#15 in Facial treatments & masks
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Reddit mentions of Paulas Choice--SKIN PERFECTING 2% BHA Liquid Salicylic Acid Exfoliant--Facial Exfoliant for Blackheads, Enlarged Pores, Wrinkles & Fine Lines, 4 oz Bottle
Sentiment score: 12
Reddit mentions: 27
We found 27 Reddit mentions of Paulas Choice--SKIN PERFECTING 2% BHA Liquid Salicylic Acid Exfoliant--Facial Exfoliant for Blackheads, Enlarged Pores, Wrinkles & Fine Lines, 4 oz Bottle. Here are the top ones.
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- GENTLE NON-ABRASIVE LEAVE-ON EXFOLIATOR: with 2% BHA (Beta hydroxy acid) to unclog & diminish enlarged pores, exfoliate dead skin cells, smooth wrinkles & brighten & even out skin tone. Combats redness, wrinkles, aging, enlarged pores, & blackheads. PACKAGING MAY VARY.
- Dramatically improves skin's texture for radiant youthful even-toned skin. Beta hydroxy acid (BHA also known as salicylic acid) mimics the natural exfoliation process of younger skin by helping it shed extra layers while unclogging and clearing pores.
- HYDRATE, BRIGHTEN & SMOOTH FINE LINES: Our unique, non-abrasive, leave-on exfoliant is gentle enough for daily use on all skin types. Exfoliates dead skin cells while clearing pores for a more even tone, plus it visibly reduces fine lines & wrinkles.
- Paula's Choice facial exfoliants are gentler on delicate skin of the face & neck than an abrasive face scrub, which can cause micro-tears. A BHA leave-on exfoliator delivers hydration & can exfoliate directly inside the pore & improve how the pore works.
- Paula's Choice Skincare makes products that work. No fragrance, no parabens, no fluff. Just effective, science-backed formulas that target any concern from wrinkles to breakouts.
Features:
Specs:
Height | 5.5118 Inches |
Length | 1.5748 Inches |
Number of items | 1 |
Size | 4 Fl Oz (Pack of 1) |
Weight | 0.24912235606 Pounds |
Width | 1.5748 Inches |
Paula's choice BHA is close price-wise also-- $29/120 ml ($25.65 w/ amazon subscribe and save) + it has aloe and green tea extract
I LOVE this stuff. It gets rid of my pimples in like a night. The big red ones usually take a day. Been using it for years.
For a BHA (which is the same as the Stridex pads), I like Paula's Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA. For AHA (the same as the St. Ives), I like the Pixi Glow Tonic. Paula's Choice also makes AHAs and while I've never tried them, I'm generally happy with that line.
Here's a post on /r/SkincareAddiction that goes over the differences between AHA & BHA. The short version: AHA is better for dry skin and BHA is better for oily and acne prone skin.
If your pretty new to skincare and not sure where to start, this basic routine post and holy grail products index are both helpful!
Idk about OP, but this every night before bed, followed by an non-comedogenic moisturizer (I use Dermalogica), and one of these once a week has made all the difference for me, and I've had multiple people compare my nose to an orange peel in the past.
http://www.paulaschoice.com/shop/collections/Clear-for-Blemishes/_/Clear-Regular-Strength-Anti-Redness-Exfoliating-Solution-With-Two-Percent-Salicylic-Acid/?=
https://www.amazon.com/Paulas-Choice-Perfecting-Salicylic-Blackheads/dp/B00949CTQQ
Sry for the rudeness, but it takes u only 10 seconds to check the sidebar and find some recommendations bro. Sort by /top and look what the other dudes in their routines, might help a lot! Kill ALL the pimples!
Like these? https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B000O1KP1O/ref=mp_s_a_1_1_a_it?qid=1466018049&sr=8-1&keywords=stridex+red+box&pi=SX200_QL40&dpPl=1&dpID=515af7Lh%2BLL&ref=plSrch https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00949CTQQ/ref=mp_s_a_1_1_a_it?qid=1466018126&sr=8-1&keywords=paulas+choice&pi=SY200_QL40 (Don't know about this one there were 2 different ones, one 2% and one 8%)
Hey would love any product recommendation specifically for a chemical exfoliant and sunscreen.
I was looking at The Ordinary which has 2% BHA but also 30% AHA? Which I'm not quite sure what that is. Would this be somewhat comparable to the Paula's choice? Or should I go with a different brand.
