When using a BHA such as salicylic acid at home as a treatment or for maintenance for the skin, the ideal dosage is between 0.5-2% for professional products. Anything lower than that is ineffective. Salicylic acid for home care use typically comes in the form of a serum. The serum can be combined in a moisturizer. It can also come in the form of an exfoliant or a cleanser.
If you are using a salicylic-based serum it is important to combine it with a moisturizer. More specifically, a moisturizer that contains hydrating ingredients such as hyaluronic acid. Acneic skin types should go for an oil-free moisturizer.
On the other hand, if you have a sensitive skin type or rosacea, you would benefit from a soothing moisturizer that has calming ingredients such as aloe vera.
Notes for BHA Home Use
If you are using salicylic acid serum, it is important to let it sit until it is fully absorbed before applying a moisturizer. If you have sensitive skin or if you are new to using acids on your skin, it is recommended that you apply 2-3 times a week in the evening after cleansing and before your moisturizer. Do this for two weeks or until you notice that the sensitizing effects have reached a plateau. From there you can start using it on daily basis and even up to twice a day.
Avoid using salicylic acid serum around the eye area as it can be drying.
Product recommendations for cleansing
If you are looking to introduce salicylic acid into your routine in a cleanser, try the Purifying Gel Cleanser. It is good for oily skin, congested skin, and for acne maintenance.
However, if you have severe acne or inflamed acne, try the Beta Clarity Cleanser. This one is also great for use on back acne.
If you have Rosacea or sensitive skin, try the Hydra-Bright Polishing Cleanser because you can use it as an exfoliant but also as a mild foaming cleanser on a daily basis.
Product recommendations for moisturizing
If you are using salicylic acid at home, you should be moisturizing as well.
For combo to oily skin types, we recommend an oil free moisturizer. Very oily to acne prone skin should try the Oil Control Emulsion. Keeping the skin hydrated when using salicylic acid is very important. Both of these moisturizers contain effective dosages of hyaluronic acid. Hyaluronic acid attracts and maintains hydration to hold 1000 times its weight in water.
On the other hand, if your are using BHA to treat sensitive skin, we recommend the Phyto Calm Aloe Hydrator. As the name implies, the aloe vera improves skin hydration and delivers strong anti-inflammatory benefits.
The betahydroxy acid (BHA) in your chemical peel works by lifting the stratum corneum (the upper layer of the skin). As it lifts, it dissolves the lipid layer between the dead skin cells. As a result, a fresh layer of skin cells is exposed that has a healthier and more active cell function than the dead layers that were exfoliated with the treatment.
Better Absorption of Products
In turn, the BHA in the treatment allows for better absorption of products applied to the skin. This is especially true for serums or other topicals being used to treat acne or blemishes; They are better able to reach the pores and target inflammation since there is no longer a layer of excess oil and dead skin blocking the way.
After a BHA chemical peel, you will also be able to achieve deeper cleansing on a daily basis. Again, this is due to decreased pore congestion and a reduced amount of oil barrier at the surface. Your cleanser is able to get into those pores and keep them clean which helps you maintain results.
Inflammation and Sensitivity Reduction
BHA chemical peels can also be used to treat inflammatory conditions of the skin, as well as sensitivity. This is due to the strengthening effects of betahydroxy acids. Also, BHA is part of the same family as anti-inflammatories such as aspirin. So, the BHA in chemical peels has anti-inflammatory properties.
Who should avoid BHA in chemical peels?
BHA is not suitable for people that are allergic to aspirin or other similar medications. People that are taking medications that cause photosensitivity or adverse reactions to the skin should avoid BHA treatments.
In addition, avoid BHA if you are using topical medications for skin conditions or are on oral medications for acne. It is always best to consult with your dermatologist, physician, or pharmacist, and go by their recommendations.
BHA is used to treat a variety of skin conditions. It is an organic acid derived from willow bark. In the skincare industry it is known as a chemical exfoliant. The ph level of this acid is typically between a ph of 3-5.
BHA is considered to be a fat soluble solution. In other words it dissolves in fats. As a result, it can break through the lipid layer which is the oil layer of the skin. For that reason, it is recommended for oily and acne-prone skin types.
