The only member of the BHA family used in skincare is the Salicylic Acid. It is known for its use as a superficial peeling agent with anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties that has the ability to reduce acne and is great for oily skin and clogged pores. This makes it a top choice for acne and oily skin.
It is derived naturally or can be synthetically produced mainly from Willow Tree Bark, or from Wintergreen Leaves and Sweet Birch. It is a derivative of Aspirin (Acetylsalicylic Acid), so if you are allergic to Aspirin, you cannot use this.
It causes exfoliation in a similar way to AHAs (dissolves Desmosomes).
It is lipid-soluble (attracted to oil), meaning it has the ability to penetrate the sebum/oil filled pores.
It enhances topical products penetration.
Can be used to degrease the skin before medium and deep peels.
It is less commonly used for anti-aging and pigmentation issues compared to other peels. It is used more for acne and oily skin correction.
Ideal Client for BHA would have
· Acne Grades I, II, & III
· Oily Skin
· Open and closed comedones
· Uneven skin texture/roughness
· Superficial pigmentation
· Pseudo Folliculitis Barbae (razor bumps or ingrown hair)
· Melasma (especially in higher FP numbers)
· PIH (especially in higher FP numbers)
· Considered safe with all skin tones with the proper preparation for darker skin tones (great for FP Scale Number IV-VI in lower percentage (%).