It can also be used if you suffer from Keratosis Pilaris, especially in combination with a water-soluble body wash. Sensitive skin: BHA has soothing properties that are ideal for sensitive, red skin, whatever your skin type.
Exfoliants containing BHA are safe to use for all skin tones and types and do not increase the skin's sensitivity to the sun.
Although AHAs are often marketed as safe for all skin types, you'll want to take care if you have extremely dry and sensitive skin. You may need to gradually work up to daily use to avoid irritating your skin. BHAs, on the other hand, are primarily used for acne and sun damage.
At a concentration of 0.5% salicylic acid, if you have a particularly sensitive skin type or prefer to use smaller amounts of active – but use them every day, then Benton Aloe BHA Skin Toner Tonique is the best BHA exfoliant for you.
BHA is the preferred option for normal to oily or combination skin that's prone to bumps & blemishes. 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.
Sensitive skin: BHA has soothing properties that are ideal for sensitive, red skin, whatever your skin type.
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.
You may have heard that AHAs are best for exfoliating, brightening and anti-aging, while BHAs are only suitable for people with acne. Fortunately, that simply isn't true.
"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.
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.
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.
Alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) are often found in products made to treat acne since they help to remove dead skin and prevent clogged pores. Even better, AHAs can also help make acne scars appear less noticeable. The mild acid exfoliates the outer layer of the skin to help remove discoloration and rough skin.
Exfoliant: a BHA exfoliant contains salicylic acid. Salicylic acid removes dead skin cells and also cleans pores inside. This helps to reduce existing blackheads and to prevent new ones.
Alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) and beta hydroxy acids (BHAs) are chemical exfoliants that can totally transform your skin game. While AHA helps renew the skin's surface, BHA gets deeper into the pores to remove dead cells and excess sebum. Alpha hydroxy, beta hydroxy and Vitamin C are all acidic ingredients.
Two common ingredients in beauty and skin care products are alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) and beta hydroxy acids (BHAs). They're both chemical exfoliants that help remove dead skin cells from the top layer of your skin.
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.
It may take 5-14 days to see results (source) Don't give up! My reactive skin had zero irritations and redness. I was extremely relieved as most acne products were too strong for me. Just avoid eczema spots or any other sensitive areas on your face.
The final word on AHA vs BHA
If you don't have sun damage but do have enlarged pores or acne-prone skin, you likely only need a BHA-containing product. If you have sun damage and acne-prone skin or enlarged pores, a combination AHA/BHA product would be the most comprehensive solution.
When it comes to reducing large pores, a leave-on exfoliant with Salicylic Acid (a BHA i.e. beta hydroxy acid) is your best friend.
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.
AHAs and BHAs can be pretty strong, so combining them with hyaluronic acid is a great way to replenish the skin at the same time to make sure that the acids aren't too harsh on the skin.
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.
Does BHA Make Skin Purge? The answer is: Maybe … for some people. 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.