However, that is not the only use for BHA on the skin! It is also a recommended treatment for sensitive skin types because it has a lower risk of irritation versus other types of acids.
How does BHA interact with the skin?
BHA produces exfoliating benefits by dissolving the build-up at the surface of the skin which then balances the oiliness of the skin. It is also able to penetrate into the pores which then dissolves the build-up in clogged pores.
It treats conditions that involve scaling or overgrowth of skin, like milia.
BHA helps with milia because it has resurfacing properties. So, not only does it help remove excess oil on the skin, but it helps to exfoliate by removing the dead skin cells so it dissolves the binding glue or the lipids that hold the dead skin cells together so it reveals a fresh new layer of skin at the surface which then pushes impurities up to the surface such as milia and deep acne.
Anti-inflammatory properties
BHA also has anti-inflammatory functions which makes it a suitable treatment for inflamed acne and/or rosacea. Compared to other acids such as glycolic acid, salicylic acid has a more superficial affect on the skin by interacting mainly with the lipid layer.
In other words, it is not as irritating because it won’t penetrate as deep. However, it will promote exfoliation which in turn promotes cell growth. These new skin cells have been strengthened by that process and so the skin is improved overall.
Finally, BHA is also very good at treating Keratosis pilaris which a is a condition that affects the back of the arms and legs.
AHA (Alpha Hydroxy Acid) and BHA (Beta Hydroxy Acid) are both types of chemical exfoliants commonly used in skincare products. Both have the ability to improve the health and appearance of the skin. However, they vary in terms of the skin concerns they address:
1 | Chemical Structure
AHA: Alpha Hydroxy Acids are water-soluble acids derived from various natural sources such as sugarcane, milk, sugar, and apples. Water soluble acids dissolve in water and interact with the hydration levels of the skin.
BHA: Beta Hydroxy Acids are oil-soluble acids, such as salicylic acid are typically derived from willow bark or synthetically developed. Oil soluble acids only dissolve in oil and interact with the skin’s oils and other oily substances.
2 | Depth of Penetration
AHA: AHAs are water-soluble, and work primarily on the skin’s surface to remove dead skin cells, promoting anti-aging, smoothness, and a more even complexion.
BHA: BHAs are oil-soluble, allowing them to penetrate deeper into pores. BHAs are particularly effective for individuals with oily and acne-prone skin types. BHA’s dissolve excess oil, clear out clogged pores, and reduce oiliness.
3 | Exfoliation
AHA: AHAs are effective in removing dead skin cells from the skin’s surface, leading to improved texture, reduced fine lines, and a more even skin tone.
BHA: BHAs also exfoliate the skin’s surface, but their unique property of oil solubility allows them to get into the pores, helping to prevent and treat blackheads, whiteheads, and acne breakouts.
4 | Skin Concerns
AHA: AHAs are great for addressing sun-damaged, hyperpigmentation, fine lines, and surface-level imperfections. They can provide a gentle exfoliation suitable for most skin types, except for very sensitive or reactive skin.
BHA: BHAs are particularly useful for those with oily, acne-prone, or congested skin. They help to unclog pores and reduce inflammation associated with acne and rosacea. BHAs can also be helpful for individuals dealing with blackheads, whiteheads, and congestion.
5 | Sensitivity
AHA: Some AHAs can be slightly irritating to sensitive skin, especially when used in higher concentrations or for those not accustomed to chemical exfoliation.
BHA: BHAs are generally milder and better tolerated by sensitive skin compared to AHAs. Salicylic acid, the most common BHA, has anti-inflammatory properties that can calm irritated skin.
Professional Peels
Your skin care professional will ensure your skin type and specific concerns are considered when choosing between AHA vs BHA acid for your treatment. In some cases, your technician will use both acid types in your treatment, alternating them on different sessions to get the benefits of both acid types. Overall, Acid Peels are a tried-and-true method for treating various conditions and delivering lasting results.
Throughout August, we are adding a free AHA/BHA Peel boost ($40 value) to all LUX facials and Back Treatments!
The LUX
The LUX facial is what its name surmises, luxury.
Skincare, massage, and brows all in one package.
Your skin is treated to a thorough deep pore cleanse and exfoliation. After a warm steam session, extractions release impurities and debris from the skin. Masking and moisture care infuses your skin with nutrients.
