All About Beta Hydroxy Acids (BHAs) - The Oil Buster

What is BHA? 

Take notes: BHA is the acronym for Beta- Hydroxy-Acid. Crazy name right? Yep, I know! But this crazy name does crazy things for our skin... (in the best way ofc!)

And ya, before we go ahead let me get something outside the way - Don’t let the word “ACID” put you off! Some ACIDs like BHA are so gentle and nifty, Dermatologists endorse this power potion oh-so-ardently!

So now let’s get straight to the point! What does BHA do? BHA is an oil-busting acid! The ‘great BHA’ is an oil-soluble ingredient that busts oil from deep within the pores, leaving skin matte and smoooooth!

Got it, got it, they work like Face Scrubs, right?

Oh no, no! BHA’s are chemical exfoliants. No doubt they exfoliate the skin surface but not with those gritty-scrubby things that scratch your skin. (R.I.P sensitive skin) 

So which skin type can use BHA?

Technically speaking any skin type “can” use BHA! But ideally, OILY SKIN TYPES “should” use BHA, or just about anyone prone to pimples, bumps, calluses, clogged/enlarged pores! 

What are the different kinds of BHA?

• Salicylic Acid
• Willow Bark Extracts
• Betaine Salicylate

What are the PAIR-FECT combos with BHA?

• Hyaluronic Acid
• Ceramides
• SPF
• Alpha-Hydroxy-Acid
• Niacinamide
• Vitamin C

This ultra-gentle-friendly ingredient gets along with every ingredient except Retinol! Though both are extremely powerful acne-fighting potions, when used together, they can wreak havoc! It will result in over-exfoliation, thus sensitizing the skin!

FORMS OF BHA

BHA comes in the form of:

• FACEWASH
• MASKS
• SHEET MASKS
• SERUMS
• DAY TIME MOISTURIZER
• NIGHTTIME MOISTURIZER
• TARGET TREATMENT

(Basically in all forms, shapes, and sizes!)

And that’s a lot of categories up there! More so, finding the right BHA in the right form can be a daunting task! So we simplified it for you!

We listed down the bestsellers with the best reviews from customers!

SALICYLIC ACID FACE WASH

 We recommend: DermDoc by Purplle 2% Salicylic Acid Face Wash for Acne

Customer Ratin: 4.2 / 5

Net Volume: 120ml

Start your skincare the perfect way with Derm Doc’s Anti-Acne face wash! Among acne-fighting ingredients, Salicylic Acid is the most effective when it comes to reducing the size of pimples and keeping blackheads at bay! It annihilates the existing pimples and also prevents future zits from popping up! Bonus!

Explore: Dermdoc Face wash

PRO TIP: When washing your face, keep the foaming formula for a couple of minutes, so that Salicylic Acid can do its work more effectively! Check out how to get perfect skin using salicylic acid!

SALICYLIC TONER 

We recommend: Alps Goodness Acne Control Toner

Customer Rating: 4.2 / 5

Net volume: 110ml

Zap zits anytime, anywhere with the Alps Goodness Toner! One spritz gives you the power of Salicylic, Tea Tree, and  Apple Cider Vinegar to refine pores and fight acne-causing bacterias. This pocket-size toner will instantly perk skin up whether it’s hot & sunny or dull & rainy!

Explore: Alps Goodness Toners

PRO TIP: Toners can also be used as a refreshing spray to perk skin up whenever needed. Spritz, spritz, and you are good to go!

SALICYLIC SERUM

We recommend: Minimalist 2% Salicylic Serum

Customer Rating: 4.4 / 5

Net Volume: 30ml

Here’s a Dermatologist approved 2% Salicylic serum leave-on treatment. This water-based leave-on treatment from Minimalist penetrates the pore linings and scoops out dirt, sebum, and everything in between! Unlike scrubs with harsh beads, this elixir does a better job minus the abrasion and irritation! Clean, clear, and smooth skin coming your way!

Explore: Minimalist Serums & Essences

PRO TIP: In case of combination to normal skin, you can target the serum to particularly oil areas like the T-zone!

SALICYLIC FACE MASKS

We recommend: DermaCo 2% Salicylic Acid Face Masks

Customer Rating: 4.5 / 5

Net Volume: 50g

Eliminating pimples is only half the battle! The pesky scars that remain behind are another! And that is why DermaCo has formulated a face mask with 2% Salicylic, Activated Charcoal, and Kaolin Clay for clear blemish-free skin! The added Charcoal detoxifies the skin and the Kaolin reduces the appearance of pores and softens skin all to the effect of lightening scars! 

Explore: The Derma co. Face Pack

PRO TIP: Apply the facemask and click a selfie! (Just kidding)

Once the face mask dries, treat yourself to a warm soothing steam! Your pores will love it too!

SALICYLIC FACE MOISTURIZER

We recommend: DermDoc Anti-Acne Face Gel

Customer Rating: 4 / 5

Net Volume:60g

Oily skin + Heavy creams =  Worst combo of the year! What’s worse than feeling slick, chip-chip, and gooey all day!? If you have been hating moisturizers and avoiding them due to your oily skin woes, this may be the reason! Oily skin still needs hydration too! A light and bouncy gel moisturizer will do wonders! The DermDoc Anti-acne gel is infused with Salicylic- duh, obviously! But not just that it is also loaded with other emollients and humectants that keep skin smooth and matte for long hours! 

Explore: DermDoc Face Cream

PRO TIP: Apply the gel on a damp face. This will help in better absorption and will prevent trans-epidermal water loss!

SALICYLIC NIGHT CREAMS 

We recommend: Alps Goodness Acne Control Night Cream

Customer Rating: 4.2 / 5

Net Volume: 50g

The best skin recovery and repair happens at night! So before you doze off add a dollop of the nourishing Salicylic night cream that will hydrate intensely without clogging pores! Wake up with fresh glowing skin like never before!

Explore: Alps Goodness Night Cream

Enough said!

Pore-fect skin coming your way with BHA!  You’ll be matte-ly in love with BHA exfoliant once you try it!  You can thank me later!! (You can send a BHA Skincare Hamper if you wish!) For now, add to cart & get going! 

 Read More:
- AHA vs BHA: Meaning, Benefits and Differences
- All About Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHAs)- The Gentle Exfoliator