Can You Mix BHA With Vitamin C?
Whether you like exfoliating or not, there’s no denying that you’ll see visible changes in your complexion. Thankfully, we no longer have to rely on physical peels to remove unwanted debris from the surface of our skin.
Chemical peels are nothing new, but their popularity has skyrocketed in recent years, and many of us use exfoliating toners in our skincare routine.
With all of these acids, the question remains: Are there some that should be avoided, while others are more effective in combination? The two main ingredients we want to focus on are vitamin C and beta hydroxy acids, also known
as BHA. So if you want to learn more about how these powerful substances work on your skin, what benefits they provide, and whether you can combine BHA and vitamin C, stay tuned.
What are the benefits of BHAs?
BHA, which stands for Beta Hydroxy Acids, is a family of chemical peels that work deeper into the skin than their close cousins, Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHAs). They are oil-soluble, which makes them very effective in fighting
problematic and acne-prone skin.
They do this by removing excess sebum from the skin and removing bacteria, debris and other impurities from the pores. These conditions tend to worsen over time and develop into blemishes such as blackheads, redness, and dull
complexion. Due to their high potency, you’d better avoid combining them with other acids. This is due to an increased risk of irritation, where the skin becomes itchy, blotchy, red, and sometimes a rash develops.
The most commonly used BHA in many skin care products is salicylic acid. Derived from willow bark, this acid has a smaller molecular size, which means it can penetrate the lower layers of the skin, preventing further breakouts
and reducing inflammation. The main benefits of salicylic acid are as follows.
Helps unclog pores of bacteria, dirt and debris that can build up and cause whiteheads, blackheads and other blemishes.
Helps reduce and regulate skin’s sebum production. This is especially good for people with oily and acne-prone skin.
It removes dead skin cells from the surface of the skin that cause acne and dull complexion.
Contains 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, check out 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 effective skin care ingredient that can help with a variety of problems.
Supports the lipid barrier and ensures it is strong enough to protect the skin from free radicals such as pollution, UV rays, central heating and other oxidative stress.
Helps brighten the complexion and minimize 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 in the skin.
Increases collagen production, firming the skin, retaining its elasticity and giving it a youthful tone.
Would you like to learn more about vitamin C? Check out our dedicated blog post on The Beauty Insiders.
Now that we’ve quickly reviewed the benefits of BHA and vitamin C, let’s dig a little deeper and learn how to effectively use them together.
Can BHA and Vitamin C be used together?
Yes, you can, but only in specific 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 these two acids have an acidic pH, layering them can throw your skin’s pH out of balance and cause irritation. To avoid this, it’s best to allow enough time between uses. Many people find that the radiance and antioxidant
protection that vitamin C provides works best when used in their morning routine. Continue to use the BHA at night to allow it to penetrate the skin without bothering with free radical exposure.
Option two – use them on different nights
If you find that the first option causes skin irritation, you may choose to take vitamin C and BHA separately at night. This ensures that each ingredient does its job without battling everyday skin aggressors. While a vitamin C
rub is usually best applied during the day, you’ll find that it’s just as effective at night, thanks to its antioxidant properties, as it repairs existing damage and prevents further damage to the skin.
Here are two popular options, however, there is another option that is best for those who have a tolerance to both ingredients. You can layer vitamin C on top of your BHA. All you have to do is make sure to allow about 20
minutes between uses to allow skin to be soothed and ready for the next step in your routine.
Which comes 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 is an oil-soluble product, so it can penetrate deeper into the skin. It also removes build-up of
dead skin cells and dirt, stripping away any skin barrier, allowing vitamin C and other active ingredients to be absorbed quickly and to show results more quickly.
If you have any doubts about using any of these ingredients, you should consult your doctor or trained professional. I also recommend doing a 24-hour patch test to see if these active ingredients are working for you and your
skin’s needs.
I hope this answers any questions you may have about combining BHA and Vitamin C. Don’t forget to connect with one of our skincare experts on Instagram.
DQH Knowledge drop: In your 20s, your skin cell turnover decreases. (Cell turnover is a key component in keeping your skin youthful.) You know what else slows down? Your collagen production. Starting in your 20s, collagen decreases by about 1 percent per year. Should you want to prevent fine lines and wrinkles, start by eliminating behaviors that contribute to premature aging. “If it’s bad for you, it’s bad for your skin,” says dermatologist Michel Somenek.
“Cigarette smoking reduces blood flow to the skin and causes premature wrinkling and a dull skin texture. Making the repeated pursed motion to inhale can also cause smoker’s lines. Alcohol and recreational drugs are toxins for the skin that damage its cellular structure and DNA,” Somenek tells us. “The faster you eliminate vices while you are young, the better chance your skin and body have to recuperate.” Also, adopting an anti-aging routine in your 20s is key. After all, the best offense is a good defense. We spoke to Somenek and experts Joshua Ross and Audrey Kunin to find out more.
Keep reading for the best anti-aging products for your 20s, according to skincare professionals.
Sunscreen
“We all know that the sun is the number one cause of skin aging and starting the prevention in your 20s is very important,” Ross says. “The majority of your sun damage won’t start to appear until you’re in your 30s, so don’t wait until you see it surface or you’ll be behind the curve. Stay ahead of it with a good-quality zinc-based sunscreen worn daily.”
