The secret to radiant, younger-looking skin? Exfoliation. If you’re serious about getting your best skin ever, this is a step you can’t miss in your routine. But how to do it right? For a long time, I thought exfoliating skin was easy. Pick a scrub. Use it. Done. Problem was, that often left my skin red and irritated. 🙁
Then, an angel suggested I try chemical exfoliants. But, there was a problem with those, too. No, it’s not because they’re chemicals. Some chemicals are good (water, anyone?). Nope, chemical exfoliants talked a language I didn’t understand. AHAs? BHA? WTH? How is a girl supposed to make sense of all that? Like, can’t someone just start talking plain English and tell you what you have to use, please?
It took me a moment (or three!) to figure out the language of exfoliants and what I discovered changed my skin forever. AHAs and BHA are the only two types of exfoliants that I recommend to my clients these days. But they can’t be used interchangeably. AHAs and BHA have different properties that suit different skin types and needs. So how do you know which one is right for you? Fret not, I answer all your questions in this quick guide:
- What Are AHAs?
- The Benefits Of AHAs
- Who Should Use AHAs?
- Side Effects Of AHAs
- What Are The Best AHAs Exfoliants?
- What IS BHA?
- The Benefits Of BHA
- Who Should Use BHA?
- Side Effects Of BHA
- What Are The Best BHA Exfoliants?
- AHAs VS BHA: How To Choose The Right One For Your Skin Type And Needs
- How To Use AHAs and BHA
- Can You Use AHAs and BHA Together?
- AHAs VS BHA: The Verdict
What Are AHAs?
AHAs is short for alpha hydroxy acids. I know, that’s not much help. Let me start again. AHAs are acids derived from sugar, milk, nuts and fruits. This is why they’re often referred to as fruit acids. Some brands will go even as far as put fruit extract in an exfoliant, instead of the acid itself, claiming it can exfoliate skin (spoiler: it can’t. You need a certain % of the acid itself to do the exfoliating job. Just saying…). The most common types of AHAs used in skincare products are:
- Citric acid: Derived from citrus fruits or yeast fermentation, it has mild exfoliation properties. It’s mostly used in skincare products to adjust their pH instead of exfoliating skin. How can you tell? When it’s used as exfoliant, you’ll find it at the top of the ingredient list. When used as a pH adjuster, it’s at the bottom.
- Glycolic acid: Derived from sugar cane, it’s the smallest of the AHAs. This allows it to penetrate skin deeper than other acids. Translation: it works better and faster. It’s perfect for dry and dehydrated skin.
- Lactic acid: Derived mostly from sugar acne, it’s the largest of the AHAs. It gives results, but more slowly than other acids. This makes it ideal for sensitive skin that can’t tolerate other exfoliating acids.
- Mandelic acid: Derived from bitter almonds, it’s mostly been studied to treat acne (although it’s not the best acid for that job).
The Benefits Of AHAs
AHAs are powerful multitaskers. For starters, they exfoliate skin by dissolving the glue that holds skin cells together. “AHAs exert benefits both to the outer layer of the skin (epidermis) and the deep layer (the dermis),” says board-certified dermatologist Kenneth Howe. “In the epidermis, AHAs have an exfoliative effect, increasing the shedding of dead skin cells retained at the surface. They do this by gently cleaving the retained bonds between dead skin cells. Once cut loose, those cells can then fall off, or exfoliate.” Plus, by shedding away old, uneven-toned skin cells, and replacing them with newer, more even-toned eyes, they help dark spots fade away faster.
Another benefit? AHAs boost the production of collagen, the protein that keeps skin firm. “AHAs do this both by increasing collagen synthesis by fibroblasts (the collagen-producing cells in the skin), and by decreasing degradation of the existing dermal matrix,” continues Dr Kenneth. The more collagen your skin has, the smaller your wrinkles are. Finally, AHAs also hydrate skin, making them ideal for dry skin types.
Who Should Use AHAs?
As a rule of thumb, AHAs are suitable for dry skin. Which one you choose, though, depends on several factors. Here’s a quick guide to help you pick the right one immediately without having to figure things out on your own:
- Citric acid: I don’t recommend this as an exfoliant. There are better options around.
