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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.
Dark spots on your skin is known as hyperpigmentation, age spots, or liver spots. There are several reasons you might experience hyperpigmentation, but those we are referring to today are those that are caused by acne scarring or sun exposure. Dark spots are most common on the face, the shoulders, and the back. There are some dark spots that might appear as a side effect of certain medications. Dark spots are typically harmless, but we always recommend conferring with your dermatologist if you’re experiencing a larger-than-usual area of dark spots, or if they are changing in color, thickness, or appearance in any way.
Hydroquinone, an exfoliator that increases cell turnover to reveal newer skin such as retinol, glycolic acid, and salicylic acid, a melanogenesis inhibitor that stops melanosomes from transferring newly produced melanin to other skin cells (such as vitamin C), and vitamin E. (Vitamin E is an antioxidant well known for soothing properties, helping protect from damaging sun while moisturizing and healing skin cells).
BHA (beta hydroxy acid) may be effective for dark spots, 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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