Best Facial Exfoliant, Research has shown that beta hydroxy acids (also known as salicylic acid), exfoliants can improve skin texture and clarity. However, some users experience a “purging phase” when they first use them. This is where they actually get more acnes. When using a BHA exfoliant, does the old saying “it gets worse before you get better” still hold true?
Is Paulas Choice – BHA good for skin?
It is possible, but only for some people. BHA is oil-soluble so it can exfoliate not only the skin’s surface but also the pore lining. This type of exfoliation can cause a mass exodus or oily substances to the surface of the skin, which can lead to more breakouts.
Because salicylic acid is known to help skin cells turn at a faster pace, a concentrated BHA formulation can quickly bring out pimples that were already present before you began using it. Although it sounds counterintuitive, it is possible for some people.
The breakouts that you notice after using a BHA will have appeared eventually or would have remained in the pores, clogging and expanding them. It’s good to see this movement even though it can be alarming when there are new breakouts.
What to do if your Paulas Choice – BHA Exfoliant causes breakouts
Our recommendation: We recommend that you give your Best Facial Exfoliant at least two weeks of daily use. Reduce the frequency of your use if it is too harsh on your skin. You will notice smoother and clearer skin in a very short time.
Other causes of breakouts when using a BHA exfoliant
It would be remiss to not mention that breakouts can also be caused by factors other than the BHA. If a woman’s period coincides with the time she uses a BHA, or any other product, you may blame the product. This is why you should give a new product another chance before you assume it’s the reason for your breakout.
It is also a good idea take inventory of the products you are using in your daily routine. Most often, the problem is not caused by one product. It’s a combination of products. If you are using multiple products at once, it is possible to switch to lighter textures. For example, switching from creams to lotions or gels. This can often make a big difference. It can take some trial and error to determine the right combination of products to use when you have breakouts.
How to treat reactions from a BHA exfoliant
If you believe you are experiencing an allergic reaction to BHA exfoliant immediately stop using it and observe how your skin reacts. BHA is naturally anti-inflammatory, but you might be sensitive. This is particularly true for people allergic to aspirin because salicylic acid (BHA), which is chemically identical to the long-standing pain reliever, is also sensitive.
All that being said, if Paula’s Choice exfoliant is not for you, you can return it within 60 days. Our world-class Customer Service team will be happy to help you get back on track. We invite you to contact them at your convenience!
Yes, there were still endless Instagram posts about the French body lotion that every influencer has (you know it). For the most, I could not resist. I wanted to feel good about my skin without spending a lot of money each month. So I was initially a bit conflicted when I received my first Paula’s Choice Skin Perfecting 22% BHA Liquid Exfoliant press sample.
Since I had Eliminated cleanser My skin looked better than ever after I reduced the number of products I used daily. However, I didn’t want to throw away a good product that was well-reviewed online. It was finally worth the effort. It was a great decision. Since then, I’ve never looked back.
The Best Facial Exfoliant has changed my skin’s texture. I use it nightly. Although my skin was clearer before, it’s now smoother. The tone is even more even, and my skin has less of the reddening that it is naturally prone too. Here’s a breakdown of what you need to know about me, my skin, and this product.
PAULA’S SCHOICE SKIN EXFOLIANT 2% BHA LIQUID
STAR RATING4.9/5
BEST FOR:Any skin type, especially those with reddening or wrinkles.
Uses:Exfoliate the skin and then nix a
ny breakouts to balance it.
ACTIVE INGREDIENTSSalicylic acid and camellia Oleifera leaf extract are the ingredients.
BYRDIE CLEAN Yes
PRICE$30
ABOUT THE BRANDPaula’s Choice’s philosophy revolves around “smart and safe beauty”. They pride themselves on creating effective, fragrance-free and cruelty-free products, backed up by scientific research.
About My Skin: Cystic acne can occasionally occur, which is prone to redness and dry patches
Although I have been able to get rid of hormonal acne by switching to gentler cleaning methods (micellar water only), using a new toner (Nuria’s Rescue Pore Minimizer Tonner), and drinking a gallon per day, I still experience occasional cystic pimples. To keep my skin hydrated in the colder months, I use Weleda Skin Food (not the light version), and face oil every night.
Ingredients: A gentle but powerful BHA
BHA (beta hydroxy acid) is also known by another name: salicylic acid. This exfoliant has two percent of BHA. It is strong enough to remove dead skin cells while remaining on the skin overnight. (Or during the day, if you wish to increase the product’s power).
“Beta hydroxy acids dissolve the glue that holds cells together in the skin, leading to a gentle exfoliation,” Dr. Maggie Kober, a dermatologist with Apostrophe (a skincare service that connects people to board-certified dermatologists online) explains.
BHAs are oil-soluble and absorb well in oily or acne-prone patients. The pH of the bottle will determine how much acid is left. This depends on what pH is between 3-4. The pH of this product is between 3.2 and 3.8. It can be a great addition to your dermatologist’s treatment plan, especially if you have sensitive skin.
The Feel : It’s like an oily toner
The first thing you’ll notice when you apply the product to your skin (via a cotton pad), is its oily texture. It would feel similar to a combination of a toner and a face oil. Sometimes it can feel a bit astringent but it is only mildly irritating for a few seconds unless there has been a recent pimple. After letting the product soak in, I apply a thick moisturizer to my skin. I don’t notice any greasiness at that point.
