BHA (Beta Hydroxy Acid) is a group of chemical exfoliating active ingredients commonly found in skincare products today, alongside AHA (Alpha Hydroxy Acid). The most popular BHA derivative is Salicylic Acid. BHA is often used in specialized products for oily, acne-prone skin to improve skin problems such as excess oil, clogged pores, blackheads / whiteheads / hidden acne, etc. Thanks to its oil-soluble property, BHA can penetrate deep into the pores to remove dead skin cells, dirt, and accumulated excess oil. As a result, the skin becomes clearer and acne conditions improve.

At oh!oh!, we are proud of our miracle product, BHA 2% toner - an ideal Acid Toner with a unique formula containing 2% BHA concentration - providing deep cleansing and gentle daily exfoliation without damaging the skin:

• Gently exfoliates daily, promoting new cell production;
• Regulates excess sebum, helping to clear pores;
• Reduces blackheads, whiteheads, hidden acne, and sebaceous filaments;
• Improves rough and uneven skin texture, smoothing the skin's surface.

However, if your skin has responded well to our BHA 2% toner and you want to "upgrade" your skincare routine to a higher level, then this article is exactly for you. Below are perfect combinations of BHA & other specialized active ingredients to supplement and improve skin problems, bringing you radiant skin:

- The combination of BHA and other specialized active ingredients -

1. BHA & Retinal for oily, acne-prone, and aging skin

Retinal (Retinaldehyde) is a derivative of Vitamin A. Compared to Retinol - the most common vitamin A derivative on the market, Retinal offers higher effectiveness because it does not require many conversion steps and ensures gentleness on the skin. With just one conversion step, Retinal can be converted into Retinoic Acid, thereby achieving results closer to Tretinoin while minimizing side effects. Similar to Tretinoin or Retinol, Retinal also offers excellent benefits for the skin such as:

• Promotes skin cell turnover: The natural cell turnover process in young skin typically occurs within about 28 days. However, this process takes longer as we age. The consequence is thickened, rough skin, dull complexion, clogged pores leading to acne, etc. Retinal helps accelerate the rate of skin cell turnover, allowing the superficial skin layer to be renewed faster. As a result, the skin becomes healthier and responds better to cosmetics, while strengthening its resistance to external environmental factors.
• Stimulates collagen production: In parallel with accelerating cell turnover on the skin surface, Retinal also works in deeper skin layers – specifically, increasing collagen production to combat the aging process, thereby enhancing elasticity and firming the skin, while reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
• Acne treatment: By accelerating skin cell turnover, Retinal helps eliminate blockages and keeps pores clear. That's why Retinal is often found in acne treatment products.
• Balances oil production: Retinal can balance oil production, thereby helping to shrink pores and prevent clogged pores and inflammation.
• Brightens skin: Thanks to its ability to promote turnover, Retinal helps bring about fresher, smoother, and more radiant skin, contributing to the improvement of dark spots and uneven skin tone.
• Thickens the dermis: Retinal makes skin thicker and more elastic by building up the inner layers of the skin (dermis).

With all the wonderful benefits listed above, will the combination of BHA & Retinal provide even greater efficacy for the skin?

There's a common misconception that BHA should not be combined with Retinol / other vitamin A derivatives, but the truth is quite the opposite. In fact, when used simultaneously, both BHA and Retinol help each other work better:

• BHA is an exfoliating active ingredient – it helps remove dead skin cells accumulated on the skin's surface, essentially "clearing the way" for other active ingredients to penetrate the skin optimally. Therefore, using Retinol after applying BHA can even yield higher efficacy than using them individually.
• Conversely, Retinol accelerates skin cell turnover, reducing the tendency of dead cells to clump together and clog pores. This helps Salicylic Acid work more effectively.

=> The combination of BHA & Retinol is an ideal solution for oily, acne-prone, or congested skin, as well as aging, wrinkled, and rough skin.

