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.
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.
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.
How Often Should You Use Paula's Choice BHA Liquid Exfoliant? On the official Paula's Choice website it says to: “Apply it once or twice daily after cleansing and/or toning.”
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.
BHAs are less irritating: Any acid can be drying and irritating if you use it at the wrong concentration or pH, or if you apply it too frequently for your skin. However, AHAs (especially glycolic acid) are more often associated with irritation, redness and inflammation.
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.
How often should I use Paula's Choice BHA Exfoliant? You can use Paula's Choice BHA every day— exfoliating once either in the morning or evening (pick whichever is most convenient for you). Many people with stubborn clogged pores have great results using a Paula's Choice BHA exfoliant twice per day.
Salicylic Acid also acts as an inflammatory agent, soothing inflammations and pimples with ease. It has naturally soothing properties and it might work for sensitive skin too.
Paula's Choice CALM Restoring Moisturizer for Normal to Dry Skin harnesses the soothing, fortifying effects of non-fragrant, gentle plant oils & extracts to combat uneven tone, soften the look of redness, and enhance skin's ability to retain moisture.
Step 2: Exfoliant for rosacea-prone skin A BHA exfoliant cleans your pores, soothes your skin and works as an anti-inflammatory. It's the ideal product to prevent the symptoms of rosacea-prone skin, such as redness and pimples, as much as possible.
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.
Paula's Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant is an acid exfoliating toner, not to be confused with a toner (which you usually use after you removed your makeup). Exfoliating toners are a skincare treatment, usually recommended for uneven skin, with texture, and for their anti-aging effect.
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!
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.
It's possible to use Niacinamide and BHA apart. First, apply BHA, wait at least 30 minutes, then Niacinamide. That should give it appropriate time so both products can work at their intended pH level. When layering skincare products, always go from lowest to highest pH.
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.
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.
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.
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.
If you struggle with dry skin, topical application of niacinamide has been shown to boost the hydrating ability of moisturisers so the skin's surface can better resist the moisture loss that leads to recurrent dry, tight, flaky skin.
Classic K-Beauty acids like COSRX BHA Blackhead Power Liquid contain approximately 4% of betaine salicylate (a type of BHA) and can technically be used every day. 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.
Depending on the products you were using before, you may see an overnight improvement. Enhanced results will occur within 2–8 weeks, and will increase and be maintained over time.