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BHA is an abbreviation for beta hydroxy acid, also known as salicylic acid. Don’t let the word ‘acid’ put you off. BHA is not corrosive or abrasive and actually has soothing properties. Making it much kinder on your skin than scrubs and cleansing brushes.
Salicylic acid is a keratolytic, meaning it dissolves the bonds that hold skin cells together and helps them to shed away more effectively. It's naturally occurring in white willow bark and wintergreen, but most of the salicylic acid used today is synthesized.
Salicylic acid is especially helpful in treating acne because of its ability to penetrate the follicle. It encourages the shedding of dead skin cells from within the follicle, helping keep the pores clear. And keeping the pores clear is the first step in getting all types of blemishes under control. It works best against non-inflamed breakouts, and blackheads.
Salicylic acid has other benefits, too. It helps to decrease oil and inflammation.
Most people can use salicylic acid without any big problems, but people with sensitive skin may suffer from skin irritation when using a high concentration of salicylic acid.
This unfortunate name comes from the craft tissue called crepe paper, which is thin and wrinkled. Crepey skin, therefore, refers to skin that is thin and wrinkled in appearance. Crepey skin typically appears as we age and our skin loses its ability to hold moisture to stay plump and firm. We also lose our ability to produce as much collagen as we age, which also contributes to thinner, less pliable skin. The likelihood of your skin becoming crepey as you age is determined, in part, by genetics as well. Smart skincare routines and lifestyle changes can help prevent areas of thin skin from becoming crepey in appearance.
To prevent crepey skin caused by sun damage, it’s best to moisturize daily and wear sunscreen. Additionally, antioxidants protect the skin from free radicals that damage cells and speed up aging. Ingredients and nutrients like rosehip oil, jojoba oil, peptides, red tea extract, retinol/vitamin A, coenzyme Q10, alpha-hydroxy acide and salicylic acid are all beneficial for preventing and reducing wrinkles. Collagen, ingredients that boost the production of collagen like vitamin C, and moisture barriers are all useful in plumping the skin and making skin firmer and tighter.
BHA (beta hydroxy acid) may be effective for crepey skin, but there are many other factors that may affect whether this ingredient would work on your skin or if there are better ingredients that may work for you. Take this skin quiz to find the best ingredients for your skin and build your skincare routine.
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