Liquid exfoliants with AHA and BHA acids
Exfoliants (liquid chemical peels) with AHA and BHA acids have recently become very popular and an indispensable part of morning and evening care routines. Depending on the acids they contain, they remove dead skin cells and thus even out the complexion, smooth the skin, prepare it for better absorption of the ingredients of the care that follows and clean the pores.
Ever since I introduced them into my routine, I no longer skip them because the benefits they provide to the skin are really visible. I use them as the third step of care, after cleansing with an oil cleanser and gel, and before the essence and other hydrations (serum, sheet mask, cream). They are easily applied with a single coat of soaked pads over clean and dry facial skin. There are differences according to the type of skin for which they are intended and for which problem, and they will do the job best if you choose the right one.
BHA, or salicylic acid, penetrates deep into the skin and cleanses the pores, regulates sebum secretion and is perfect for combination and oily skin. As it is fat-soluble, it can penetrate sebum and deeply clean the pores, clogged sebaceous glands and reduce the formation of acne and blackheads. Also, skin with milder forms of acne will benefit from the use of salicylic acid. It has an anti-inflammatory effect, it is not aggressive, and for visible results it still takes a little more time and patience.
One such is Paula’s Choice exfoliant with 2% BHA acids, which is their bestseller and, as they point out, a cult product.
Ingredients: Water (Aqua), Methylpropanediol (hydration), Butylene Glycol (hydration), Salicylic Acid (beta hydroxy acid/exfoliant), Polysorbate 20 (stabilizer), Camellia Oleifera Leaf Extract (green tea/skin calming/antioxidant), Sodium Hydroxide (pH balancer), Tetrasodium EDTA (stabilizer).
It has a light and liquid transparent texture, which becomes oily on the skin and does not dry out the skin.
I used it in the evening after cleansing the skin, initially 2-3 times a week and then daily. It is dipped with the fingers into the skin of the face and neck and left to absorb. It takes a little product and the bottle will last you a long time. The effect is immediate because after a day or two you will notice reduced pore visibility and a more even complexion. I applied it especially on the nose area because I have blackheads that I can’t get rid of and after 3 weeks they have noticeably decreased. If you use it in your morning routine, it is mandatory to apply high spf protection to the skin of the face and neck. Although the PC scrub states that it is for every skin type, I think it has a much better effect on oily and combination skin, and for mature and dry I believe the ones with AHA acids are a better choice.
PC exfoliant does not contain odor and color. The company does not test on animals.
Packaging: 118 ml plastic bottle
Price: 260 kn (www.superskin.hr)
Rating: 4/5
On the other hand, AHA acids act on the surface because due to their high molecular weight they do not penetrate the skin, but remain on the surface, acting to even out the complexion, smooth out fine lines and achieve skin radiance. They are more suitable for dry and normal skin and act on the signs of aging (hyperpigmentation, wrinkles, gray complexion).
If you use them in your morning routine, be sure to apply high spf protection to the skin of the face and neck. I lubricated my back and back with an exfoliant with AHA acids because it instantly smoothed my skin and evened out the color.
REN’s Ready Steady Glow tonic with AHA acids exfoliates, brightens, hydrates the skin and gives it an instant glow.
Ingredients: Aqua (Water), Sodium Lactate, Lactic Acid, Heptyl Glucoside, Potassium Azeloyl Diglycinate, Triethyl Citrate, Glyceryl Caprylate, Salix Nigra (Willow) Bark Extract, Benzoic Acid, Citrus Nobilis (Mandarin) Peel Oil, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis (Orange) Flower Oil, Citrus Grandis (Grapefruit) Peel Oil, Citrus Tangerina (Tangerine) Peel Oil, Heptanol, Parfum* (Fragrance), Limonene.
It contains lactic acid (from the group of AHA acids) which is obtained from sugar cane, and which removes dead skin cells. It has a high molecular weight, so it works best on the surface, so it is a great choice for whitening and smoothing the skin, but it is gentler than e.g. glycol. Unlike other acids, it also has a hydrating function. Removes hyperpigmentation and fine lines. Salicylic acid (BHA) obtained from black willow extract deeply cleanses and narrows pores. Contains orange, mandarin, tangerine, lemon and grapefruit oil.
It gently removes dead skin cells and did not cause any burning or redness. It evened out my complexion and brightened blemishes and gave my skin a glow. It is applied on a clean face, in the morning and / or in the evening. If you use it in the morning, be sure to use spf protection as well. Do not combine it with other exfoliants or retinol on the same day.
Packaging: plastic bottle with a pump with a pressure of 250 ml
Price: 207 kn (Müller)
Rating: 4/5
In winter, the use of acidic products is especially recommended because it will remove dead skin cells, which are then mostly dry and dandruff, and will prepare it perfectly for more intense moisturizing creams, serums and masks that will nourish it and restore its moisture. In summer, they must be used with high spf protection. Introduce them gradually.
