Take Care Tuesday- BHA’s
Featuring Aveda’s Botanical Kinetics Pore Refiner
"If you’ve been following along with my Take Care Tuesday blog, you’ll know that we discussed our blog, you’ll know that we’ve discussed our hydrating hyaluronic acid and alpha hydroxy acids — today well learn more about beta hydroxy acid or BHAs! BHAs work similar to AHAs in that they are both chemical compounds meant to exfoliate the skin, decrease the appearance of pores and fine lines, and unclog the pores. Some common BHAs you may recognize are salicylic acid, tropic acid, or willow extract.
While AHAs work at the surface level of the skin, BHAs can actually penetrate deep into your sebaceous glands (oil glands). Since BHAs are oil-soluble, they are perfect to dissolving sebum that causes blackheads and whiteheads. BHAs can also help calm the redness associated with rosacea! It’s a great additive the those that are acne prone, oily, or combination skin types.
Aveda has an amazing BHA serum, Botanical Kinetics Pore Refiner. It’s very gentile on the skin and contains salicylic acid to refine and clear out pores, however I really love the sweet clove stem cells in it as well. Sweet clover actually helps to increase epidermal thickness so your pores look tighter and your complexation looks youthful!
As with any skincare routine, a good SPF is necessary for the best results. I’d recommend starting slow with a new product but BHAs are generally okay for daily use, as long as not ALL of your products in the routine contains BHAs and as long as you don’t experience dryness or irritation.
To recap on the difference between AHAs and BHAs, you’d be better off with an AHA for textural issues, acne, or fine lines and wrinkles. To combat blackheads and oiliness, try a BHA. and YES it is okay to use AHAs and BHAs in the same skincare routine as long as you are using a good daily moisturizer and SPF, and keep an eye out for increased dryness or sensitivity. I would love to chat with you more about your daily routine or answer any questions you have about exfoliants and/or acids— you can find me in the spa!” -Xoxo Vai