- Glycolic acid: Dry skin and anyone who wants to fade dark spots (and isn’t affected by acne).
- Lactic acid: Sensitive skin that can’t tolerate other acids.
- Mandelic acid: Acne-prone skin that can’t tolerate salicylic acid (BHA).
Struggling to put together a skincare routine that minimises wrinkles, prevents premature aging, and gives your complexion a youthful glow? Download your FREE “Best Anti-Aging Skincare Routine” to get started (it features product recommendations + right application order):
Side Effects Of AHAs
AHAs, especially glycolic acid, can irritate skin and even make it peel at first. That’s why it’s best to start with a small dose (around 5%) a couple of times a week and build up dose and frequency from there slowly. Also, if you exfoliate in the morning, apply sunscreen afterwards. Like all forms of exfoliation, AHAs increase skin’s sensitivity to UV rays.
What Are The Best AHAs Exfoliants?
- Paula’s Choice Advanced Smoothing Treatment 10% AHA ($39.00): This super-concentrated exfoliating cocktail contains Glycolic, Lactic, Malic, and Salicylic Acids to smoothen out imperfections, fade away dark spots, and treat acne. Available at Cult Beauty, Dermstore, Paula’s Choice, Selfridges, and SpaceNK.
- The Ordinary Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution: A simple, no-frills Glycolic Acid exfoliant that brightens the complexion and fades away dark spots. Available at Beauty Bay, Boots, Cult Beauty, Sephora, SpaceNK, The Ordinary, and Ulta.
- The Ordinary Lactic Acid 10% + HA 2% ($8.90): A simple Lactic Acid exfoliant enriched with Hyaluronic Acid to exfoliate and hydrate skin at the same time. Available at Beauty Bay, Boots, Cult Beauty, Sephora, SpaceNK, The Ordinary, and Ulta.
- The Ordinary Mandelic Acid 10% + HA ($6.80): A basic formula with mandelic acid to exfoliate oily-acne prone skin and Hyaluronic Acid to hydrate. Available at Beauty Bay and Ulta.
Related post: Glycolic Acid VS Lactic Acid: Which One Should You Use?
What IS BHA?
BHA stands for Beta Hydroxy Acid. There’s more than one but I use the singular here, because they’re only one form of BHA used in skincare products. I’m talking about salicylic acid. It’s derived from willow tree bark. Although AHAs and BHA are very similar, they differ in their position of the one hydroxyl group. If that’s too scientific for you, know this: Salicylic Acid is oil-soluble. Unlike AHAs, it can penetrate through the skin’s lipid barrier and get inside your pores.
The Benefits Of BHA
Salicylic Acid exfoliates skin the same way AHAs do: they dissolve the glue that holds skin cells together so they can slough and reveal the brighter and smoother skin underneath. This exfoliating action also prevent dead cells from getting stuck in your pores and causing acne and blackheads. But why should you choose it over AHAs then?
Unlike AHAs, BHA is oil-soluble, which means it can treat acne. Here’s how: BHA penetrates deep inside the pores. Once there, it exfoliates them from within, getting rid of blackheads, whiteheads, and pimples. While other exfoliants can only get rid of the head of the blackhead, for example, BHA gets rid of the tail inside your pores. Clean pores = no breakouts. One last thing: Salicylic Acid has anti-inflammatory properties that reduce the redness and irritation that always come along with pimples.
Who Should Use BHA?
Both AHAs and BHA exfoliate skin. The main difference is that AHAs are water-soluble while BHA is oil-soluble. So, only BHA can penetrate and unclog pores.
This makes it a better choice for:
- Oily skin
- Acne-prone skin
- Anyone who wants to get rid of blackheads and whiteheads
If you’re dealing with any of the above, BHA is your ONLY option. You could try other exfoliants, but you’re wasting your money and time. They don’t work as well. Period.
Side Effects Of BHA
Salicylic acid is effective at lower concentrations than AHAs (1% or 2% work a treat). So, it’s less likely to cause irritations. But, it CAN still irritate your skin if you use it too often. Don’t go overboard! And, of course, it increases skin’s sensitivity to UV rays during the day, so don’t skip your sunscreen!
