your skin, stimulate collagen, normalize the outer layer of your epidermis
BHA - beta hydroxy acid
- there's only one type of this acid: salicylic acid
- it's oil-soluble meaning it can penetrate through the oils in your pores
- exfoliates your skin, helps to decongest your pores, great for spots or acne
PHAs - polyhydroxy acids
- gentler type of acid which includes gluconolactone, lactobionic, maltobionic and more.
- they work similarly to AHAs but are gentler on the skin and cause less irritation (great for sensitive or rosacea-prone skin)
When it comes to acids a higher percentage doesn't equal better results. Instead try to incorporate a gentle acid toner which you use a few times per week. Remember that exfoliation is a marathon and not a sprint.
I have two acid toners I will compare in this post which are both great additions to your skincare routine, no matter if you just start off with acids or you're a pro.
Josh Rosebrook Daily Acid Toner vs.
Deviant Skincare Gentle Resurfacing Liquid
What it's about
Since they're similar products they obviously promise similar effects, let's take a look at what the brands say:
'Josh Rosebrook's Daily Acid Toner is a multi-benefit, exfoliating, brightening skin toning treatment that works to visibly improve aging, damaged skin, help slow skin deterioration, and improve skin texture and structure. This luxurious facial acid toner helps resurface, soften, and firm skin while working to stimulate collagen production and increase skin hydration.' from joshrosebrook.com
'An exfoliating formula with a blend of AHAs and PHA to gently remove dissolve the bonds binding dull, dead cells to skin’s surface. The toner-like fluid stimulates cellular renewal to improve the appearance of imperfections, fine lines, discolouration and the appearance of enlarged pores. Green Tea and Licorice Root help brighten, whilst White Tea, Mushroom and Gotu Kola soothe and calm the skin, revealing a luminous, refined complexion.' from deviantskincare.com
The Key Ingredients
Daily Acid Toner
Hibiscus Flower Acid: exfoliates, reduces hyperpigmentation, improves skin hydration and barrier function. It's a non-singular acid which contains pyruvic, malic, tartaric, and citric acid that also has antioxidative properties (Wow!).
Glycolic Acid (AHA): Alpha Hydroxy Acid that exfoliates, reduces hyperpigmentation, thickens and firms the skin.
Green Tea: antioxidant with anti-inflammatory properties, helps to brighten and improve skin tone.
Aloe Vera: hydrating, wound healing with anti-inflammatory and soothing properties.
Gentle Resurfacing Liquid
AHA Blend (Mandelic, Lactic, Glycolic, Malic and Citric Acids): blend of different AHAs to exfoliate dead skin cells to reveal a smoother, brighter and more even complexion.
Gluconolactone (PHA): Polyhydroxy Acid which is a gentler version of an AHA. PHA’s also act as a humectant, drawing moisture into the skin.
Salicylic Acid (BHA): Beta Hydroxy Acid reduces blemishes and congestion.
Green + White Tea: antioxidants with anti-inflammatory properties, helping reduce free radical damage and signs of inflammation. Green Tea also helps to brighten and improve skin tone.
Licorice Root: skin brightening and soothing properties that reduce redness and neutralize free radicals.
Mushroom: antioxidant that evens out skin tone and hydrates.
Feel & Results
I love how beautifully formulated, incredibly gentle yet effective both products are.
I would say that the Daily Acid Toner is slightly more gentle and can be used daily without any irritations (I know, you're probably thinking: duh, Kahina it's called 'Daily Acid Toner' for a reason. Yes, you're right, but I found that sometimes products are marketed to be used daily/multiple times per week and my face would fall off if I did that. You don't have to stick to the instructions, see it more like a suggestion and listen to your skin.). I also love the hydrating properties of this product. Immediately after application my skin feels super hydrated and slightly tacky which I actually kinda like and don't mind as I follow up with other products.
With regular use I found that my skin is left super smooth, resurfaced and firm. I haven't noticed a big difference in skin brightening yet, but will continue to use it and see if it takes more time for my skin.
When I started using the Gentle Resurfacing Liquid I noticed the slightest tingle yet it wasn't irritating at all. So far, I have used this on alternating nights which is working very well for me. It feels less hydrating than the DAT but the Salicylic acid in there reduces the appearance of my pores which I definitely need with my combination skin.
My skin is left so smooth, more even toned and refined.
Price
Both products contain 100ml, the JR Daily Acid Toner* retails for 32€ and the DS Gentle Resurfacing Liquid for 37,40€. I think the price for both products is absolutely fair and the elegant formulas are definitely worth much more (please don't increase the price though, haha).
Final Thoughts
Maybe you wanted me to choose one product over the other but honestly, I can't. I love them both. I am completely impressed by the gentleness, efficacy and packaging design.
Both products are great if you're totally new to acids, but also for experienced acid users, as they deliver results without the irritation.
If you prefer a slightly more hydrating formula, then the Daily Acid Toner is for you.
If you're more prone to breakouts or impurities, I think the Gentle Resurfacing Liquid could be for you.
Have you tried either of them? If not, which one would you love to try? Let me know in the comments or on Instagram.
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*Available on amazingy.com (PR Sample)
All brands and products mentioned in the article were named without payment and solely by personal choice. Brand names and product recommendations are currently to be marked as advertising content according to the law.