You have tried many skin care solutions but all have not been successful. Have you ever tried combining two powerful active ingredients in a treatment for skin problems? You are concerned about your skin being irritated and difficult to control the consequences. The right combination of potent active ingredients helps speed up the healing and recovery process of the skin. Usually, these products require the supervision of a dermatologist or physician. Many cases of irritation are caused by using too much product, too much frequency, or by taking a break between two products. Can I use retinol and BHA together? Follow this blog on how to combine BHA and Retinol for best results.
Why large pores?
With many influences from the external environment, the skin is prone to acne formation. In addition, if the acne skin care process is not standard, it is easy to leave acne marks and large pores. This makes later treatment more difficult. Let’s point out the causes of large pores and how to fix them right below:
Due to sebum and excess oil on the skin
Excessive activity of the sebaceous glands causes oil on the skin to increase sharply, gradually clogging pores. Ordinary products do not clean because they do not penetrate deep into the pores. Often stuck at the surface because the skin barrier is blocked. Suggested solution for the condition: Use a compound Salicylic Acid (also known as BHA) with high permeability, compatible with the skin barrier, so it can go deep into the pores. From there, neutralize excess oil and sebum, and clean pores. After 2-3 skin peeling cycles, the pores gradually return to their original size, the skin looks smoother.
Due to thickened skin
The stratum corneum on the skin has a natural renewal process. However, the older you get, the more the skin is exposed to environmental influences, the stratum corneum tends to stick on the skin, not being eliminated. Combined with oil, sebum clogs the surface of the skin, making pores clogged with oil. Thanks to favorable conditions, P.acnes bacteria “absorb” this amount of sebum and multiply thereby causing inflammatory acne. Suggested solution for the condition: You can add Retinol which is a Vitamin A derivative that has the ability to promote cell renewal. Supports the stratum corneum to quickly excrete out, instead stimulating new cells to produce. In addition, the ingredient Vitamin A also helps to increase collagen production. Capturing unclogged pores to help shrink immediately.
Distinguish AHA, BHA and Retinol
AHA and BHA have the ability to remove dead skin cells, help nutrients penetrate faster during acne treatment and prevent aging.
What is AHA?
Abbreviated as Alpha Hydroxy Acid. Nature is an acid that is water-soluble, so it is very suitable for dry skin. They work by breaking the bonds between the skin cells, helping the dead skin to slough off quickly. At the same time, remove the stratum corneum on the surface of the skin, unclog pores and effectively prevent acne. Therefore, the long-term use of AHAs, the skin will become even and bright.
What is BHA?
Abbreviated from Beta Hydroxy Acid. They are completely oil soluble, so they are suitable for people with oily skin. BHA has anti-inflammatory properties, treating blackheads, whiteheads and inflammatory acne to help them heal. In addition, BHA also has the ability to penetrate deep below the hair follicle to remove sebum, dirt, and dead cells that clog pores for clear skin.
Popular brands with well-known BHA products that are loved today include: Paula`s Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant, AHA/BHA Exfoliating Cleanser Murad, BHA Obagi Clenziderm MD Pore Therapy, BHA The Ordinary.
In the simplest terms, AHA/BHA is a chemical exfoliant: AHA is suitable for dry skin, dry combination; BHA is suitable for oily and combination skin. After acting on the skin, they will help the nutrients penetrate better. In particular, BHA is also introduced to people with rosacea to reduce redness on the skin.
Although chemical exfoliants contain AHAs, BHAs are being widely used and are highly effective in cosmetic wear. However, people with dry, sensitive skin should use low concentrations of AHAs and BHAs to soothe the skin. After the skin gets used to it, we can increase the concentration higher.
In addition to two types of skin exfoliators, many people wonder that Can I use Retinol and BHA together?
Retinol plays an important role in skin care and anti-aging
Retinol Is a derivative of Vitamin A. This is an active ingredient that has a strong effect on reducing melanin pigmentation, stimulating the production of Collagen to fill wrinkles and enhance new cell regeneration for the skin. So, when combined with chemical exfoliants, they will bring visible results after 4 weeks of use.
