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.

DQH Can I use salicylic acid first and then vitamin C? It’s easy to create a skincare routine, but knowing how to use it is another thing entirely. In most cases, if you’re not getting the desired skin results, it could be due to the layering of conflicting ingredients. So, is it possible that salicylic acid and vitamin C are such ingredients? Or are these active ingredients the duo that’s been missing from your skincare routine? If you want answers, stick around because today we are going to explain the benefits of salicylic acid and vitamin C and how they can be used in your daily life. What are the benefits of salicylic acid for skin? Salicylic acid is one of the most commonly used beta hydroxy acids and is favored by many people with oily, acne-prone skin. This acid is derived from willow bark, and unlike its water-soluble relatives (called alpha-hydroxy acids), salicylic acid is oil-soluble, which means it can penetrate deeper into the lower layers of the skin. Once it reaches the lower layers, it can help unclog pores of excess sebum, dirt, bacteria, debris, and impurities. This results in clearer skin tones and greater definition. Not only does salicylic acid benefit the underlying layers, but the outer surface of the skin benefits as well. When applied to the skin, salicylic acid removes the buildup of dead skin cells. This is accomplished by breaking the bonds that hold dead cells to the surface. Over time, this can cause the complexion to look dull and prone to acne, blackheads, and other blemishes. If you’d like to learn more about salicylic acid and how it can improve your skin, check out this dedicated blog post from a beauty insider. What are the benefits of vitamin C for skin? Vitamin C is considered one of the most powerful antioxidants, which means it is very effective at fighting free radicals and preventing them from causing further skin damage. Examples of free radicals include pollution, central heating, UV rays and harsh climate. They attack proteins, fats and cell membranes as soon as they come into contact with the skin, causing signs of premature aging such as fine lines and wrinkles as well as hyperpigmentation, flaky patches of skin and loss of elasticity. Many people usually prefer to use vitamin C in their morning routine as this ingredient gives the complexion a radiant glow. You’ll also find that vitamin C can target areas of hyperpigmentation, plumping the skin and reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. The thing about vitamin C is that there are a lot of outdated studies going back to the 1950s that describe vitamin C as an unstable skin component. Thanks to improvements in modern technology, this is no longer the case as all products now contain a stable form of vitamin C. Visit The Beauty Insider to learn more about vitamin C. So please check out our blog post. Can I use salicylic acid first and then vitamin C? Yes, you absolutely can. In fact, it’s thought that using salicylic acid before using vitamin C ensures it penetrates faster and works faster. This is an efficient way to utilize two power sources, and the reason has to do with pH. For example, the skin’s natural pH is about 4.7, making it slightly acidic. Salicylic acid and vitamin C are also both acidic, and you’ll find that vitamin C is absorbed quickly into the skin. Therefore, using salicylic acid beforehand can increase the acidity of the skin and allow vitamin C to penetrate into the skin faster. While this is considered an effective way to combine two powerful ingredients, you need to be aware of your skin type and how it reacts to certain active ingredients. Even people with perfect, normal skin can experience skin sensitivity and irritation. Therefore, always consult a doctor or dermatologist before using any new products on your skin. It’s also important to follow skin application rules. In this case, you need to use the product correctly to ensure you get the best results for your skin. If you’re not sure what I mean, the basic rule for skin is to start with the thinnest consistency and work your way up to the thickest consistency. This prevents a barrier from forming on the surface, preventing other active ingredients from penetrating the skin. Can I use salicylic acid at night and vitamin C in the morning? Yes, absolutely, this is considered the most effective way to get returns without any adverse side effects. This is because there is enough time between applications to ensure that the skin’s pH levels return to balance. You’ll also find that Vitamin C is rich in antioxidants and is perfect for use in the morning to ensure your skin is protected and looking its healthiest. Due to the small size of salicylic acid molecules, it is an acid that is able to reach the deepest parts of the skin. While this is effective at keeping skin clear, it also increases the risk of irritation and photosensitivity. Therefore, many people prefer to use powerful BHAs in their evening routine without exposure to UV rays, pollution, or harsh weather. Warning: If you avoid using sunscreen every day, none of these ingredients will do what your skin needs. The combination of chemical peels and powerful ingredients increases the risk of further damage to the skin’s surface. Use SPF 50 every day to keep your skin protected and your lipid barrier healthy, even on cloudy days, keeping your skin in top condition.

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