However, if you are concerned that combining BHA & Retinol might increase the likelihood of skin irritation, then BHA & Retinal would be an excellent alternative. Not only does Retinal offer many amazing benefits, but it also easily combines with other acne-treating active ingredients like AHA / BHA due to its less irritating properties compared to Tretinoin.

If you have oily and non-sensitive skin, you can use the BHA & Retinal duo daily. But for those with dry or sensitive skin, reconsider the timing of use, especially if you notice redness or flaking. We recommend sensitive skin types apply BHA / Retinal products at separate times: BHA in the morning / Retinal at night or alternating between days of the week. You can also use Retinal every evening and incorporate BHA into your routine 2-3 times per week.

The duo of BHA 2% toner and Anti-oxidant hydrating cream with the combination of 2% Salicylic Acid and refined Retinal will provide you with a solution for deep pore cleansing, acne treatment, and effective anti-aging skincare.

Notable advantages of Anti-oxidant hydrating cream include:

• Refined Retinal at an appropriate concentration to deliver optimal results without irritation.
• Formula combined with ideal skincare ingredients such as Kakadu Plum extract, Hydrolyzed Collagen, 3 types of Hyaluronic Acid (Hyaluronic Acid, Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid, Sodium Hyaluronate), a complex of Oriental fruit extracts (Fig, Pomegranate, White Mulberry, and Ginkgo Biloba), and especially Fullerenes – a Nobel Prize-winning chemical active ingredient with powerful antioxidant capabilities.
• Thanks to its "superb" ingredient list, your skin will be nourished to be healthy and visibly improve various skin issues. In other words, this product integrates all the benefits you need: antioxidant + moisturizing + anti-aging + skin brightening.

Refer to more product information here:

• oh!oh! BHA 2% toner
• oh!oh! Anti-oxidant hydrating cream

2. BHA & vitamin C for dull & hyperpigmented skin

If your skin has recently suffered a severe acne breakout and is struggling with post-acne dark spots, the duo of BHA & vitamin C will be the most suitable choice:

• BHA deeply cleanses the skin, removes impurities that clog pores, treats acne, and prevents new breakouts. At the same time, BHA's exfoliating ability helps vitamin C penetrate deeper into the skin for optimal effectiveness.
• Vitamin C helps brighten and even out skin tone, fading dark spots and post-acne marks. Additionally, vitamin C's powerful antioxidant properties help protect your skin from premature signs of aging, while boosting collagen production for firmer, more youthful skin.

Nevertheless, similar to the BHA & Retinal duo, combining BHA & vitamin C simultaneously is not recommended due to the high potential for skin irritation. However, in reality, you can absolutely use BHA & vitamin C in the same routine if your skin is not overly sensitive or allergic to these ingredients. Studies have even shown that combining BHA & vitamin C does not cause adverse reactions; instead, it enhances their mutual effectiveness to provide the most optimal benefits for the skin. This is because BHA, with its low acidity, will reduce the skin's pH, creating favorable conditions for vitamin C to be absorbed most effectively.

Below are ways to combine these two exceptional skincare ingredients, making it easier for you to use and minimize unwanted irritation:

• Use vitamin C in the morning (under sunscreen) and BHA in the evening;
• Alternate usage on different days of the week (e.g., vitamin C on even days, BHA on odd days);
• Apply BHA first, then wait about 20-30 minutes and continue with vitamin C.

At oh!oh!, we have the duo of BHA 2% toner and Sumer serum for those who want to experience the combination of BHA & vitamin C - for superior results that are still safe for even sensitive skin.

In addition to BHA 2% toner standing out as one of the first Acid Toners in the Korean market to contain 2% Salicylic Acid, Sumer serum is equally impressive by using pure vitamin C sourced from raw materials imported from the UK, ensuring purity, quality, and stability standards.