You can use retinol products of other brands that are popular in the skincare world such as: Obagi 360 Retinol 0.5%, Paula`s Choice Clinical 1% Retinol Treatment, Image MD Restoring Youth Repair Creme (1%).
Can I use retinol and BHA together? How to combine two ingredients
Can I use retinol and BHA together?
The answer is YES!! You can use these 2 active ingredients as long as you understand what your skin needs and are fully equipped with knowledge.
How to combine BHA and Retinol for the best effect?
These are two products that are commented to have strong effects in treating acne, preventing acne and tightening pores effectively. Therefore, you need to use it correctly to ensure the best treatment effect.
For outstanding results when combining BHA and Retinol together. You should use alternate days in the evening to limit the “conflict” of active ingredients. For example: You use Obagi Pore Therapy in the evenings of Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays (If you are using Retinol for the first time, you should use it 1-2 times a week for the first time) to see how the skin is. You put a sufficient amount of rose water on a cotton pad, then apply it to the area to be treated and let it dry naturally (Avoid strong rubbing that causes skin damage). Besides, you use Obagi Retinol 0.5 / 1.0 in the evenings on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays (If you are using Retinol for the first time, you should use it 1-2 times a week first). After cleansing, apply a thin layer to the area to be treated.
Notes when combining BHA and Retinol
Besides the positive benefits, you should understand your skin type and health before using it, to avoid skin irritation and allergies. Here are some tips to help you reduce this risk:
- If you are just starting to use, you should choose products with a low concentration of 0.5% then gradually increase to 1%, 2%.
- Frequency of use of AHA/BHA is 2-3 times per week.
- Retinol should usually only be used at night. Retinol will be broken down and lose its effectiveness if exposed to strong light. Therefore, you should only use Retinol at night, preferably before turning off the lights to go to bed.
- Always moisturize the skin fully. Both BHA and retinol cause dryness, so you always need to be well-moisturized when using them.
- Sunscreen must be adequate for the skin when using BHA and Retinol. If you don’t want your skin to burn quickly when exposed to the sun, use sunscreen.
- BHA and Retinol should not be used before and after PEEL, LASER, or dermabrasion procedures.
- Do not use consecutive AHA/BHA, retinol. Wait for the active ingredients to penetrate the skin and let the skin rest for 10 – 30 minutes depending on the type of chemical exfoliator you use.
- Should test on the back of the hand first to check for irritation before use.
- Not for use by pregnant women
(*) Contraindications: This duo is not suitable for those with weak skin, Corticoid infection. Not for use by women who are pregnant, plan to become pregnant or are breastfeeding. Or skin irritation, red bumps, whiteheads all over the face.
Order of using skin care steps
We can use any type of cosmetic, however, before using it regularly with the frequency of every day of the week, it is imperative to understand the skin care rules to achieve the best effect.
Rule 1- Liquid first, solid later:
This rule applies to almost 90% of the daily skin care routine. Even those who have never used skincare can use it. Simply because dense products like creams, if used first, liquid, thin products like serums, for example, cannot penetrate well into the skin right after.
Rule 2 – Follow the basic skincare order:
To completely remove dirt, sebum and balance the skin’s pH, the first 3 steps in the skincare routine are indispensable. For those of you using treatment, you should refer to the remaining steps below:
Step 1: Cleanser
Step 2: Facial Cleanser
Step 3: Alcohol-free toner
Step 4: AHA (after use, wait 20-30 minutes for absorption) or BHA (wait 10-15 minutes for absorption) or retinol.
Step 5: Serum
Step 6: Moisturizer
Step 7: Sunscreen (Skip this step at night)
Note: The procedure of using AHA/BHA and retinol should be done in the evening, protecting the skin from UV rays. The next morning you should use more sunscreen to protect the skin from darkening.
Through this blog, you’ve learned about AHAs/BHAs and Retinols. These are three indispensable ingredients to help intensively treat skin problems. heresreview’s sure you already have the answer for “Can I use Retinol and BHA”? Lastly, you’ve known how to apply the skin care process properly.
Thank you for visiting heresreview, hopefully, readers have been provided with useful information and follow the website to update more information about beauty.
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