What Are The Best BHA Exfoliants?
- Drunk Elephant T.L.C. Framboos Glycolic Night Serum ($90.00): Don’t let the name fool you. This exfoliant has both salicylic acid to unclog pores and glycolic acid to fade away the dark spots pimples sometimes leave behind. Available at Cult Beauty, Sephora and SpaceNK.
- Paula’s Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid ($29.00): The cult exfoliant from the brand, it unlclogs pores and treats blackheads and acne. The texture’s a little sticky, but if you can take that, this is one of the best salicylic acid exfoliants out there. Available at Cult Beauty, Dermstore, Net-A-Porter, Paula’s Choice, Sephora, and SpaceNK.
- The Inkey List Beta Hydroxy Acid (£9.99): A simple, no-frills salicylic acid exfoliant for people on a budget. Available at Cult Beauty and Sephora.
AHAs VS BHA: How To Choose The Right One For Your Skin Type And Needs
Are you confused about whether to use AHAs or BHA to exfoliate your skin? Which one to choose depends on your skin type and concerns.
If you have oily skin or any type of acne, including blackheads, go with Salicylic Acid. It’s the only exfoliant that can get rid of them.
If your skin is dry but you have blackheads on your nose you want to remove, BHA is still your best bet.
If you have dry skin or want to fade away dark spots, AHAs are your best bet. Lactic acid if your skin is sensitive, Glycolic Acid for everyone else.
Is your skin dry and has acne? Go with salicylic acid.
Do you want to fade away dark spots but your skin is acne-prone? Again, salicylic acid. It doesn’t work as well for dark spots, but you can always use a skin-lightning treatment, like azelaic acid or arbutin, to fade away dark spots.
In other words, if you have pimples, blackheads, or whiteheads, go with Salicylic acid no matter what your skin type is or what other concerns you have. For everyone else, AHAs will work better.
How To Use AHAs and BHA
You use AHAs and BHA in the same way: you apply them right after cleansing, as close to clean skin as possible, every other night. Too much exfoliation is bad for skin. When you remove too many cells and expose the raw skin underneath, your skin gets all red and irritated. Plus, it hurts. A. Lot. Do your skin a favour and exfoliate in moderation. This is especially important if you use other actives, like retinol. Using them on the same night is a no-no. Exfoliate one night, use retinol the next.
The only exception? If your skin is sensitive, use lactic acid no more than twice a week. Your skin is too delicate for frequent exfoliation. Twice a week is more than enough to keep skin radiant and smooth while avoiding irritation.
Can You Use AHAs and BHA Together?
As often in skincare, the answer is an annoying “it depends”. Both AHAs and BHA are exfoliant and your skin doesn’t need multiple exfoliants. One is enough. The more exfoliants you use, the higher the chances you’ll dry out and irritate your skin. I’ve seen this happening more and more since brands started releasing single acid products and people wanted to use all of them for different concerns. Don’t.
If you’re dealing with multiple skin concerns, like acne and dryness, or blackheads and dark spots, pick the one that addresses your main concern. For acne, that’s BHA. For dryness or dark spots, AHAs. Said that, if you want to use both acids, opt for a product that contains both of them, like Drunk Elephant T.L.C. Framboos Glycolic Night Serum. Why? Single exfoliants are formulated to be as powerful as possible. When you use them on the same day or alternate exfoliants every day, your skin gets too much exfoliation. When you use skincare products that combine them already, you only get the right amount of exfoliation you need (unless you overuse them, of course).
AHAs VS BHA: The Verdict
Both AHAs and BHA exfoliate skin. But AHAs are hydrating and collagen-boosting, which makes them ideal for dry and sun-damaged skin. BHA, instead, unclogs pores, making it a must for oily and/or acne-prone skin.
Hello there, I very appreciate your post. Is there any new study showing that AHAs increase the thickness and firmness of the skin? That one quoted above is 18 years old… Thank you!
Pia, I know it’s old, but it hasn’t been disputed yet. 🙂 I found another one, done in 2003. Here’s the link: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12839261
Thank you Gio so much! It is just an incredibly fascinating topic, isn’t?
