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.
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.
Curious to know what your basic skin type is? Knowing your skin type will help you narrow down your product selection and find the right treatments for you.
Take the skin type quiz!
How-To:
Answer the questions by selecting the description that best suits you. Each answer is lettered.
Tally up your selection.
Use your results to match skin type.
Lets get started…
Which statement best describes your pores?
A.) My pores are bigger/darker and noticeable on most of my face.
B.) My pores are a little bigger/darker in ONLY one of these areas: nose, cheeks, or chin.
C.) My pores are clear throughout, and I can only see then if I look really closely.
D.) My pores are invisible throughout my face.
Which statement best describes the texture of your skin?
A.) My skin feels bumpy and slick.
B.) My skin feels smooth for the most part, and a little slick around my nose.
C.) My skin is smooth throughout.
D.) My skin is rough and/or flaky.
Which statement best describes your shine?
A.) My skin is shiny for most of the day on my forehead, cheeks, chin, and nose.
B.) My skin is oily towards the late afternoon, and mainly just down the centre.
C.) My skin has a slight glow, but never shiny.
D.) My skin is dull and ashy.
Alright, now we are ready to tally!
Did you answered mostly A’s? If so, you are considered and OILY skin type
If you answered mostly B’s, you are a COMBO skin type
Mostly C’s? You are a NORMAL skin type.
If you answered mostly D’s, you are a DRY skin type.
Now that you have completed the skin type quiz, you have a reference for your skin type that you can use it as a keyword when choosing your products and services.
Are you constantly battling with breakouts, blackheads, clogged pores and excessive oiliness throughout the day? Does your skin have a thick, uneven texture and shiny complexion? These are the most common characteristics of an OILY skin type.
Why is my skin OILY?
Your skin produces natural oils throughout the day, keeping it elastic, protected and moisturized. When the sebaceous (oil) glands produce an excess of oil, your skin does not have use for the extra oil and it begins to collect on the surface of the skin and within the pores.
Magnified view of sebaceous filament extracted during dérmica facials.
This buildup of oil, in combination with dead skin cells, causes the pores to become clogged and infected. Blocked pores are present in the skin as blackheads (open pore/oxidized buildup), whiteheads (closed pore/congested), pustules (infected pores/pus buildup).
Magnified view of blackheads and milia extracted from skin during a dérmica facial.
Although it sounds like there are a lot of negatives to having OILY skin, there is one major bonus! With age our sebaceous glands slowdown in oil production, but in an OILY skin the glands continue to produce a sufficient amount of oil later on in life. Therefore, when properly cared for your skin your skin will virtually defy the natural aging process!
When caring for your OILY skin, it is important to remain consistent with your homecare regimen. Keeping your oiliness and breakouts under control will help improve your complexion and prevent future irritation and scarring due to blemishes.
Here are Dermica’s tips on making the right choices for your OILY skin!
Cleanser– Select a foaming cleanser, or gel cleanser-these will help wash away debris trapped underneath the oil buildup. Double cleanse, morning and night. Rinse with lukewarm water to prevent simulating oil glands. Try Glo Skin Beauty’s Purifying Gel Cleanser. The antibacterial ingredients in this gel cleanser keep your skin clean and free of harmful bacteria.
Exfoliant– The best exfoliation option for OILY skin is a chemical exfoliant that can deliver deep exfoliation without irritation and overstimulation of the skin. Use according to manufacturer, or 2-3 times a week in the evening. We recommend Glo’s Gentle Enzyme Exfoliant. Free of fragrance and dyes, this formula has been clinically tested for skin not well suited for manual exfoliation.
Eye Care– Should be selected according to your age range. For OILY skin we recommend a gel for ages 18-40, lotion for ages 40-55, cream for ages 55+.
Moisturizer: Use a water-based, oil-free moisturizer. Oily skins benefit from hydrating products such as a hydrating gel (ideal for med-high oily skin) or hydrating lotion (ideal for light-med oily skin). Some OILY skin moisturizers will also feature oil absorbing, or antiseptic ingredients. Glo’s Oil Free Moisturizer is a popular moisturizer amongst our clients.
Mask– Clay masks are excellent for OILY skin. They absorb oil and help tighten pores. Bentonite is a great ingredient to have in your mask product. Use 1-2 times a week, after cleansing in the evening. If your surface oils are under control, spot treat down your t-zone. The Pore Refining Mask is a great option!
Toner– Using a toner can help tighten pores and balance your pH. Mist over your skin and gently pat using forefingers.
