Benefits of BHAs
The best skin ever is right on the other side of a well crafted skincare routine that includes skin acids. The term acid in skincare can be a bit intimidating, but we promise, these acids play nice. Designed to gently remove dead surface skin, improve texture and clarity, and act as the anti-aging skincare understudy to your retinol, BHAs are likely the key to balancing out a skincare routine.
Often when we’re introduced to new skincare, the usual concerns pop up - is this going to irritate my skin? Do these products work, or are they seriously over-hyped? And even more concerns about cost and ingredients. Here’s what we need to know about BHAs:
1) What are BHAs?
A natural skin acid designed to support and enhance skin cell turnover, BHAs essentially reveal newer skin below the surface. Ideal for someone focused on anti-aging skincare and glowing skin, by increasing skin cell turnover, this allows us to heal away blemishes, scarring, and textural concerns faster and with improvements to balanced skin.
2) Who should use BHAs?
Ideal for normal to oily skin types, those healing acne, and those with previous acne or sun damage, BHAs make a great addition to a morning or evening routine. Since BHAs are oil-soluble, it’s one of the best skincare products for those who have struggled with harsh products or overly clarifying ingredients as it is less likely to cause reactions in the skin. Even better, it cuts through oil and build-up to deeply penetrate for fast improvements.
3) Where can we find BHAs?
If you’re a skincare queen (which, obviously you are!) then BHAs are probably already right at home in your skincare pantry. Commonly labeled by its official name, salicylic acid, BHAs are typically included in toners, treatments, and both chemical and physical exfoliants. Here are a few we recommend:
Paula’s Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant
This exfoliator gives off rich auntie energy. Powerful without being harsh, and effective without being expensive, this is hands-down our favorite daily dose of BHAs. To start off, go in with this once to twice a week in the evening after double-cleansing and tell us you don’t see a difference in less than a month (yes, we’re that confident).
The Inkey List Salicylic Acid Cleanser
Unfussy, uncomplicated, unmatched - this cleanser makes it impossible to avoid adding BHA into a skincare routine. Combined with soothing ingredients to treat excess oil and breakouts, this cleanser deserves at least as many chances as your ex (trust us, it’s the better investment).
Herbivore Blue Tansy AHA + BHA Resurfacing Clarity Mask
There’s something about putting on an anti-aging, restorative face mask in the evening that makes us feel like we have our life together. The ingredients of this mask come together like a symphony, with calming and brightening plant products like aloe and pineapple for added gentleness and glow. Ever heard the term, summer bodies are made in the winter? - this is the skincare version of that.