Exfoliants, such as AHA (alpha hydroxy acid) and BHA (beta hydroxy acid) are very interesting little gems in the skincare industry! It wasn't until I learned about Paula's Choice products that I started to learn more about well formulated exfoliants. You might think of facial scrubs when you hear exfoliant, but these can be harsh on skin. Well formulated AHA or BHA's are leave on treatments and they aim to exfoliate without irritating the skin.
Glycolic acid is the most common and most researched AHA and it works to exfoliate the top layer of skin and help with fine lines, uneven skin tone and sun damage. It also helps with hydration and stimulates collagen production. Salicylic acid is a type of BHA which does the same as AHA, but penetrates deeper and can help with clogged pores, blackheads and milia (white bumps). BHA has anti-inflammatory benefits due to it's relationship to aspirin, therefore those allergic to aspirin shouldn’t use a BHA exfoliant.
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| From left to right: Clinical 1 % Retinol treatment, Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid, Resist Anti Aging Eye Cream, Skin Balancing Pore-Reducing Toner, and Resist BHA 9. |
Two exfoliants that I purchased are the Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid and Resist BHA 9. I purchased Skin Perfecting 2% BHA liquid for my husband to help with blackheads and I've been using it as well to help unclog pores on my nose. I love this product!! I haven't even been using it long, but it's helped to clear up a few dry patches I had on my skin. The liquid has a weightless feel to it and I can easily layer other skin care products.
The BHA 9 is a concentrated salicylic acid spot treatment to help with stubborn imperfections. Actually now that I think about it, since I have been using the Skin perfecting liquid, I haven't had any breakouts and haven't needed to give this baby a try! I'm glad I only bought the sample size!
Clinical 1% retinol treatment - along with other antioxidants such as Vitamin C, this product helps to stimulate collagen production and in turn smooths skin and helps reduce fine lines and wrinkles. Retinol is known as an anti-aging gem and can help with breakouts as well. Although formulated to reduce irritation, you should always start using any retinol product gradually. I've started once a week and haven't had irritation. I plan to gradually increase to twice a week and continue like that for a few weeks, then three times and week until I know I can tolerate it without a problem. On days that I am not using this product, I use the Skin Recovery Super Antioxidant Concentrate Serum with Retinol.
Resist Anti Aging Eye Cream is a lovely little eye cream. It has such a rich texture that a little goes a very long way. This product is formulated to help reduce dryness and it's so rich, you really can still feel it on the skin the next day! This eye cream helps with loss of firmness, fine lines and sun damage, all critical signs of aging. It should be noted this product does not make the claim to help with dark circles. Dark circles can be attributed to genetics and environmental triggers like allergies, so it's not likely to be reduced by a topical treatment... in other words concealers are your friend!
The Skin Balancing Toner was another purchase for my husband, but I really wanted to give it a try too. Ok, maybe buying it for him is just a way of justifying purchasing it! This weightless formula is for combination, oily skin. It helps reduce enlarged pores and has antioxidants such as niacinamide and anti-inflammatory properties. I've really been liking this formula lately and I feel I am doing something good for my skin! It should be used after cleansing and can really help remove the last traces of makeup.
Learn more about how to put together a skin care routine to suit your own skincare needs!
My current nighttime skincare routine includes:
Cleanser - either Mary Kay TimeWise 3-in-1 Cleanser or Josie Maran Argan Cleansing Oil
Toner - Paula's Choice Skin Balancing pore reducing toner
Exfoliant - PC's Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid
Anti-Aging Treatment - Cosmedica Skincare Vitamin C serum, PC's Retinol Treatment or Skin Recovery Super Antioxidant serum
Moisturizer - PC's Clinical Ultra-Rich Moisturizer or Josie Maran Argan Oil
Targeted treatment - PC's resist anti aging eye cream
Paula's Choice has such an enormous amount of information, from articles to videos on their YouTube channel. For more information, visit Paula's Choice Homepage
Products mentioned:
*Clinical 1% Retinol Treatment
*Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant
*Resist Anti Aging Eye Cream
*Skin Balancing Pore-Reducing Toner
*Resist BHA 9
*Skin Recovery Super Antioxidant Serum with Retinol
*Clinical Ultra Rich Moisturizer
Josie Maran Cleansing Oil
Josie Maran Argan Oil
Cosmedica Skincare Vitamin C Serum
Mary Kay TimeWise 3-in-1 Cleanser
I hope that you found this informative and useful!
As always BeYOUtiful!
xoxo,
Lisa
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