What is BHA?
BHA (Beta Hydroxy Acid), also known as Salicylic Acid is a chemical exfoliant that is able to penetrate deep into our skin’s pores and unclog them.
You can find BHA’s in a variety of:
- cleansers
- toners
- moisturisers
- scrubs
- peels
- Masks
The purpose of BHA’s is to exfoliate the skin.
Depending on the concentration, a related product may remove dead skin cells from the surface of the skin, or it may remove the whole outermost layer.
How does a BHA exfoliant work?
Exfoliation helps your skin look younger, promote blood flow, collagen production, and improve overall skin health.
Is BHA suitable for all skin types?
BHAs are primarily used for acne and sun damage.
If you have oily or combination skin and deal with pimples and blackheads (acne-prone), BHA's are a fantastic ingredient to incorporate into your routine.
These products go deep into your hair follicles to dry out excess oils and dead skin cells to unclog your pores.
Lower concentrations may be used to help calm sensitive skin.
You may also have more success with BHAs if you wanted to reduce rosacea-related redness.
Too high of a concentration can potentially cause irritation, dryness and peeling - don't forget to keep your skin moisturized as well!
How often should you use BHA products?
You can use BHA’s everyday, but you may need to apply a few times per week at first until your skin gets accustomed to them.
To help prevent further sun damage, remember to wear sunscreen every single day!