What should BHA not be mixed with?

Don't Mix: AHA/BHA acids with retinol. "I strongly caution those also using retinoids for acne or anti-aging as the combination with various acids may cause excessive skin sensitivity, irritation, and redness. In fact, AHA and BHA should not typically be used together with retinoids on the same day," explains Dr.


What can you mix with a BHA?

“AHA, BHA, retinol, and benzoyl peroxide can be mixed with moisturizing ingredients like hyaluronic acid, ceramides, and rosehip oil to get effective results — just ensure you are not using retinol as well as AHA or BHA's during the day," says Graf.

Can I use BHA and vitamin C together?

Yes, you can, although you won't find the two ingredients formulated in the same product. Instead, your option is to layer them, starting with the BHA.


What ingredients should not be mixed with AHA BHA?

Some of the main skincare ingredients you should not apply to the skin after using AHA and BHA are the following.
  • Vitamin C.
  • Retinol.
  • Benzoyl peroxide.
  • Physical exfoliating scrubs.


Can I mix BHA and niacinamide?

Yes, it is safe to use niacinamide and BHA together. Both formulas are effective yet gentle and contain additional calming and restoring antioxidants. Some people with extra-sensitive skin may find that alternating them by using one in the morning and one at night works best.


Actives: What Are They and How to Layer Them



Can I mix BHA with hyaluronic acid?

Can I Combine AHA/BHA With Hyaluronic Acid? Yes! In fact, this is an ideal combination. Hyaluronic acid doesn't function like an AHA or BHA in that it does not strip your skin — it's actually highly nourishing and hydrating, so having “acid” in the name is a bit misleading.

Can I use BHA with retinol?

If you have time, you can use hydroxy acids and retinol sequentially. After applying an AHA or BHA product, wait for 30 minutes to allow your skin's pH to return to normal, and then apply the retinol product.

Can I use BHA with salicylic acid?

To fight the good fight against acne, you may also use salicylic acid, a beta hydroxy acid (BHA) that increases skin cell turnover, to keep pores clear. But on its own, each can dry out the skin, so together they should be combined with caution.


What not to combine with niacinamide?

Niacinamide & Acidic Ingredients. It's the same rule as above, just switch retinol for niacinamide. Don't mix niacinamide with acidic skincare ingredients like AHA's/BHA's and vitamin C.

Can I mix niacinamide with salicylic acid?

Can niacinamide and salicylic acid be used together? The simple answer is yes. They complement each other well. Being oil soluble, salicylic acid can penetrate deeper into the skin layers, but it can also dehydrate and irritate skin.

What goes first vitamin C or BHA?

Which goes first vitamin C or BHA? If your skin has a good tolerance to use both ingredients during the same routine, it's best to apply your BHA product first. The reason for this is because it's an oil soluble product meaning it can penetrate the deeper layers of the skin.


Can I use BHA niacinamide and vitamin C together?

Research shows that you're safe to mix both niacinamide and vitamin C, either together in the same product or combined from different products that you layer one over the other.

When should I use BHA in skincare routine?

Apply your AHA or BHA exfoliant after the cleanser and toner steps in your routine. If it's a liquid, apply it with a cotton pad; if a lotion or gel, apply it with your fingers. Apply an occasional-use rinse-off exfoliant peel to cleansed skin, and rinse after several minutes.

What is the best way to apply BHA?

If it's your first time using a BHA product, start off slowly, using the product once a week. The usual way to apply a BHA is after cleansing (and after Vitamin C serum if you use one). Spread an even amount onto your face, avoiding your eyes.


Can BHA make acne worse?

Use a Gentle BHA

Yes, BHAs can cause initial skin purging, but they also happen to be the most effective way to clear and prevent acne. Not only do they exfoliate dead skin on the surface, but they also deep-clean pores, reduce excess oil, calm inflammation and fade post-acne marks.

What is best paired with niacinamide?

You can combine niacinamide with all other serums and creams. You can use it with retinol, Hyaluronic acid, Vitamin C, BHAs, or AHAs. Niacinamide and retinol work well together.

What not to mix with salicylic acid?

AHAs and BHAs, such as glycolic, salicylic, and lactic acids should never be used with Vitamin C. Vitamin C is an acid, too, and is unstable, so the pH balance will be thrown off by layering these ingredients together and might as well be useless.


What can I use after AHA BHA?

After an AHA/BHA peel, it is important to use a gentle and hydrating skincare routine to soothe the skin. This includes a cleanser, toner, serum, moisturizer, and sunscreen. Cleanser: Choose a gentle, sulfate-free cleanser to avoid further irritation.

Can you mix BHA salicylic acid and niacinamide?

While it's safe to use salicylic acid and niacinamide together, Leung advises that it's best not to combine BHAs with other exfoliants or retinol. “Niacinamide is relatively non-irritating when paired with actives, but when we apply ingredients like AHA or BHAs, we need to give the skin the opportunity to use them.

Is BHA stronger than salicylic acid?

Betaine Salicylate: A BHA derived from sugar beets. It is a gentler alternative to salicylic acid, and according to a study by the manufacturer, is equally effective. 4% betaine is said to be equivalent to 2% salicylic acid. Salix alba or Willow bark extract: A natural BHA extracted from plants.


Why do I break out when I use BHA?

It's normal for your skin to purge when you use a product with a chemical exfoliator, such as AHA's and BHA's. Sometimes, your anti-acne treatment with benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid can also cause skin purging.

Can I use BHAs with vitamin C?

Can you use BHA and vitamin C together? Yes, you can, but only if you use each ingredient properly in your routine. As I have already mentioned using BHA and vitamin C together can be effective, but also quite drying on the skin.

Can I use vitamin C and salicylic acid together?

Salicylic acid and vitamin C are both effective products on their own but, when combined, they can be even more beneficial. Whether you're looking to brighten your skin, reduce the likelihood of blemishes or just help slow down the skin's natural aging process, these ingredients may be just what you're looking for.


Can I use Paula's Choice 2 BHA with retinol?

Fact: AHA and BHA exfoliants are fine to use with any other Paula's Choice products, including those that contain retinol; they're designed to work well together.

Can I mix BHA with niacinamide and hyaluronic acid?

Can I use hyaluronic acid with BHA and niacinamide? Absolutely! Hyaluronic acid and niacinamide are both effective hydrating ingredients that both provide humectant properties.
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