![]() Will a BHA exfoliant clear acne?Īcne can be a complicated and multilayered skin condition and unfortunately no one ingredient can solve it right away (trust us, we wish we could say it could). Having said that, some people find that they get all of the exfoliation benefits without needing the increase. If your skin tolerates it well and you want more oomph for fighting blemishes and tackling oil, build up to using yours three times a week. When it comes to usage, each toner will come with its own instructions – read them! – but a good general rule is to start with once a week and see how you go. If your skin is more resilient and you want the stronger stuff, you can find formulas with up to 10% BHA, but we'd recommend building up to this slowly. So, if you’re a BHA newbie, or struggle with sensitivity, it’s best to start off around the 2% mark, which is enough for you to see a difference without leaving skin irritated. Don’t be fooled into thinking a milder exfoliant will be less effective: the aim here is to get the benefits of exfoliation without destroying your skin barrier, which can result in more blemishes, irritation and discomfort. The lower the percentage, the less irritating it will be for your skin. ![]() First off is the percentage of BHA you use. There are a few important points to consider. The short answer is no, most people do not need an acid exfoliator everyday. There’s no set rule on how often you should use a BHA exfoliant, as it depends on your skin type and the formula you decide to use. "It also has anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties and is typically used for skin exfoliation and treating acne and blemishes.” Because of this, your humble salicylic acid exfoliant might actually be your new best friend if you’re looking for an oil and blemish-busting formula. To compare, “glycolic acid just has one carbon atom between the hydroxy and acid portion of the molecule.” “It is this property that makes salicylic acid more oil soluble, allowing it to penetrate deep into the pores to break down skin cells and sebum and clear the blockages that can often result in acne and breakouts," explains Dr Veraitch. “This means there are two carbon atoms between the hydroxy and acid portion of the molecule,” says consultant dermatologist, Dr Ophelia Veraitch. If you fancy getting science-y, right this way. AHAs are water-soluble so tend to work on the surface of the skin, whereas BHA is oil-soluble, meaning it can get deeper into the skin to dissolve dead skin cells. Although AHAs and BHAs are similar in that they both work to exfoliate via active ingredients, it’s worth noting the differences. Although BHA has been a buzzword in skincare for a while now, you might be wondering what it actually means? Unlike its cousin AHAs (alpha hydroxy acids), in which there are a few different types (think glycolic acid and lactic acid), there is only one BHA that’s used in skincare: salicylic acid.
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