It is indeed. And you’re most welcome. 🙂
I use Paula’s Choice Resist BHA currently — I have large pores on my nose and a fairly shiny T-zone. However, because I almost never break out, I wonder if AHA isn’t better for me. I am 42 and don’t have noticeable wrinkles yet (genetics — thanks, Mom). I don’t get very dry, except for a little on my nose in the winter. But I do have considerable sun damage, including hyperpigmentation on my forehead and cheeks, and of course I’m concerned about preventing more wrinkles.
Also, I notice you recommend exfoliation 2-3X a week, while Paula Begoun seems to recommend it in the morning and evening. Is that too much?
Thanks in advance for any advice you have, Dr. Gio. 😉
Laurie, you could try alternating them, and use AHAs one day and BHA the next. That way, you get the best of both worlds.
Some experts recommend exfoliating every day, others only two or three times a week. I think the frequency depends on what your skin needs, how much exfoliation it can take, and how strong the exfoliant is. Those with very oily skin may benefit from exfoliating daily, while for those with dry or sensitive skin that can be too much. Also, the higher the concentrations of AHAs or BHA, the higher the risk of irritation is. Because overexfoliating can seriously harm skin, I think it’s best to start exfoliating only two or three times a week and, if you see you need more, then increase frequency gradually.
You make me blush. 😳
That’s great, Gio — thanks so much!
Laurie, you’re welcome. 🙂
I’m using PC’s 2% BHA! I’m going to try out PC’s 5% AHA or PTR’s 10% AHA since I want to use a glycolic for the rest of my face. Right now, I’ve been resorting PC’s 2% BHA for the T-zone and occasional all-over exfoliant.
I use AmorePacific’s Treatment Enzyme peel every few days. I know some use it daily but I just use it when I feel like it. Times when I feel like I need a ‘pick me up’ but most of that mentality stems from just my mood since I doubt I can see when I need to exfoliate haha. (Unless I didn’t exfoliate for weeks would I really really notice?!)
One of my favorite BHA vs AHA posts I’ve read and I’ve looked up a ton. You’re clear, concise, and recommend great products.
Janessa, I think you would notice. Exfoliated skin looks so much better. 😉
With exfoliants it’s always better to start at low concentrations, imo. I’d go with the 5% glycolic and, if you see that works well for your skin, then you can upgrade to the 10%.
Aww thank you! 😳
i love your posts for the information I get here.. I never knew BHA’s are the ones that is for oily skin.. Will keep this in mind next time when i buy any skincare product 😀
Purva, I’m glad you enjoy my posts. BHA is great for oily skin. Let me know how you like it when you try it. 🙂
Thank you for this information!:)
Helena, you’re welcome. 🙂
I’ve only used AHA’s before (outside of salycilic acid containing spot treatments) but I’m going to look into getting a BHA if I can find one that fits my budget (boo, student!)
Katie, if you don’t mind purchasing online or through a representative, you can try Avon Clearskin Professional Acne Mark Treatment. It contains 2% salicylic acid and even some glycolic acid. Clinique Mild Clarifying Lotion isn’t too expensive either. But it’s pretty basic and contains only 0.5% salicylic acid.
Hi Gio I was tempted to try glicolyc acid at 10% but my main problem is acne, oily T-zone, acne marks and dehydration in the cheeks. Do you think I should better choose salicilic acid?
In fact I was tempted to start a regimen which included 5% benzoyl peroxide and a good moisturizer in the morning and in the night 10% glicolic acid and moisturizer, because I was using the Effaclar Duo+ but its expensive for me.
BTW greetings from Mexico.
Efrain, hi! I think salicylic acid would be a better option for you. I would try that first and, only if the results don’t satisfy you, opt for glycolic acid and benzoyl peroxide. They can be quite irritating when used together, though, so, if you decide to try this combination, use them on alternate days.
Thank you for your always well informed posts, I always enjoy them! I like using Clarins Exfoliating Brightening toner (with glycolic) a few times weekly.
Vivella, you’re welcome, and I’m glad you do!
You should also look into the newer forms of AHA, like gluconolactone. Well, technically they are not AHAs, but anyway. They seem to have many of the positive effects of AHAs without most of the negatives. Gluconolactone, for example, both exfoliates the skin and acts as an antioxidant. It also doesn’t increase sun sensitivity of the skin.
