You do not need to wash off exfoliating serums or similar skincare products. Serums generally benefit the skin the most when they are remaining on the skin for the longest amount of time.
After exfoliating, make sure you thoroughly rinse away the product and any dead skin cells and then pat your skin dry with a clean towel. ”Apply a moisturizer or shea butter following your [exfoliating] and shower/soak to help your skin retain moisture and look radiant,” advises Burns.
Wait times might matter
The reason I personally leave acids on for 15-20 minutes before moving to other steps is due to my preference for gentler formulations that contain weaker concentrations of acids.
There are two things you need to remember post-exfoliation: moisturizer and sun protection. Chemical exfoliants do have the potential to leave skin feeling dry. To combat this, moisturize well immediately afterward. You'll also need to apply SPF, as AHAs and BHAs can make skin more sensitive to the sun.
If you use a scrub or chemical exfoliator, apply the product gently using small, circular motions. Do this for about 30 seconds, and then rinse off with lukewarm — not hot — water. If you use a brush or sponge, use short light strokes. Never exfoliate if you have open cuts or wounds or if your skin is sunburned.
Most experts advise that you exfoliate two to three times per week — as long as your skin can handle it. Chemical exfoliants tend to be fine to use more regularly. Physical methods, on the other hand, may be too abrasive to use multiple times a week.
BHAs are thought to self-neutralize after about 20 minutes, so most skincare experts advise letting it fully dry for at least 15 minutes before continuing with your regular skincare routine (i.e. essences, serums, moisturizers, spot treatments).
An occasional-use rinse-off BHA peel should be applied to cleansed skin and rinsed after several minutes. Pat skin dry and follow with the rest of your routine.
Short answer is: Yes! You certainly can. To make niacinamide and AHAs/BHA work together, layer them on your cleansed face—just 30 minutes apart. You can also use them at different times of day, use niacinamide in the morning and AHAs/BHA at night.
Niacinamide should be used after your BHA exfoliant. From there, you can apply the rest of your products in order of thinnest to thickest texture.
Following with a soothing serum, replenishing moisturizer, and SPF during the day will help to protect and strengthen the skin's moisture barrier. Either way, sunscreen is absolutely necessary when using AHAs or BHAs!
When it comes to AHAs, it's crucial not to use too much, too soon. "Do not overuse an alpha-hydroxy-acid product," confirms Bolder. “Once every other day is plenty, unless you are on a programme with an expert that says otherwise.” However, it is often safe to use BHA daily.
Start by cleansing your face and patting it dry, ensuring there is as little residual moisture as possible. Do not apply on wet skin. Next, apply the product evenly like a mask across your face and neck using your fingertips, avoiding the eye area, and leave it on for no more than ten minutes.
First, don't exfoliate more than twice a week. Second, wash your face first. Preferably with a face cleanser that not only takes the dirt and grime off your face, but also hydrates and rejuvenates it so your skin doesn't feel dry and tight after you wash.
Luckily for us, yes, niacinamide is perfectly safe to use with salicylic acid due to the fact it contains humectant properties. This allows the ingredient to absorb moisture from the surrounding atmosphere and other product formulas and locking them into the different layers of the skin.
Can You Mix Niacinamide with BHAs and AHAs? According to Dr. Spey, “when mixed with AHAs or BHAs, niacinamide will raise the skin's pH level, making the resulting combination less acidic, while also lowering the concentration of both active ingredients.”
“AHAs and BHAs can certainly be combined. For example, for oily skin, a salicylic-based cleanser can be used followed by a glycolic acid toner. Generally, a glycolic acid is great for dry, dehydrated or combination skin, whereas salicylic acid would be perfect for oily/spot-prone/acne skin.
Gently apply using fingers or a cotton pad over entire face and neck, including the eye area (avoid lash line and eyelids) after cleansing and toning. Do not rinse. Start Slowly: Apply every other day and note skin's response. Then use up to twice daily.
No, you should not use the Paula's Choice BHA everyday when you first start using it. Suggested by Paula's Choice you use it every other day to allow your skin to get used to it. You'll likely want to start using it everyday because the results are so amazing.
Wipe the pad over the affected areas. Do not rinse off medicine after treatment.
You don't need to wait for the BHA or AHA to absorb or dry; you can apply any other product in your routine - moisturiser, serum, eye cream, or sunscreen - immediately afterwards. Experiment with different strengths of glycolic acid or salicylic acid to see which concentration gives you the best results.
Instead, salicylic acid can be effective in the following ways: Gels or Creams: Apply a small amount of these solutions directly to affected areas on the skin and rub them in until they're no longer visible. Don't rinse or remove after application.
How long does chemical exfoliation take to work? A. If you have chosen the right exfoliant for your skin type, chemical exfoliation can show results from the very first use. You can see visible changes in your skin from 3 weeks onwards, however, regular use is necessary to maintain the results for the long run.
Since chemical exfoliants do not involve rubbing the skin, they are generally safer than many physical exfoliants. Hydroxy acids, such as salicylic and glycolic acids, have the ability to penetrate the skin for deeper exfoliation.