The unique product formula combines 15% pure vitamin C with antioxidant and moisturizing ingredients, strengthening the skin's protective barrier and providing optimal skin care, such as: Fullerenes, a complex of 3 types of Hyaluronic Acid (high, medium, and low molecular weight), a complex of Probiotics (Lactobacillus Ferment Lysate, Lactococcus Ferment Lysate, Saccharomyces Ferment Filtrate, Bifida Ferment Filtrate & Lysate), and a Vitamin B5 & E complex.

In addition, Sumer serum also hides 4 outstanding features that create the perfect vitamin C solution for your skin: an optimal pH of 3.5 for vitamin C to penetrate the skin; an optimal 15% vitamin C concentration to work effectively on the skin; a fresh and lightweight serum texture that is completely non-sticky; and a unique packaging design that keeps vitamin C separately preserved and always fresh until opened.

Refer to more product information here:

• oh!oh! BHA 2% toner
• oh!oh! Sumer serum

3. BHA & Hyaluronic Acid for dehydrated skin

Finally, a gentler duo but no less effective - BHA & Hyaluronic Acid. For oily but dehydrated skin, or dry, flaky skin due to acne treatments, Hyaluronic Acid (HA) will be the "savior" that provides instant hydration, effectively improving dry and dehydrated skin conditions.

HA is renowned as a super hydrating molecule, moisturizing the skin due to its ability to retain 1000 times its own weight in water. HA helps reduce transepidermal water loss, keeping the skin well-hydrated, thereby making it less sensitive and less irritated. Clinical studies have also shown that HA supports wound healing. Additionally, combining HA-containing serums or creams during skin treatment with active ingredients yields excellent results, especially for dehydrated or sensitive skin, helping to reduce the risk of irritation.

Overall, HA is a versatile skincare ingredient, suitable for all skin types and easy to incorporate into a daily skincare routine. You can comfortably use HA simultaneously with specialized skin ingredients like Retinol or BHA without worrying about conflicts or irritation.

In the BHA & Hyaluronic Acid duo that oh!oh! wants to introduce to you, HA serum amber is an intensive moisturizing essence - an ideal solution for dehydrated, tired/lifeless, or aging skin. The most prominent advantage of HA serum amber is its complex of 3 types of Hyaluronic Acid with 3 different molecular sizes, capable of deeply penetrating below the skin layers to provide long-lasting moisture and effectively improve dry, rough skin conditions:

• Macro HA: locks in moisture on the surface, preventing skin dehydration.
• Micro HA: transports water and moisture through the inner skin layers.
• Nano HA: provides deep hydration to the underlying skin layers.

In addition, the product formula also contains water-soluble moisturizing ingredients, which help enhance the skin's strong moisturizing ability and long-lasting hydration while ensuring a light, non-greasy, and non-clogging feeling.

Find more product information here:

• oh!oh! BHA 2% toner
• oh!oh! HA Serum amber

- Supporting Sunscreen Products -

According to a study conducted by NCBI, topical Salicylic Acid (BHA) does not increase the risk of sunburn/skin sensitivity to sunlight like Glycolic Acid (AHA). On the contrary, the anti-inflammatory properties of Salicylic Acid even help reduce sunburn.

However, we recommend that you still apply sunscreen after using products formulated with Salicylic Acid (BHA) as a preventative measure and skin protection. Because no matter what skincare products you are using, applying sunscreen daily is still a must! Preventing sun damage from a young age is much easier than trying to repair years of skin damage from not using sunscreen.

Below are 2 reputable sunscreen lines from leading dermo-cosmetic brands in Spain - trusted by doctors, pharmacists, and customers worldwide:

1. MartiDerm The Originals Proteos Screen SPF50+ Fluid Cream

From the long-standing dermo-cosmetic brand Martiderm from Spain, the sunscreen MartiDerm The Originals Proteos Screen SPF50+ Fluid Cream is one of the top choices when it comes to sunscreen products - especially for skin undergoing treatment.