Seppo, they sound wonderful! I will definitely look into them, thank you!
Although AHA+ wouldn’t be my first choice for those struggling with breakouts, it’s an option to alternate with a BHA exfoliant or to use if you’re not as concerned about breakouts but have uneven skin tone, rough texture, or other signs of sun damage. Experiment to see what works best for you. I had the same issue you mentioned, but I have been using the Lady Soma Renew Serum with the Berry Mask they have – and seen great results on healing my sun damage.
Mariah, that’s a great tip. Sometimes, using both gives the best results. It just depends on what issue you’re trying to address. If sun damage, adding glycolic acid to your routine would definitely help. Just as long as you don’t overdo it. That’s always a risk with exfoliation.
Excellent post, I have sensitive acne skin ,I have used alpha face wash it didn’t work as it is an AHA based . Right now I’m taking treatment for side effects( slight rash )occurred due to alpha face wash, doctor has given me dermadew facewash is it AHA or BHA ?? . Clozac face wash which is suitable for me as it is BHA (salicylic acid) based.so can I used that after treatment is over or stick to dermadew face wash ? I’m confused!
Ajinka, I don’t think dermadew has any acids so you can use your BHA afterwards.
Thank you for the article…I’m nearing 55 yrs. and I’ve had blackheads since puberty. I don’t get pimples…blackheads and whiteheads. The whiteheads don’t bother me as they are very unnoticeable and easily extractable. The blackheads are my problem…I’m more than a bit OCD about them. Once extracted they leave a hole, which promptly fills up in a day or so. They aren’t huge, but if left alone they become where I can easily pull out with fingernails, tweezers, etc. but I don’t leave them alone because I don’t want them to get to that size stage. I don’t wear make up. I want them gone, and I know it’s near impossible to achieve that topically but I keep trying. It’s mainly my entire nose, and the cheek area next to my nose that are congested the most. Truthfully, almost every pore on my face has a blackhead or whitehead of some size, but not distinguishable to the naked eye as my nose area. So, since I was 13 yrs I have been manually purging them and I have a hard time not purging because they keep returning – it’s a war not a battle. I don’t do this to all areas of my face, just the most active Pores on my entire nose as mentioned. I’ve used various products over the years and at the moment I’ve been doing the oil cleansing method for one year now each night, & all natural non comedogenic oil to moisturize daily [combo of hemp, tea tree, Vit E oil, lavender, & occasionally with a tiny bit of frankincense & rose hip seed oil], weekly Aztec Clay mask with AC Vinegar, and no real chemicals on my face to tone exception being S Acid with my witch hazel toner. I exfoliate every morning with a Clarsonic brush using Shea African Black soap ….I’m fit, I drink plenty of water [no soda’s in 15 yrs or more], do my 10,000 steps and eat healthier than I ever had. I’ve cut out dairy by 98%, eat almost no sugar added or otherwise, don’t eat much meat, have added salmon, greens & various nuts/seeds to my diet and take several supplements [fish oil, MSM, hydrolyzed collagen, Vitamin A, pre and probiotic, women’s all natural multivitamin that has everything under the sun in it to include every Vit B you can think of,, additional oral Vit C, zinc, selenium…..I still have blackheads.
Since I’m older, I’d like to have the collagen inducing benefits of the AHA, too…..but frankly – how well would these 2 products work for me? I’m on a budget so paying to see a Dermatologist probably isn’t going to happen. I do see that I can buy Retin A online – is it time for me to go that route?
Thank you for taking the time to read my story.
Cindy, have you tried salicylic acid? It’s the only exfoliant I know that can get inside the pores and unclog them from within. Retin A is good for wrinkles too so you can certainly go down that route but I’d try the SA first. But you should stop using the Clarisonic because you may overexfoliate your skin otherwise.
Hi Gio! Thanks for the article! I would like to incorporate a BHA into my routine to deal with blackheads, but my skin seems to be too sensitive . I’ve tried Cosrx BHA and Paula’s Choice BHAs of different strengths, but my skin is always left dry and irritated. I’ve heard that some people wash off their BHA after 5-10 minutes to prevent irritation and get desired results. What do you think?
