Can BHAs be mixed with Vitamin C?
Whether you love exfoliating or not, there’s no denying that you’ll notice a noticeable change in your complexion. Luckily, we no longer have to rely on physical exfoliants to remove unwanted debris from the surface of our skin.
Chemical peels are nothing new, but their popularity has skyrocketed in recent years, with many of us using exfoliating toners in our skincare routines.
With all these acids, the question remains: are there some that should be avoided, while others are more effective in combination? The two main ingredients we’re going to focus on are Vitamin C and Beta Hydroxy Acids, aka
BHAs. So if you want to learn more about how these powerhouses work on your skin, what benefits they have, and whether you can combine BHAs with Vitamin C, stay tuned.
What are the benefits of BHAs?
Short for beta hydroxy acids, BHAs are a class of chemical exfoliants that penetrate deeper into the skin than their close cousins, alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs). They’re oil-soluble, which makes them very effective against problematic and acne-prone skin. They do this by removing excess sebum from the skin and removing bacteria, dirt, and other impurities from the pores. Over time, these issues can become more severe and develop into blemishes such as blackheads, redness, and a dull complexion. Due to their high potency, it is best to avoid mixing with other acids. This is because the risk of irritation increases, with the skin becoming itchy, blotchy, or red, and sometimes a rash. The most commonly used BHA in many skincare products is salicylic acid. Derived from willow bark, this acid has a smaller molecular size, which means it can penetrate into the lower layers of the skin, preventing further breakouts and reducing inflammation. Here are the main benefits of salicylic acid:
Helps clear pore-clogging bacteria, dirt, and debris that can build up in the pores and cause blackheads and other skin imperfections.
Helps reduce and regulate the skin’s sebum production. This is especially effective for people with oily and acne-prone skin.
It removes dead skin cells from the surface of the skin that cause acne and a dull complexion.
It has anti-inflammatory properties, which means it can help counteract any redness or inflammation on the skin.
If you want to learn more about salicylic acid and other BHAs, read our dedicated blog post.
What are the benefits of Vitamin C?
Vitamin C, also known as ascorbic acid and L-ascorbic acid, is a powerful antioxidant and an effective ingredient in skincare that can help with a variety of issues.
Supports the lipid barrier, ensuring it is strong enough to protect the skin from free radicals such as pollution, UV rays, central heating and other oxidative stressors.
Helps to brighten the skin and minimise the appearance of hyperpigmentation. This works by inhibiting the enzyme that produces melanin, which causes skin pigmentation.
Contains anti-inflammatory properties, which means Vitamin C can fight redness on the skin.
Increases collagen production, tightens the skin, maintains elasticity and gives it a youthful tone.
Do you want to know more about Vitamin C? Read our special blog post on beauty insiders.
Now that we’ve briefly discussed the benefits of BHAs and Vitamin C, let’s take a deeper look and learn how to use them together effectively.
Can BHAs and Vitamin C be used together?
Yes, you can, but only in certain ways to prevent skin irritation. Here are some examples of how to best use them together.
Option One – Use Them at Different Times of the Day
Since both acids have an acidic pH, using them together can cause an imbalance in skin pH and cause irritation. To avoid this, it’s best to leave plenty of time between applications. Many people find that Vitamin C works best for radiance and antioxidant protection during their morning routine. Use the BHA at night as well so it can penetrate the skin without being polluted by free radicals.
Option Two – Use Them on Different Nights
If you find that the first option causes skin irritation, you can take the Vitamin C and BHA separately at night. This ensures that each ingredient can do its job without fighting against daily skin aggressors. While Vitamin C ointment is usually best used during the day, you’ll find that its antioxidant properties make it just as effective at night to repair existing damage and prevent further skin damage.
There are two popular options here, but there’s another option that’s best for those who can tolerate both ingredients. You can add Vitamin C to your BHA. All you need to do is leave about 20 minutes between applications to allow your skin to calm down and prepare for the next step in your routine.
Which came first, Vitamin C or BHA?
If your skin can tolerate using both ingredients in the same routine, it’s best to start with a BHA product. This is because it’s an oil-soluble product, so it can penetrate deeper into the skin. It also removes built-up dead skin cells and dirt, and removes the skin barrier, allowing Vitamin C and other active ingredients to absorb quickly and show results faster.
If you have any questions about using any of these ingredients, you should consult your doctor or a trained professional. I also recommend doing a 24-hour patch test to see if these active ingredients are right for you and your skin’s needs.
I hope this article answered any questions you may have about the BHA and Vitamin C combination. Don’t forget to connect with one of our skincare experts on Instagram.