To maximize results, incorporate a professional treatment into your maintenance schedule. Our suggestions include:
Phototherapy
Skin rejuvenation phototherapy treatments can help tighten pores and even out the texture of your skin. These treatments are excellent for anti aging when done twice per year. Phototherapy is not for everyone, ensure you meet the treatment criteria.
Facials- not just “a fancy wash”
A deep cleansing facial, which includes an ozonized steaming (sterilized steam) session, and pore-extractions, will help clear blemishes, blackheads, and purge impurities out of the skin.
DIY Recipe for Toner
Mix 2/3 of Witch Hazel with 1/3 distilled water in a spritz bottle. Shake well before use. Mist over face after cleansing, and gently pat into your skin using forefingers.
Introducing the newest member of Dérmica’s Peel family- “Retinol + C Peel Boost”
September 2018 Special: 25% OFF all Chemical Peels
To kick off the season, our monthly special is 25% OFF all chemical peels.
All of our peels have been designed to safely remove the outer layers of the skin through the application of organic acids derived from various natural sources. This process brings fresh plump cells to the surface of the skin giving it a vibrant, healthy, smooth and even appearance. This special is not valid with any other offer/promotion. No pre-purchasing; Ends Sep. 30, 2018.
How do Chemical Peels work?
Chemical peels work by separating the upper layers of the skin causing an accelerated cell turnover rate. Because of their molecular structure, they are able to penetrate past the acid mantle of the skin and deep into the layers beneath the surface of the skin. This causes your skin to shed and regenerate a new layer of skin in a 1 to 2 week period.
The acids we use in our professional chemical peels are typically derived from natural sources and produced for safe usage on the skin.
CHEMICAL PEEL SELECTION
ENZYME PEEL
Our Enzyme Peel is a 20% multi-fruit acid complex made of white grape wine and fresh fruit pulp that gently exfoliates the upper epidermis while wine polyphenols condition the skin. A great introductory-level peel ideal for all skin types.
BRIGHTENING PEEL
This acid peel solution provides intense exfoliation for combination and dry skin types concerned with aging and hyperpigmentation. It contains 35% glycolic and 35% lactic acid. Ideal for dry and sensitive skin types.
ACNE PEEL
This 20% salicylic acid solution provides intense exfoliation for problematic or oily skin areas, even within oil-rich pores. Intense exfoliation for problematic or oily skin areas, even within oil-rich pores.
RETINOL PEEL
This 1% Retinol and Vitamin C peel provides softer, firmer, brighter skin and diminishes the appearance of pores. Can be booked alone or added to another peel for an extra boost. Ideal for all skin types except acne, breakouts, and sensitivity.
PLEASE REVIEW THE CRITERIA BEFORE BOOKING YOUR PEEL.
Pre-treatment protocols:
Must not currently be on or have used Accutane or any other oral prescription acne medications in the past 12 months
If currently using any products containing AHA/BHA/Retin A/Vitamin A on the area being treated, you must discontinue usage 2 weeks prior to procedure
Must wait a minimum of 1 week from last tanning session
Time frame: 15-30 minutes
Recommended sessions: 4-8
Downtime required: 1-7 days
Contraindications:
Diabetes
Pregnancy
Skin cancer (remission under 2 years)
Use of photosensitive medication and herbs
Active infection of Herpes Simplex in treatment area
Active skin infection
Potential side effects:
Discomfort
Fragile skin
Edema (swelling)
Erythema (redness)
Visible shedding
NOTE: To be eligible for the Acne or Retinol peels, your skin must be pretreated with AHA or BHA (e.g. Enzyme Peel or pretreated with home care)
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.
Not sure which products and ingredients are right for your skin type and concerns?
Try our HOME CARE SELECTION GUIDE to choose the right products to target your skin type and concerns!
and begin your journey to fresh smooth skin!
Our Enzyme Peel is a 20% multi-fruit acid complex made of white grape wine and fresh fruit pulp that gently exfoliates the upper epidermis while wine polyphenols condition the skin. A great introductory-level peel ideal for all skin types.
This acid peel solution provides intense exfoliation for combination and dry skin types concerned with aging and hyperpigmentation. It contains 35% glycolic and 35% lactic acid. Ideal for dry and sensitive skin types. 
This 20% salicylic acid solution provides intense exfoliation for problematic or oily skin areas, even within oil-rich pores. Intense exfoliation for problematic or oily skin areas, even within oil-rich pores. 
This 1% Retinol and Vitamin C peel provides softer, firmer, brighter skin and diminishes the appearance of pores. Can be booked alone or added to another peel for an extra boost. Ideal for all skin types except acne, breakouts, and sensitivity.
and begin your journey to fresh smooth skin!