How Does a BHA Peel Work?
Acid facial exfoliation has become an integral part of almost every skin care routine. From cleansers to toners to leave-on products, there is sure to be a product that will fit into your daily routine and offer a range of skin benefits.
That’s where our post for today comes in, where we’ll answer some of your questions about BHA peels and how they actually work. Beta-hydroxy acid (BHA), also known as salicylic acid, is a powerful facial acid that, unlike AHA, is oil-soluble,
which means it can penetrate deeper into the skin layers to clear bacterial clogs from your pores.
Over time, dirt or excess sebum can cause blemishes, blackheads, and other forms of breakouts. It also removes the buildup of dead skin cells that can cause your skin to appear dull, flaky, and lackluster.
Don’t forget, you can learn more about beta hydroxy acids on our website. How to Use a BHA Peel? When it comes to using a BHA peel, it really depends on the product you use that contains the acid. As mentioned before, there are a variety of products to choose from.
Face wash or cleanser. Water and conditioner are required. Perfect for morning use to brighten and start your day. Always apply a sunscreen with SPF at the end of your skin care routine to protect yourself from the sun. Can also be used at night to allow the product to remove bacteria, dirt, and product residue.
Cleansing/washing products are better suited for dry skin as the product stays on the skin for a shorter time after washing your face. Exfoliating toner. Place cotton pads and apply to skin. BHAs are often more effective than cleansers, penetrating deep into the skin to open pores and remove bacterial buildup.
Helps remove dead skin cells that make the skin look dull. Can be used morning and night if skin has no signs of sensitivity. Serum or oil. Use after cleansing and before moisturizing. Can be used morning and night.
Serums and oils stay on the skin longer, ensuring faster results.
This product is best suited for oily skin and those who often break out. When incorporating BHA into your skincare routine, you first need to make sure your skin is benefiting from it and not reacting.
If you find that your skin is prone to extreme dryness and sensitivity, it is best to consult a dermatologist.
Can I use BHA peels every day?
This depends on your skin type and the amount of salicylic acid in the product’s formula. For over-the-counter (OTC) products, the percentage is usually lower than prescription products. Suitable for people with dry and sensitive skin
Skin-wise, it is best to use BHA peels as directed by a dermatologist or skin care professional.
Overall, using BHA peels in your daily routine should bring a lot of benefits to your skin, especially if your skin type is oily or acne-prone. Simply use moisturizers and hydrating products that contain hyaluronic acid and niacinamide in your daily skin care routine to ensure that the skin’s water and oil balance is maintained.
If at any time you find that your skin feels tight, uncomfortable, and dry, use BHA peels less frequently to allow your skin to rebalance its outer layer and protective skin barrier.
How long does it take for the effects to take effect?
With any product that contains salicylic acid, especially chemical toners, you will see results immediately. Skin will look fresher and have a healthy glow. When treating acne or other skin imperfections, use after 4-6 hours and see results after a few weeks.
This is due to the consistent use of salicylic acid, especially when mixed with a facial serum that is applied at night. This means that not only does the BHA stay on the skin longer, but it can work undisturbed by free radicals and other skin-damaging compounds, such as UV rays and pollution.
Do BHAs dry out the skin?
BHAs are very potent and can be powerful ingredients in active concentrations in products. This has a very effective effect on the skin, but can leave it extremely dry.
How to Prevent Dry Skin with BHA: Make sure that using a BHA is safe for your skin type. If you have concerns, consult a dermatologist. If you experience tightness or dryness on your skin when using a BHA, use the product less often and allow your skin to regain balance. Do not overuse products containing BHA, let the percentages in the formula work, and do not use extra amounts in the hope of getting results faster.
This will only lead to dry skin and more severe acne. Always use powerful moisturizing ingredients in your serums and moisturizers. This keeps the skin comfortable and the skin’s protective barrier can function properly. What should I do after using a BHA? After using a BHA, you need to take a few steps to allow the skin-loving ingredient to work its beneficial effects. It also depends on which product contains the acid, as the following steps can be alternated.
Cleanser or Face Wash – Follow this step with a good skin care routine that contains hyaluronic acid or niacinamide to moisturize the skin and the outer layer of the skin. Exfoliating Toner: After using a hydrating serum or moisturizer, always use an SPF 30 or higher to protect the skin from UV rays. Serum or Essential Oil – It is important to protect the skin from the sun, especially when using a serum or essential oil, as the BHA will continue to work on the skin. Apply a layer of SPF during the day and cleanse the skin thoroughly at night to avoid product buildup.
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.