Whether you have blemishes, dry, oily, or acne prone skin, our custom applications ensure that we address your specific needs every time.
Your hands, arms, shoulders, neck, and face are treated to a relaxing combination of Swedish and Pressure point massage.
That’s not all though, your spa session is finished off with a dérmica brow Shape, leaving your face looking and feeling anew!
AHA/BHA Peel Boost
AHA/BHA acids are ideal for treating active acne conditions, dry skin, pigmentation, and fine lines. They can be layered and are available in varying degrees of intensity.
The AHA/BHA Boost is a light acid peel that gives your skin that gentle boost it needs to self-regenerate and repair. There is an expected downtime of 1-3 days depending on your skin.
The BACK Treatment
Our Back Treatment, a facial for your back, begins with a deep pore cleanse followed by exfoliation to remove build up and dead skin. Next, we apply a professional extraction fluid that opens the pores and softens the oil and debris that causes clogged pores.
A relaxing steam session warms and softens the skin before the manual extractions begin. Your technician releases the trapped debris inside the pores using an extraction tool.
Steamed towels are used to wipe the skin clean in preparation to close the pores with toner. Toner is used to give your skin a boost of hydration which helps draw moisture deeper into the skin. Your back is then massaged with nutrients through a custom mask application. Ideal for all skin types.
This special is not valid with any other offer/promotion. Offer valid from September 3-28, 2019. No pre-purchasing. BOOK NOW.
Let’s take a look at some of the most popular chemical peels and their benefits.
1. Glycolic Acid
This is an alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) and is made up of the smallest molecules compared to others.
Do not let the molecule size fool you though, glycolic acid is a powerhouse in terms of performance. This acid exfoliates the outermost layers of skin but also has the ability to penetrate deeper into the skin and stimulate cell turnover. Glycolic acid works from the inside out which provides a plumper appearance. Think lighten, brighten and tighten.
2. Lactic Acid
Yes you guessed it, this acid is milk-derived and is also an AHA. Lactic acid is wonderful for hydration, brightening and the best choice for those with sensitive skin. This is one of the more gentle peels and a great option for beginners or those who are not a candidate for more aggressive peels.
3. Salicylic Acid
This is a Beta Hydroxy Acid (BHA) and is derived from willow bark. This acid is made up of a larger molecular size which means it works on the outer layers of skin. This acid is antiseptic and anti-inflammatory making it the top choice when dealing with acne, redness and oily skin. We like to think of this acid like Pac-Man running along the surface of the skin gobbling up dead skin cells and breaking through oil.
SAVE 15% ON ALL IN-STORE GLO SKINCARE WITH YOUR PEEL
When professionally treating your skin, it’s ideal to supplement your treatment with a proper homecare regimen. Professional skincare products add vitamins and nutrients that boost cell rejuvenation thereby extending the results of your peel. Visit our ONLINE SKINCARE STORE to peruse our professional Skincare products.
and begin your journey to fresh smooth skin!
Love, Peace, and Great Skin!
Dérmica MedEsthetics
(780) 885-7108
dermica.ca
This is an alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) and is made up of the smallest molecules compared to others.
Do not let the molecule size fool you though, glycolic acid is a powerhouse in terms of performance. This acid exfoliates the outermost layers of skin but also has the ability to penetrate deeper into the skin and stimulate cell turnover. Glycolic acid works from the inside out which provides a plumper appearance. Think lighten, brighten and tighten.
Yes you guessed it, this acid is milk-derived and is also an AHA. Lactic acid is wonderful for hydration, brightening and the best choice for those with sensitive skin. This is one of the more gentle peels and a great option for beginners or those who are not a candidate for more aggressive peels.
This is a Beta Hydroxy Acid (BHA) and is derived from willow bark. This acid is made up of a larger molecular size which means it works on the outer layers of skin. This acid is antiseptic and anti-inflammatory making it the top choice when dealing with acne, redness and oily skin. We like to think of this acid like Pac-Man running along the surface of the skin gobbling up dead skin cells and breaking through oil.
and begin your journey to fresh smooth skin!
Love, Peace, and Great Skin!
Dérmica MedEsthetics
(780) 885-7108
dermica.ca