Liz, I usually don’t recommend it because BHA loses a lot of its effectiveness when washed off the skin. But if it’s the only way you can use it, then it’s worth a try. Just as long as you are aware you won’t get its full strength.
Hai gio..how to apply BHA…You leave it for how long on your face?after that what product you use?
thx
Hi Lenni, apply BHA right after cleansing and leave it there. Use it light a serum. You’d just apply a cream on top, not removing after a while. What comes next depends on your needs. You may want to use an antiaging serum or go in straight with moisturiser.
I can relate to Cindy. Large pores since birth. My one cheek seems to have tunnels under it that are filled with sebum and my entire cheek was hard and shiny. Slow forward, I’m 65 and just read about BHA. I have been using Paula’s Choice BHA for 6 weeks daily and voila, almost all of my t zone and cheek are clear. A lot has been purged in an almost effortless way. We all have different skin types but I will tell you this has been a miracle for me. Thank you for your concise article. I have asked 2 dermatologists about this and they both said there isn’t any difference in BHA and AHA. Very unnerving.
Lindsay, so glad salicylic acid has worked so well for you. It’s amazing, isn’t it?
That’s unnerving indeed. Just the other day I watched a video by dermatologist Sam Bunting saying how AHAs aren’t that useful for oily skin. *sighs*
hi gio can you reccomend me the best product to combine with bha? is it okay to combine rosehip oils with bha?
Anisa, that depends on your skin type and concern. Rosehip oil is a source of retinol so I would use that at night and BHA in the morning.
Hi Gio!
I just started incorporating several Korean products into my skincare routine and so far there is just one product that I had to pause on, because of some immediate affects it had on my skin. Hoping you can help me figure out whether I should stop using it or if I just need to change up the process…
I bought MIZON’s AHA/BHA’s Daily Clean Toner, and have only used it twice. I thought that the best way for me to apply this toner was on a cotton ball and dab it gently all over my face. Almost as soon as I started applying it, I felt a slight burning on the apples of my cheeks and they became flushed/stung a bit for several minutes afterwards. ONLY on that part of my face- no burning etc anywhere else, perhaps a bit of pinkishness that went away quickly. I applied all my other products (Niacinamide included). I ended up taking an unexpected shower soon after and on a semi-clean slate i just applied my night moisturizer and a few other products, the sting went away.
Then I found this and a few other articles on what not to mix with AHAs or BHAs, so I adjusted my routine to make sure that my Vitamin C, Retinol and aha/bha, Niacinamide products all had their own place and did not interfere with each other, by alternating times/days that i apply. (Most being in my P.M routine)
So the next time I used the AHA/BHA toner, i got that burning/flushing again, only a little less intense. The next morning, I saw that 2-3 very small white pimples had invaded my cheeks/face where it was most sensitive. I have had VERY little acne since I began building a routine about a year ago, so it was obvious that this product does something very drastic to my face. It was the newest korean product that I have tried and the first AHA/BHA product.
The acne cleared up very quickly, but I was wondering if the stinging/burning reaction I had (have not tried it again since), is a sign that it’s too harsh for my skin? Or do you think I can still use it on other areas and just avoid my cheeks? Or perhaps I should make more time between cleansing and toning/ adding other products? (I cleanse with Neogen’s Green Tea Foam or Burt’s Bee’s Soap Bark & Chamomile, and have been using a non-alcohol witch hazel for toning which I love)
Ideas?
I believe I have combination skin, my T-zone tends to get oily and I used to get a lot of acne on my jawline, but some lifestyle/health changes have cleared most of that up. I feel like my skin has become suddenly more sensitive over the past few years, but I am seeing more and more improvement this year as I find (some through trial + error) products that suit my skin.
Sarah, sorry to hear this toner doesn’t agree with your skin. I had a look at the ingredient list and frankly, the AHAs and BHA are listed towards the end so there shouldn’t be enough here to bother your skin (or exfoliate it). Papaya extract could do some of the exfoliating work. It’s safe for most people but it can cause negative reactions in people with sensitive skin. It also has a lot of alcohol so if you apply it to a dry and sensitive area, it could upset it. If you want to use both AHA and BHA at the same time, I recommend Drunk Elephant T.L.C. Framboos Glycol Night Serum. It’s expensive but it works. You can also use them separately. Both The Ordinary and Paula’s Choice make some good AHA and BHA exfoliants that are reasonably priced. I know they’re not Korean but I find Korean skincare doesn’t like to use acids. Hope this helps.
