While the Paula's Choice 2% Liquid BHA has been doing a great job at cleaning out my pores and made my skin super soft at first, over the past couple days I've noticed a stinging/burning sensation after applying it and my skin has started flaking and feeling very dry and tight.
Markowitz warns that AHAs and BHAs are strong humectants that have a peeling effect and can cause the skin to dry out if overused. For this reason, they should be used when you want your skin to glow a few times a week as opposed to every day.
There is no wait time required between applying your serum and moisturizer. You can even choose to mix them together in the palm of your hand before applying.
But our BHA products go even farther, helping with blemishes, blackheads, and enlarged pores; they also benefit skin with hydrating and anti-aging ingredients.
Product absorbs quickly and feel weightless. Skin texture is even and smooth with almost no feeling left behind. Congested pores should not increase and skin should not feel oilier. Depending on the products you were using before, you may see overnight improvement.
You don't need to wait for your BHA or AHA to absorb or dry; you can apply any other product in your routine—moisturizer, serum, eye cream, or sunscreen—immediately afterward.
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).
Dry Skin Relief
Paula's Choice Skincare knows from years of in-depth research that dry skin of any age needs these key elements—emollients, antioxidants, skin-restoring and skin-replenishing ingredients—to soften, restore hydration, and prevent moisture loss.
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.
We're proud to say that every product from Paula's Choice Skincare is formulated to be non-irritating and without added fragrance (natural or synthetic). All of these products are formulated to nurture skin back to a healthy state in the gentlest way possible; they are even gentle enough for eczema-prone skin.
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.
– don't apply your acids on wet skin. Wet skin leads to irritation with acids, so it's better to let your skin dry before applying your product (at least a few minutes or even 30 minutes if you want to be sure).
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.
In the first few uses, the liquid left a slight sting-tingle, but that just meant it was working. The feeling went away after a while, and it never left my skin feeling dry or over-sensitive. Sometimes, these cult-favorite skincare products are over-hyped, but Paula's BHA exfoliating liquid isn't one of them.
They're both chemical exfoliants that help remove dead skin cells from the top layer of your skin. Some say AHAs and BHAs have anti-aging effects, like smoothing fine lines and improving the texture of skin.
BHA is ideal for oily, blemish-prone skin skin because it exfoliates inside pores and helps prevent breakouts. AHA is recommended for sun-damaged and normal to dry skin because it exfoliates the skin's surface while helping it hold onto more moisture.
One user was pleasantly surprised by how quickly the BHA duo worked at removing their acne scars. “I started using this product less than 2 weeks ago and all my acne and acne scars around my mouth area have almost completely vanished,” they wrote. “Amazing product!”
If you've had problems with AHA or BHA exfoliants in the past, they may have contained fragrance or sensitizing ingredients like denatured alcohol—both of which Paula's Choice Skincare products avoid.
"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.
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.
A good rule to follow to simplify things? Wait about one minute between applying each skincare product. This will allow for each one to soak into your skin and to penetrate the pores more thoroughly, leading to more flawless 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.