What is Beta Hydroxy Acid? And How It Can Help Your Skin

Beta Hydroxy Acid

Looking to improve skin tone, combat breakouts, or brighten your complexion? Consider thebenefits of adding beta hydroxy acid to your skincare routine. This powerful active decreasesinflammation and is renowned for its acne-fighting capabilities.

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What is beta hydroxy acid?

Beta hydroxy acids (BHAs) are chemical compounds that act as deep exfoliators. While betahydroxy acid ingredients may be listed as topical acids, beta hydroxybutanoic acid, ortrethocanic acid, and salicylic acid are generally the only BHAs used in skincare products.Originally extracted from the white willow tree bark, BHA is now synthetically made andcommonly used for both at-home and professional skin rejuvenating and acne treatments.

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What are the benefits of beta hydroxy acid?

Beta hydroxy acid is oil-soluble, allowing it to penetrate deep into pores, removing sebum anddead skin cells. BHA acts as an exfoliant and helps to reduce the appearance of fine lines, darkspots, and other tell-tale signs of photo-aging. Beta hydroxy acid boosts cellular turnover, whichimproves skin texture, blotchy pigmentation, and skin tone. People with oily or acne-prone skincan benefit from it, as it regulates sebum production, reduces large pores, and preventscomedones from forming.

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Helps with these environmental & lifestyle factors:

BHA reduces the effects of the following lifestyle and environmental factors on your skin.

Cuts through the mineral deposits to lessen hard water’s effects on your skin. Hard water causes accumulation of soap scum and minerals which break down the lipid barriers that protect our skin and trigger chronic dryness, clogged pores, inflammation and rosacea.

Helps counter the effect of high stress on your skin. Living with too much stress ramps up your body's production of cortisol—and wreaks havoc on your skin.

Helps fight the effects of pollution on your skin. Polluted air contains small nanoparticles which cause premature aging. Clinical studies show that people with low pollution exposure levels have brighter, healthier, more radiant looking skin.

BHA helps with these skin types:

Dry Skin
BHA is made up of molecules that love water, and it helps improve the skin's moisture content. However it isn't suitable for extremely dry skin.

Normal Skin
BHA is a great exfoliant for normal skin and exfoliates the skin's surface while helping it hold onto more moisture.

Good for these age ranges:

BHAs are beneficial for people in the following age ranges.

It refines the skin, making it smoother, creating a more even skin tone, a brighter appearance, and gives you radiant skin from within.

It is a perfect fit to address the primary skin care concerns for people in their 20s and early 30s. Make it a part of your regular skin care routine for healthy, beautiful skin.

This is a great time to make it a part of your skincare routine as you start thinking about incorporating more ingredients with anti-aging benefits.

It is a great bet for consistent, everyday incorporation in your skincare routine as it not only will tighten up your anti-aging regimen but also help you achieve firmer, more youthful skin.

As skin matures, it tends to lose hydration and feel dry. This helps hydrate and plump the skin, reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

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BHA works well with these other ingredients

Beta hydroxy acid works well with benzoyl peroxide for acne prevention and treatment. Together, this duo kills p. acnes bacteria while sloughing away debris and dirt for a clearer complexion and fewer blackheads.

Usage Guide

BHAs are gentle enough for daily use, but you may need to start sparingly-- two or three times a
week-- until your skin gets acclimated. Because this active increases the skin’s sun sensitivity,
it’s essential to use a broad-spectrum sunscreen.

If your skin is excessively oily, congested, and acne-prone, you will likely benefit from BHA.
Don’t be alarmed if you experience mild redness and peeling after the first few applications, as
this is normal and will subside.

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Clinically Proven Efficacy for Softer, Smoother, Brighter Skin

What is beta hydroxy acid found in?

You’ll find BHA acid in toners, facial cleansers, moisturizers, exfoliating pads, pore-refiningserums, peels, and masks. To combat breakouts, look for concentrations of at least 2 percentsalicylic acid.

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Is beta hydroxy acid suitable for sensitive skin?

Those with sensitive skin should consult their dermatologist before incorporating any BHA intotheir skincare regimen. It can be too irritating for rosacea-prone and reactive skin at higherstrengths-- look for products containing no more than 2 percent BHA.

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Things to keep in mind

Beta hydroxy acid side effects

Beta hydroxy acid is less irritating than other acid exfoliants, owing to its larger molecule size and lipid solubility. Salicylic acid-- the only BHA used in skincare formulations -- has strong anti- inflammatory properties, but possible side effects can include redness, itching, burning, and irritation-- depending on the concentration level.
Ingredients to avoid with beta hydroxy acid

BHA will increase sensitivity to UV rays, as well as certain skincare ingredients. Until your skin is accustomed to this exfoliant, avoid using it in conjunction with topical retinoids—such as derivatives of Vitamin A, as this can cause excessive irritation.

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Find out if you need beta hydroxy acid

Ample scientific research backs the benefits of BHAs for glowing, healthy skin. Get yourcustomized skincare formulas by taking the PROVENskin quiz today.