Farmacy Green Defense Daily Mineral Sunscreen
An invisible sunscreen with SPF 30, plus botanical extracts meant to protect skin with tons of antioxidants. Bonus: It’s clean and fine to use under makeup.
Bareminerals Complexion Rescue™ Tinted Moisturizer Broad Spectrum SPF 30
Although we recommend you use your SPF and moisturizer separately, we also understand moments when you don’t have time or energy for that extra step. For those times, this bareMinerals moisturizer is a great thing to have on hand.
Vitamin C Serum
“A great introduction to anti-aging is to start with a vitamin C serum in your morning skincare routine,” Ross says. “It’s a powerful antioxidant that will neutralize free radicals and brighten the skin.” He adds that it’s a great way to counteract the effects of the sun’s harmful rays, which, as previously mentioned, are among the biggest causes of premature aging.
Drunk Elephant C-Firma™ Vitamin C Day Serum
The Drunk Elephant C-Firma is a lightweight serum that promises to give skin a glow by combining the brightening powers of vitamin C with ferulic acid, l-ascorbic acid, and vitamin E. The included sodium hyaluronate is meant to replace hydration loss, so you shouldn’t have to deal with any irritation.
Sunday Riley C.E.O. Rapid Flash Brightening Serum
This potent serum is jam-packed with vitamin C (15 percent, to be exact), which means it’s a potential superstar at both brightening skin and dousing it in antioxidants.
Peptides
Using peptides on your skin has many benefits, says Somenek. “The skin barrier is what defends the body against pollution, UV rays, bacteria, and toxins. It can be damaged by several everyday factors. Using topical peptides aids in building a stronger barrier,” he says. “Peptides comprise elastic fibers, which are a type of protein. These fibers help to make skin appear taut and firm. Peptides can also help repair damaged skin, relieve inflammation, and even out skin tone. Some peptides can kill acne-causing bacteria that is common in 20-somethings.”
Kunin agrees, saying, “Peptides are an excellent entry point for supporting collagen.” She recommends looking for face and eye treatments that contain these collagen-boosting powerhouses.
Charlotte Tilbury Magic Eye Rescue Cream
This Charlotte Tilbury super-emollient eye cream has a base of coconut oil and shea butter (read: it’s incredibly hydrating). Botanicals plus peptides are meant to help reduce dark circles and boost collagen, respectively.
This creamy moisturizer serves up potent collagen-boosting peptides and pycnogenol, and antioxidant-rich vitamin C. “Instead of sitting on top of the skin, peptides penetrate the outer layer so they go deep. The ‘signals’ they send tell the cells to produce elastin and collagen, which are needed for youthful-looking skin,” explains Somenek.
At-Home Peel Pads
Remember that skin cell turnover fiasco we talked about earlier? One way to help support it is by exfoliating. “Exfoliation is important to help keep skin fresh and luminous,” Kunin says. She recommends using at-home peel pads as an easy and effective way to exfoliate.
“The goal in your 20s is to fight the slowing pace of cell turnover. It is wise to use products that gently exfoliate, yet still remove oil and other impurities. Products that have Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHA) or Beta Hydroxy Acids (BHA) are a good choice.”
According to Somenek, you should only exfoliate two to three times a week. “People of all ages are guilty of over-exfoliating and that can be too much of a good thing,” he says.
Dermadoctor Kakadu C Intensive Vitamin C Peel Pad
A few swipes of this Derma Doctor powerful peel pad promise to leave your skin glowing and smooth, thanks to the seven (yes, seven) types of chemical exfoliants, including AHA and BHA. It also contains vitamin C via Kakadu plum extract for added brightening and antioxidant protection.
KEY INGREDIENTS Kakadu plum extract is sourced from the Kakadu plum, a fruit grown in northern Australia. It contains vitamin C, which restores the skin’s natural barrier, increases collagen production, and soothes irritation.
Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Alpha Beta® Universal Daily Peel Pads
These are the gold standard of peel pads, with a cult following and over 900 five-star reviews on Sephora. They’re easy to use and contain a blend of anti-aging exfoliating acids.
Emollient Night Cream
“In your 20s, you need to start upping the hydration in your skincare routine. You may have been cautious of over-moisturizing because of acne in your teens, but as you enter your 20s, your skin transitions and becomes drier,” Ross says. “I recommend an emollient night cream added into your evening skincare regimen.”
“Twenty-somethings need to make sure that they are not using creams that will clog their pores and cause excess oil production,” says Somenek. Opt for non-comedogenic products.
Cerave Skin Renewing Night Cream
One great choice is the CeraVe Skin Renewing Night Cream, which is a non-comedogenic night cream that leaves skin soft and glowy. It combines the moisturizing powers of ceramides and hyaluronic acid.
RoC Retinol Correxion Max Hydration Creme
“The best night cream ingredients contain retinol, benzoyl peroxide, and/or salicylic acid or hyaluronic acid. The goal is to moisturize, yet remove excess oil,” says Somenek. This Roc Retinol Correxion cream fits the bill as it contains both hyaluronic acid and retinol so it promises to moisturize while also being non-comedogenic.
