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).
For example, when you apply a BHA (beta hydroxy acid), like in Some By Mi's AHA BHA PHA 30Days Miracle Toner, it can feel a bit abrasive, so you may want to wait a good 20 minutes to let it sink in before you use a moisturizer over it to calm your skin.
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.
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.
3 answers. Your face will get red burn marks - I left it on for slightly too long under my eyes (above the cheekbone - directly under the eyes is too sensitive for this peel) and I had red marks that night and the next day.. definitely not worth it.
(Don't forget to finish with sunscreen during the day.) 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.
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.
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.
How long does it take to work? You will find there are some instant results when using a product containing salicylic acid, particularly chemical toners. The skin will appear fresher looking with a healthy glow, in regards to treating any breakouts or other blemishes, you can expect to see results in 4-6 weeks.
"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.
– 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).
You can test this yourself with a well formulated exfoliant: at night, apply your AHA or BHA as usual after cleansing and toning, and do a "split-test." Wait 20 minutes before applying your serum and/or moisturizer to one side, but the other side of your face, apply those next steps immediately.
Can I moisturise after salicylic acid? Absolutely, if anything I strongly suggest moisturising after using salicylic acid. Not only will this soothe and calm the skin after applying the potent BHA to your skin.
To allow serums to fully absorb, apply and wait 5 minutes before moisturizing. Take note: Well-formulated serums absorb quickly and disappear into your skin. If they leave an oily or sticky residue, they're not doing their job well.
Because BHA is oil-soluble, it exfoliates not only on the surface of skin, but also inside the pore lining. That kind of exfoliation can trigger a mass exodus of inflammatory substances and oil that, under certain conditions, can create more breakouts.
Yes, BHAs can cause initial skin purging, but they also happen to be the most effective way to clear and prevent acne. Not only do they exfoliate dead skin on the surface, but they also deep-clean pores, reduce excess oil, calm inflammation and fade post-acne marks.
While AHAs love water, BHAs love oil. They can bypass the oil that clogs pores and dissolve the mix of sebum and dead skin that leads to acne, as well as stabilize the lining of the pore (which contributes to acne). BHAs clear up blackheads, whiteheads, and have anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties.
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.
Can I use niacinamide after AHA BHA? The short answer is yes you certainly can!
You'll want to use your BHA product first, not only because BHAs are lower in pH but also because they are oil soluble and AHAs are not.
Paula's Choice 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant reduced my breakouts by ~70% after 3 days of using it AM and PM! Note that timing is different for everyone. After 7 days of use, my skin felt very smooth and soft. It may take 5-14 days to see results (source) Don't give up!
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.
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.
Skin Care Ingredients To Avoid Using With The Ordinary AHA BHA Peel. Since this has a high acid content with an exfoliation that is quite intense to the skin, I would recommend avoiding any products with Vitamin C, retinol, or other acids in them after applying this peel to avoid further irritation.