If you are dabbling in the world of BHAs, it can be sometimes by tricky to work out how best to incorporate them into your skincare routine.
From “How many times a week can you use a BHA?” to everything else in between, here are the key things to know about using BHAs in your skincare routine.
What Are Beta Hydroxy Acids?
To start with the basics, BHA stands for “Beta Hydroxy Acids”. BHAs are a type of skincare acid that work to “degunk” your pores.
Since BHAs are oil soluble, they penetrate through the oil that’s clogging your pores and exfoliate the dead skin cells that have built up. This is why BHAs are recommended for those with oily skin.
If it’s your first time using a BHA product, start off slowly, using the product once a week. The usual way to apply a BHA is after cleansing (and after Vitamin C serum if you use one).
Spread an even amount onto your face, avoiding your eyes. For best results, most experts recommend that you wait for at least 20-30 minutes before applying your next layers of products. This is to allow the acid to take effect without being prematurely neutralized.
Looking to layer your acids? Tune into the Korean Beauty Show podcast:
How Often Should I Apply BHAs?
This depends on a few things, including:
the strength of the product you’re using
how sensitive your skin is; and
which other products you are applying as part of your routine.
How Strong Is Your Acid?
Most BHAs range in strength from 2% to 10%.
Classic K-Beauty acids like COSRX BHA Blackhead Power Liquid contain approximately 4% of betaine salicylate (a type of BHA) and can technically be used every day. However, it’s not a good idea to start using 4% BHA every day if you’ve never tried a BHA before.
If you're new to BHAs, we recommend using a product like Jelly Ko Cinnamon Toast Sugar Scrub Foam instead. This contains Willow Bark extract- a gentle type of BHA that's perfect for clearing the pores without irritation.
How Sensitive Is Your Skin?
For people with sensitive skin, you’ll likely find that 2-3 times a week using a product like this is more than enough. People with a more hardy skin type can even get away with using a BHA every day.
Just be careful you don’t over-exfoliate your skin by over-doing it on the BHAs (especially if you also use manual exfoliants) or you could wind up with everything from excessive dryness, to irritation, redness, and sensitivity. Some people also experience a burning sensation on their skin.
If you have sensitive skin, we recommend using a product like Subi Holo Dream Mask and Brush Set instead. That's because it is a wash-off formula that is much easier to control. It's also free from other irritating ingredients like fragrances and essential oils.
Other Need-to-know Info About BHAs
Even though we’re sure you already are using sunscreen every day, be extra careful to apply sunscreen while using BHAs.
The other thing is not to mistake the natural ‘purging’ period of BHAs (which can result in minor breakouts) for a product that is actually incompatible with your skin type. If it’s the latter, the product itself will actually be causing it to break out.
How to tell the difference?
A purging period should only last a short while. It occurs because the product is speeding up your skin’s natural renewal cycle. If you find yourself constantly “purging” and breaking out after using a BHA, this is not normal. It means that the product is not compatible with your skin and you should discontinue using it.
Any other questions about how to use a BHA that we haven’t answered? Drop them in the comments below!
"If it’s your first time using a BHA product, start off slowly, using the product once a week. The usual way to apply a BHA is after cleansing (and after Vitamin C serum if you use one)."