More than just a simple sunscreen, Proteos Screen SPF 50+ possesses an advanced formula and outstanding benefits such as:

• Optimal skin protection against 5 types of rays UVA1, UVA2, UVB, IR, HEV: Thanks to the exclusive Spectrum Complex, which forms a comprehensive "shield" to protect the skin, helping to combat harmful exogenous factors, including:
• Solar radiation (UVA1, UVA2, UVB): The cause of sunburn, hyperpigmentation, and premature skin aging.
• Infrared radiation (IR): The cause of loss of skin firmness and elasticity.
• Blue light (HEV): The cause of free radical formation leading to loss of skin firmness, appearance of brown spots, and acne breakouts.
• Nourishes skin for a youthful and hydrated look: The perfect combination of Martiderm's exclusive Proteoglycans and Hyaluronic Acid & Silicon Complex helps moisturize and smooth the skin, while enhancing skin firmness and elasticity. This unique complex has been proven to stimulate keratinocyte proliferation by up to 63%.
• High aesthetic appeal: Lightweight cream-to-powder texture, instantly absorbed into the skin, leaving a dry, smooth, and completely weightless feeling on the skin. You can easily apply the necessary amount of sunscreen while maintaining a good aesthetic, without greasiness, white cast, or clogged pores causing acne.
• Suitable for all skin types: This product is ideal for all ages and skin types, helping to care for the skin in all conditions, from outdoors to indoors.
• Safety: The product has very good skin tolerability and has undergone dermatological testing.

Find more product information HERE.

2. Bella Aurora Dark Spot Sunscreen SPF50

Bella Aurora is a dermo-cosmetic brand from Spain - a pioneer in providing solutions for each type of skin pigmentation. One of Bella Aurora's prominent product lines is Dark Spot Sunscreen SPF50 - a high-end physical-chemical hybrid sunscreen with outstanding advantages compared to other similar sunscreen products on the market:

• Comprehensive skin protection against 4 types of rays UVA, UVB, IR, HEV: Thanks to a broad-spectrum sunscreen filter encapsulated in a dual spherical system with SPF50, Bella Aurora sunscreen creates a perfect "shield" providing optimal skin protection when exposed to sunlight, effectively preventing the harmful effects of 4 types of rays: UVA, UVB, IR (infrared), and HEV (blue light).
• Actively supports skin pigmentation treatment: Bella Aurora sunscreen formula contains skin brightening active ingredients that fade dark spots, such as Turmeric extract (version for oily skin) / Bearberry and Mitracarpa fruit extract (version for dry skin). As a result, the skin will become brighter and more even-toned, hyperpigmentation (brown spots, dark spots, freckles, etc.) will be improved, and at the same time, it helps prevent the appearance of new dark spots.
• Light and smooth cream texture: Both versions for oily and dry skin have a light, fluid cream texture that absorbs quickly, leaving a transparent finish that blends into the skin, providing a comfortable feeling throughout the day. You can easily apply the necessary amount of sunscreen while maintaining aesthetics, without greasiness or a white cast.

• Dermatologist-approved safe formula: The ingredients in Bella Aurora sunscreen formula have been dermatologically tested for safety and efficacy, non-irritating, non-comedogenic, and do not clog pores.

Especially, Bella Aurora offers two versions of sunscreen for two different skin types:

• Bella Aurora Dark Spot Sunscreen SPF50 Combination-Oily Skin: sunscreen for combination to oily skin. In addition to superior sun filters and depigmenting capabilities, the product formula also contains Turmeric extract to optimally protect the skin from free radical damage, thereby preventing sun-induced skin aging and evening out skin tone for brighter skin. At the same time, Betaine helps moisturize the skin and stimulate vitamin D absorption.

Find more product information HERE.

• Bella Aurora Dark Spot Sunscreen SPF50 Normal-Dry Skin: sunscreen for normal to dry skin. In addition to superior sun filters and depigmenting capabilities, the product formula also contains Betaine to moisturize the skin and stimulate vitamin D absorption; Argan oil to restore and regenerate the skin; Vitamin E to combat oxidation, prevent skin damage, and signs of premature aging.

Find more product information HERE.