Why is Paulas Choice BHA so good?
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Editor's note: We've updated this ode to reflect that the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale 2021 is offering an exclusive 8 oz. version of the Paula's Choice exfoliant below for $20 off its retail value (which is nearly the same price as the standard 4 oz. version). In other words, a great beauty deal. Show
My skin and I often find ourselves in a bit of a predicament. It’s both acne-prone and sensitive, which makes treating either issue a challenge. I need thick moisturizing creams to calm down the sensitivity, but those products often make me break out. And treating those breakouts with harsh, drying acne treatments usually just isn’t an option. Using a creamy, low-concentration retinol serum for a few months has been a real breakthrough in keeping my skin mostly clear. But I still find myself getting the occasional hormonal breakout along my chin and jawline, now made up of extremely stubborn closed comedones. They appear in small clusters and don’t seem to want to leave for weeks—sometimes months—on end. These types of pimples, SELF explained previously, are flesh-colored little bumps that aren’t inflamed (yet) and don’t have a poppable head, even though they are colloquially called whiteheads. A closed comedone forms when the pore gets clogged with excess oil, dirt, and dead skin cells. Thick, occlusive moisturizers and oil-based products can also contribute to that. The pore is covered with a thin layer of skin cells, which gives closed comedones their characteristic fleshy look. I was beginning to lose hope that these clusters of little bumps would ever leave my face, so I decided it was time to finally try something new, the cult-favorite Paula’s Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant ($39, originally $59). In addition to the 2% salicylic acid, this liquid leave-on exfoliant has a refreshingly short list of ingredients, including moisturizing butylene glycol and calming green tea extract. But knowing how my sensitive skin reacts to acids, I was still nervous to use it. I started by using it just a few times a week in the morning, letting retinol be my main active in the evenings. Initially I tried to use the liquid on a reusable cotton round, but I felt like too much of it got absorbed into the round and not enough got on my face. So, since then, I’ve been applying it directly to my face with my (freshly washed!) hands. From the first use, I was struck by the product’s texture, which, I’m sorry, is hard to explain. It’s a liquid, but it’s not watery. It feels moisturizing without being oily. My skin feels softer and glows immediately after using the product. At first I noticed a slight tingle as it absorbed into my skin, but now my skin has adjusted and it absorbs without any irritation. I usually follow it with some gentle azelaic acid on my cheek area where I get rosacea and my favorite SPF 30 moisturizer. I’ve been using the Paula’s Choice BHA exfoliant about four times a week for almost a month now, and I’ve seen a noticeable improvement in my skin’s texture—including gradually whittling down those pesky closed comedones. I haven’t been using it long enough to know whether or not it can also help prevent new acne on my face, but right now I’m optimistic. Paula's Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid ExfoliantA liquid leave-on exfoliant that gently smoothes skin and helps manage acne. Related:
Are you falling into the Paula’s Choice BHA trend? I absolutely did. Find out my Paula’s Choice BHA review and how it cleared the majority of my breakouts in 7 days. At first, I was skeptical about Paula’s Choice BHA 2% Liquid Exfoliant. I assumed the product was too strong for my sensitive skin. Although it was everywhere on social media so I caved. I gave it a go when my hormonal acne broke out more than usual. Tiny bumps spread across my forehead and pimples rose on my cheeks. My skin felt rough and had an uneven tone. The exfoliate seemed like my only solution. Here’s my Paul’s Choice BHA review and the result after just one week of use. My Skin TypeI have sensitive, combination, and hormonal acne skin. It can be challenging to find an acne-fighting product that works without irritating my skin. Find out my PCOS skincare routine. Paula’s Choice 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant reduced my breakouts by ~70% after 3 days of using it at night! Note that timing is different for everyone. After 7 days of use, my skin felt smoother and softer. It may take 5-14 days to see results (source) Don’t give up! Initially, my reactive skin had zero irritations and redness. I was extremely relieved as most acne products were too strong for me. Just avoid eczema spots or any other sensitive areas on your face. The only downside but not a deal-breaker was that the exfoliant made my skin drier than usual. After my skin calmed down, I switched to only using it as a spot treatment once or twice a week when needed. Try Paula’s Choice 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant IngredientsLet’s find out why Paula’s Choice 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliantworks. According to Paula’s Choice website, here are their key ingredients:
Check out Paula’s Choice BHA Exfoliate site to read the rest of their ingredients. Note: Consult your physician if you’re unsure about the ingredients and/or have a salicylate allergy. What is BHA?It is an organic acid that is typically used in skincare. The chemical exfoliate treats signs of aging and acne. BHA also has anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties. The most common BHA used in skincare is Salicylic acid. (source) Look & FeelIt’s a clear liquid that temporarily feels slightly slimy. Although it has zero stickiness. FragranceNo scent. How To UseFor first-time users, Paula’s Choice recommends applying the exfoliate every other day. Monitor your skin’s responses. Then use it up to twice a day, if needed. For morning application, apply SPF 30+ on the face. For nighttime, incorporate it into your skincare routine. Just watch out for any excessive dryness on your skin. After a week of use, I took a pause on the toner and only used moisturizing skin care products until my face felt normal again. Below is Paula’s Choice recommended skincare routine when using the BHA:
I follow a similar step except I apply toner before the exfoliate. You can watch it here Unsure about using the product? Check with your physician. PackagingI bought the 4oz bottle since that was the only size available. Paula’s choice has a travel size if you want to test it with a smaller bottle. Try Paula’s Choice 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant PriceIt’s an average to low price for a medium high-end skin brand. I would re-purchase the bottle because it works for my skin without completely breaking my wallet. Get the Paula’s Choice 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant Common Questions
Overall ThoughtsI will be a repeat purchaser and use it as a spot treatment. There you have it! Paula’s Choice BHA review. Post navigationWhy Paula's Choice BHA is good?What does BHA Liquid do? BHA Liquid weightlessly exfoliates skin, delivering a smoother, healthier-looking complexion, while decongesting clogged pores. This Paula's Choice fan favourite works fast and in a gentle manner (thanks to its optimal pH range of 3.2–3.8 in a fragrance-free and alcohol-free base).
Is it better to use Paula's Choice BHA everyday?How often should I use Paula's Choice BHA Exfoliant? You can use Paula's Choice BHA every day— exfoliating once either in the morning or evening (pick whichever is most convenient for you). Many people with stubborn clogged pores have great results using a Paula's Choice BHA exfoliant twice per day.
Is Paula's Choice BHA good for skin?BHA is the preferred option for normal to oily or combination skin that's prone to bumps & blemishes. BHA is oil soluble, meaning it works both on skin's surface and within pores to quickly shed clogging buildup. It's also naturally calming and gentle enough for skin that's sensitive, prone to redness or rosacea.
Why is Paulas choice BHA breaking me out?The most probable reason for the breakouts experienced after using a BHA is pure coincidence. The breakouts also may coincide with hormonal fluctuations, as many women tend to breakout during this time no matter what anti-acne products they're using or starting to use.
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