BHAs: Clear pores and help reduce acne

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Beta hydroxy acids (BHAs) are a group of exfoliating acids that are oil-soluble, making them particularly effective at penetrating into the pores to remove debris, oil, and dead skin cells.

Salicylic acid is the most commonly used BHA in skincare, and it has been shown to have a number of positive effects making it a popular ingredient in acne treatments. Overall, incorporating BHAs into a skincare routine can help to promote clear, smooth, and radiant-looking skin.

 

What is the difference between BHAs and AHAs?

The main difference between beta-hydroxy acids (BHAs) and alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs) is the way they work on the skin. AHAs are water-soluble acids that work by exfoliating the skin's surface, while BHAs are oil-soluble acids that work by penetrating the pores to exfoliate from the inside out.

BHAs, such as salicylic acid, are effective at penetrating the pores to remove excess oil and unclog them. In addition, BHAs have anti-inflammatory properties, which can help to soothe and calm irritated skin. AHAs are effective at exfoliating the surface of the skin, so you can think of BHAs working deeper into the skin than AHAs.

 

What effects should I expect when using BHAs?

Salicylic acid products vary in strength from a lower concentration of 0.5% all the way up to higher concentrations of 2% (the maximum allowed when purchasing over the counter). Most products will take a few uses to really see the true results. Although you may notice an improvement after only a few uses of using salicylic acid, it will take several weeks to really see a difference

Introducing salicylic acid products into your skin care routine may trigger a temporary skin reaction known as skin purging, characterized by breakouts, skin dryness, flaking, and peeling, which results from the skincare ingredients accelerating your body's natural process of getting rid of dead skin cells and removing congestion.

 

What are some products that contain BHAs?

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Here are some products that contain salicylic acid as the active ingredient from great-value brands such as CeraVe up to luxury brands such as Bioderma. These products all contain the same active ingredient, so choose the one that bests matches your budget!

 

What should I keep in mind when using BHAs?

While BHAs can be very effective at reducing acne and improving skin appearance, they can also be irritating to some people, so it's important to start with a low concentration and gradually increase as tolerated. Additionally, it's important to wear sunscreen during the day when using BHAs.