If you use cosmetics with BHAs and experience skin irritation or prolonged stinging, stop using the product and consult your physician. Follow the use instructions on the label. Do not exceed the recommended applications. Avoid using BHA-containing products on infants and children.
How to use BHAs. BHAs are also designed for daily use, but you may need to apply a few times per week at first until your skin gets accustomed to them. Although BHAs don't make your skin as sensitive to the sun compared to AHAs, you should still wear sunscreen every single day. This will help prevent further sun damage ...
BHAs can help soothe inflammation in those with sensitive skin or rosacea, Green added. You'll just need to use them less frequently — a few times a week to start — and pick products with a lower concentration of active ingredients.
Users of BHAs will reap the skin-calming properties of the acid (it gets bonus points for being gentle enough for sensitive skin types, including those prone to redness or rosacea). This rings true with the most familiar type of BHA, salicylic acid, too.
Some say AHAs and BHAs have anti-aging effects, like smoothing fine lines and improving the texture of skin. Researchers suggest that either ingredient also has the potential to make you more sensitive to the sun when you put it on your skin.
Acids - The most common acids that can cause skin purging are AHA's and BHA's, which include salicylic acid, malic acid, glycolic acid, and mandelic acid.
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.
Generally speaking, dermatologists say purging should be over within four to six weeks of starting a new skin care regimen. If your purge lasts longer than six weeks, consult your dermatologist.
The Best BHA Exfoliants
suitable for not just acne-prone skin but anyone looking for gentle exfoliation, clarifying and brightening. It features 0.75% in a gel-like serum with aloe vera and other botanical ingredients.
Research has shown that a beta hydroxy acid (BHA, also known as salicylic acid) exfoliant can help create a clearer complexion, unclog pores, and renew skin's texture, but some first-time users report experiencing a "purging phase" initially, where they actually have more breakouts.
BHAs are best for oily and acne-prone skin types. You can use both by buying products with both ingredients, or by alternating products. Below are 10 AHA/BHA products worth checking out, and where you can find them.
BHA is oil soluble, meaning it works both on skin's surface and within pores to quickly shed clogging buildup. It's also naturally calming and gentle enough for skin that's sensitive, prone to redness or rosacea.
Many skin care companies add hydroxy acid ingredients to their products because of their reported benefits. AHA and BHA both exfoliate the skin. AHA seems to be more effective for treating issues with skin pigmentation. BHA is less aggressive and irritating and has additional antibacterial properties.
Salicylic Acid Infused Products
When using products formulated with salicylic acid, it's important that you take the appropriate sun protection measures because salicylic acid is a beta hydroxy acid, which can make your skin more sensitive to the sun, per the FDA.
Yes, it is safe to use niacinamide and BHA together. Both formulas are effective yet gentle and contain additional calming and restoring antioxidants. Some people with extra-sensitive skin may find that alternating them by using one in the morning and one at night works best.
The formula's alpha hydroxy acids (glycolic and lactic acids) work to exfoliate the top layers of your skin, helping fade acne scars and brighten dark spots for even-toned, super-glowy skin.
Skin purging typically looks like tiny red bumps on the skin that are painful to touch. They are often accompanied by whiteheads or blackheads. It can also cause your skin to become flaky. The flare ups caused by purging have a shorter lifespan than a breakout.
How to treat skin purging. “If the skin barrier is compromised when you see purging then start ingredients which help with barrier repair, such as ceramides and hyaluronic acid in a non-comedogenic formulation. If you are using a treatment or product continue with a slower approach.”
Using too many AHAs, BHAs, and chemicals at once can cause irritation. In turn, this can make wrinkles, acne, and other skin concerns more noticeable.
How to use BHA and AHA exfoliants. Apply your AHA or BHA exfoliant after the cleanser and toner steps in your routine. If it's a liquid, apply it with a cotton pad; if a lotion or gel, apply it with your fingers.
However, it's not a good idea to start using 4% BHA every day if you've never tried a BHA before. Instead, start off by applying the product once a week. If you experience no adverse reactions (like stinging, dry skin or excessive redness), increase your usage to twice a week.
Products that may cause purging
Retinoids such as Tretinoin, acids such as salicylic, and benzoyl peroxide are just a few of the products that cause purging. These products contain active ingredients that increase the skin cell turnover rate, therefore causing your skin to purge.
Most niacinamide products also contain a variety of other ingredients. If any of these ingredients increase skin cell turnover then they may be behind any 'purging'. Some ingredients can also be 'comedogenic' which means that they are more likely to clog pores and cause breakouts.