Toner, serum, moisturizer, face oil, SPF; just when you thought you had your skincare routine down to an art, bam: dry patches, irritation and breakouts occur. No, it’s not that your serums and luxury creams aren’t working their magic, they’re basically road-blocked by dead skin cells. This is when chemical exfoliants enter to save the day.
For those new to the game, chemical exfoliants are non-abrasive salves that lift off the cell build up and unclog the pores to reveal a brighter, smoother complexion. Unlike scrubs, which are abrasive and can cause micro-tears in the skin, chemical exfoliants use gentle acids to dissolve impurities, penetrating deep into the skin’s layers to work on the issues from within.
The most common types of acids used in skincare products are AHAs, short for alpha hydroxy acids and BHAs, which stands for beta hydroxy acids. The difference between the two? They address different skin issues, depending on your skin type.
AHAs based products are recommended for dry or sun-damaged skin as they exfoliate the skin surface drawing in moisture to keep your face hydrated. BHA is recommended for oily and sensitive skin. Due to its ability to penetrate deep into pores (unlike AHAs), BHAs loosens the buildup, eliminating excess oil as well as blackheads. BHAs also have anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial effect, making it an ace for acne or rosacea-prone skin.
Don’t know how to use acid exfoliant? The American skincare powerhouse Paula’s Choice has landed on Scentbird, bringing along its renowned BHA exfoliant. For a crash course of a skincare routine that includes the cult Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant, plus more of Paula’s Choice products we swear, just keep on scrolling:
#Step 1: Start by gently cleansing your face. Using a cotton pad, apply Paula’s Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant all over your face, avoiding the eyelids and the lower lash line area. A fan favorite, this lightweight fluid removes dead skin build-up from the surface of the skin and impurities from within the pore, revealing smooth, clear and happy skin.
#Step 2: Now that your skin is clean and balanced, it’s time to soothe irritation and brighten up skin’s tone, with 10% Azelaic Acid Booster. The formula includes a blend of azelaic and salicylic acid, plus plant-derived ingredients that work to reduce blemishes, smooth skin’s texture and calm irritated, red skin.
#Step 3: Next step, Omega+ Complex Moisturizer. Blending shea butter and omega oils, this Paula’s Choice moisturizer works as a barrier that locks in moisture and gives your skin a hydrating boost.
#Step 4: Formulated with pure mineral zinc oxide, Super-Light Daily Wrinkle Defense SPF 30 is a hard-working cream that protects and fortifies skin against the elements. With a silky, light-matte finish, it sinks in quickly and evens skin tone, leaving the complexion looking dewy and fresh.
Don’t forget, members have access to all skincare, wellness, fragrance and makeup as part of any Scentbird subscription.
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