Beta-hydroxy acids - Last week we covered AHAs so consider this a part two as we jump into BHAs!
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A quick recap
AHAs slough off dead skin and hydrate by bringing water up to the surface. AHA's are anti-aging and naturally occurring in your body. So cool right?!
Here is some information on BHAs!
Two main types of BHAs:
- Salicylic Acid (SA)
2. Some types of Citric Acid
What is the difference?
AHAs are WATER soluble - BHAs are oil soluble.
All about Salicylic Acid
Since BHAs are oil soluble it is wonderful for people with acne because they usually have excess oil in the skin! Salicylic Acid works at breaking down layers of dead skin and oil that become almost like glue and trap bacteria, oil and debris.
It is originally derived from willow bark, but now can be made in a lab safely and nature-identical. This 100% geeks me out.
Salicylic Acid is good for decreasing inflammation (aka breakouts?) like cystic acne and minimizing the appearance of pores. It's great for getting rid of the infection inside the pore after extractions as well. Different percentages can benefit your skin in different ways!
SA in its highest percentage is prescribed for warts and calluses due to its exfoliating and bacteria fighting properties.
I bet you have it in a product in your bathroom right now!
Citric acid
Citric Acid: It is great for decreasing oil in the skin. This is also great for pigmentation such as acne scaring or sun damage- and especially great to use in conjunction with SA. It is also known to help with fine lines and wrinkles ??
Homecare
This is very similar to the AHA aftercare! However I want to go over it again.
- ( you already know ?)SPF 30 MINIMUM - UVA/UVB 30-50 is the range you want. Anything less is not doing its job and any more and it's just added chemicals.
- Do not use in conjunction with AHAs unless otherwise specified with your Derm or Aesthetician.
- Stick to percentages around 0.5%-2% to avoid irritation, dryness and flaking.
- You will need a few days to adjust!
Shameless plug- Alyssa Miller Beauty Protect Tinted or Non-tinted sunscreen is a perfect range of Spf 40 that gives full broad-spectrum coverage. Shop here ?
Products you'll love
- Small but mighty- my Salicylic Acid acne spot treatment Clarify! Shop here.
- The most gorgeous eucalyptus, sulfur and clay mask to prevent the dreaded MASKNE- shop here!
Follow my Instagram for more tips, tricks and giveaways here and check out my video on this topic here ⬇️
Much love -❤️