I have used Clinique basic system since 1968 – it has always kept my skin fabulous – then good old menopause came (no problems at all going through that ) but my skin simply left town !! – Now I am dealing with dehydrated wrinkled skin on face & body – yes I have tried alllll the products out there – (and more than likely paid for some of the tiles on the floor at the dept stores!!) tossed out my BIG box of all sorts of products – Now I am back to clinique – However, even though after using the #2 clairfying lotion (it is not a toner – and has a high quality Salicylic acid – which brought my skin back to great – My body missed the train and is still reallllly dehydrated. I hate anything that is a film on the skin – My question is “what do you think of Marula oil? I thought about buying a high quality Marula oil – But I can not figure out “if my body is dehydrated – how can a oil hydrate my skin when there is no water in a oil? Thank you
Brigadoon, if your skin is dehydrated, you need a hyaluronic acid serum. Hyaluronic acid attracts water into the skin and keeps it there. You can follow up with Marula oil to seal it in. But the oil alone won’t work as well without hyaluronic acid.
Thank you for this awesome article! Up until I was 19, my skin was just fine, very minimal breakouts during that time of the month in high school. Now I’m 20 and since uni and all that stress because of the nature of my degree, my skin has been popping pimples more and more frequently. My skin is not usually dry and its not oily either since skincare cleansing products (especially ones containing tea tree oil) dry up my skin. My pimples appear to pop up in the same place and spread a bit in the same area – mainly the cheeks and sometimes the chin area.
1- is my skin known as “acne-prone”?
2- is it considered cystic if the acne pops up in the same place? Even if your acne is on the milder or mild-moderate side?
3 – if my pimples resurface, it’s a deeper skin problem. So BHAs? Even if my skin isn’t oily.
Note: I have been using vitamin c serum and only recently began the AHA 5% lactic acid from the ordinary
M, sorry to hear stress has been playing tricks on your skin. To answer your questions:
1. As you’re drying out your skin, it’s hard to say if your skin is acne-prone or if your skincare is making it acne-prone. Stop using anything drying and see what happens.
2. No, cystic is when the pimples are large, red and painful. It’s quite rare, luckily.
3. Yes use salicylic acid if you have pimples, even if your skin isn’t oily. Use it instead of lactic acid.
Hi Gio,
Have you tried comparing The Ordinary SA with The Inkey List BHA?
Effa, not yet, but it’s coming!
Gio! Thank you so much for your informative article! I’m just today learning about AHAs and BHAs and wow! There’s a lot to learn.
I would greatly appreciate your input as I’m having trouble deciding on what would be best for my skin.
I’m 26 yrs old and generally have very dry skin. I have wrinkles beyond my years because of this (although my forehead gets quite oily, but I have fewer acne issues there).
I have cystic acne, which generally forms around my chin, jaw and neck, but also sometimes my cheeks/nose/forehead. I also have regular acne and large pores all over.
Do you think and AHA or BHA would be more effective for my skin? Or maybe a combination?
I was thinking an AHA for my dry, aged skin would be good, but the deep cleansing abilities of the BHA might suit my deeper issues.
Any input is greatly appreciated!
Thank you so much 🙂
Shawnee, if you any form of acne, salicylic acid. Once you’ve got the acne under control, you can think of adding or switching to glycolic acid.
Thank you so much for this. I have been using a physical exfoliant, and i have been having bad pimples for the past few months. It was recommended that i use a chemical exfoliant to wash my face. The one that was recommended was almost $30. I think i will try some of these to help. Thank you so much.
Elizabeth, get a leave-in salicylic acid exfoliant!
Great content and topic, but all the ads area really distracting and take away from the user experience.
Clara, so glad you like the content and thanks for the feedback. Unfortunately, running a blog is very expensive and I need to cover the expenses somehow. Thanks for your understanding.