In recent years, chemical exfoliation has become an indispensable beauty trend in women's skincare routines. It is an effective solution to remove old, dead skin cells and address many challenging skin problems (such as acne, closed comedones, blackheads, enlarged pores, dull skin, etc.). However, to achieve these amazing results, we need to properly understand these ingredients. If we don't grasp their specific uses and how to apply them, they can even harm the skin.

When talking about chemical exfoliants, AHA and BHA cannot be overlooked. These are two prominent ingredients that many people trust. While AHA is water-soluble and works by cleaning the skin surface, BHA is oil-soluble and penetrates deep into the pores, making it an ideal cleansing agent for oily and acne-prone skin. In this article, we will focus on BHA.

You've known about BHA for a long time, but are you sure you truly understand this active ingredient? How does BHA work on the skin, what are its benefits, and which product is right for your skin? Let's find out in the article below!

What is BHA?

BHA (full name is Beta Hydroxy Acid) is a chemical compound belonging to the Hydroxy Acid group.

The prominent characteristic of BHA is its good solubility in oil. BHA can penetrate deep into the pores, breaking down the bonds of the stratum corneum and removing dead skin cells and excess sebum from within.

Due to this mechanism of action, BHA is suitable for oily, combination skin with enlarged pores, acne, and sun damage.

Some chemical compounds belonging to the BHA group include:

- Salicylic Acid;

- Beta Hydroxybutanoic Acid;

- Tropic Acid;

- Trethocanic Acid...

Among them, the most common active ingredient in the BHA group is Salicylic Acid. This active ingredient is present in most beauty products in the market and is trusted by many today. This ingredient is largely extracted from Willow Bark. Salicylic Acid has also been recognized by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for its safety for users.

How to use BHA correctly

BHA at concentrations of 0.5 - 2% can be used to deliver optimal results without causing irritation or redness, even with daily use. BHA is designed for daily use, but initially, we should only use it a few times a week until the skin starts to "adapt" to the active ingredient.

BHA makes your skin more sensitive to sunlight. Therefore, we also need to use adequate sun protection measures during our skincare routine; ensure using sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30+.

Benefits of BHA for the skin

BHA gently exfoliates dead skin cells and sebum plugs

BHA is known as a chemical exfoliating ingredient. Unlike traditional exfoliation methods that work on the skin's surface and can cause friction and damage, BHA can easily penetrate deep into the pores, breaking down dead cells stuck together within the pores, thereby easily removing dead cells and keeping the skin clean and healthy.

BHA effectively combats acne

The primary factor contributing to acne is the accumulation of dirt, impurities, and sebum in the pores over time, which are not effectively cleaned. Through its mechanism of eliminating sebum accumulated deep within the pores, BHA is trusted for removing and preventing acne recurrence, thereby helping to clear the skin. Although it doesn't directly "kill" acne, the active ingredient works in another way—by inhibiting the acne-causing bacteria by destroying the environment and conditions conducive to their growth. From acne to blackheads, these issues can be effectively resolved with proper BHA product selection and consistent use.

BHA improves skin texture

BHA has anti-inflammatory properties; while it helps remove dead skin cells and deeply cleanses, it does not thin the skin. By clearing pores and eliminating acne, BHA helps improve rough and uneven skin texture, leading to smoother and brighter skin.

Suggested effective BHA products for your skin

oh!oh! BHA 2% toner: b is a purifying balancing toner from the Korean brand oh!oh!, designed for oily and combination skin. With advanced technology, oh!oh! has successfully combined BHA with natural ingredients for deep skin cleansing, pH balancing, and making the skin soft, smooth, and bright without causing dryness or irritation. With its light, refreshing texture and subtle fragrance, using the product provides a pleasant and relaxing sensation.

The formula of oh!oh! BHA 2% toner: b is rich in nutrients that deliver optimal effects on the skin surface:

- 2% BHA (Salicylic Acid) - is the key ingredient in the product. At an ideal concentration of 2%, the skin will be cleared of old, dead cells and impurities lingering deep in the pores; it eliminates blackheads, whiteheads, and sebum plugs, leaving the skin clear; it also improves skin texture, making it smoother and brighter.

- Meadowsweet extract: Besides its pleasant scent and taste, "queen of the meadow" Meadowsweet is also known for its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant properties, and its ability to deeply cleanse and control excess sebum, leaving the skin clear and smooth.

- Alpha-bisabolol is a valuable natural ingredient found in the Candeia tree (Eremanthus Erythropappus). The Alpha-bisabolol in oh!oh! BHA 2% toner: b is a patented ingredient and has been certified by the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety of Korea. This ingredient has anti-inflammatory properties, soothes sensitive skin, and helps fade dark spots and post-acne marks, giving the skin a fresh and vibrant look.

Learn more about the product HERE.