I may just go with the regular Paula's choice bottle if I can't find anything else as it's a nice product!
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I dont use anything in particular to cleanse my skin just water, i am thinking if i should try using micellar water (from La Roche).
Alright will do it from now on.
Thats what i have been thinking about ! would this paulas choice 2% be a good first start? <-- amazon.de link
Everything was going great until a few weeks ago. Then finals happened. Then my face blew up haha.
I'm probably going to add 3 products - Exfoliate, Treatment, and a different moisturizer as recommended by the site. When I realized I was globbing on the moisturizer (and changed to using less) I saw drastic improvement, so I'm thinking that the CeraVe might be too heavy for oily skin.
Honestly thats understandable, but from my 10 years of trial and error i found that its never provides a consistent complexion. Changing variables such as diet, vitamins, sleep, water, non-comedogenic products, washing 1x daily , twice daily, not at all seem to always lead be back to square one.
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I hate using chemical products as well but, the chemicals provide reliability. This is what I use now. keep in mind that this regimen i got 95% clear consistently, quit because i thought i didnt need it anymore. only have the nightmares bumps come back and have to go through the whole process again. which put me back 4 months just to get clear again. And I did this 4 times, dumb me...
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1, cerave foaming face cleanser
2. paula choice salicydic acid
3. acne.org benzyl peroxide gel
4. cerave nightime pm moisturizer stacked with cerave moisturizing cream.
5 paula choice aha gel for exfoliation.
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Instructions.
Use 1,2,3 wait 10 mins, then 4 day time
then at night or when u take shower use 1,2,3,5,
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Good luck.
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links below
cleanser
bha
bp
pm
heavy moisturuzier
aha
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AM
PM
I'm new to skincare and did a bulk buy of the above products based on what I've read in this sub. I'd appreciate advice on...
Is it this?
Just the liquid:
This one
Are these the products that you are talking about:
*CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser 3 oz Travel Size Face Wash, Normal to Oily Skin https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00IINMRWU/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_q2E9Ab3RHX7AH
For the salicylic acid should I invest in the liquid or gel kind?
Get a hyaluronic acid serum such as Neutrogena hydro boost. Hyaluronic is very hydrating.
You can use it on its own or together with a normal, mild moisturizer such as Aveeno, which is great.
To exfoliate, you can use an AHA (i.e., glycolic or lactic acid) or BHA (salicylic acid) exfoliant such as Paula's Choice 2% BHA. Urea 5% is also great and potentially less drying.
i've been using this stuff for the last month and my skin has never looked clearer. given i did not have cystic acne or really bad skin to start with, but it's been amazing results https://www.amazon.com/Paulas-Choice-PERFECTING-Salicylic-Blackheads/dp/B00949CTQQ
If you don't mind spending some money, this exfoliant combined with non comedogenic moisturizer and a serious commitment to drinking more water made a HUGE difference in my skin.
I went from crunch bar status to "maybe a break out here or there" to "almost entirely clear with the occasional small pimple" in a few months.
I see, that makes sense. I'm still trying to learn about proper skincare so this really helps. Regarding the Paula's Choice BHA, the links in the "Acne" tab for those products are all broken, is this the one the correct one if I were to buy it? I notice that there's a lot of different versions on the paulaschoice website.
Regarding a new moisturizer, what are your thoughts on CeraVe Facial Moisturizing Lotion PM, I saw that it had Niacinamide and wasn't sure what most people thought about Niacinamide in moisturizers. I originally read that it would be beneficial but then I came across a thread here that talked about how it made a lot of people break out. I was thinking I could use that for both the morning and nights, but if you had any recommendations for different moisturizers I'd be glad to hear them.
Lastly, if you don't mind, would this routine be alright?
AM:
PM:
I know it's very basic but I've never had a proper routine so I just want to make sure before I follow with it on a daily basis.
Oooo after getting engaged, I was finally motivated to "treat" myself to a skincare routine. Honestly the two biggest things have been lotion (CeraVe) and sunscreen (Watery Essence). The routine starts at "night" in my mind:
Then in the morning ...
I can't find the product page for this aaaaaaah
edit: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00949CTQQ/
The past four months my acnes exploded. I'm 20.I've always had it but never this bad. In that picture those whiteheads came in during the day over the course of 8 hours. I normally have somewhat oily skin I guess? I'm not sure how to measure that other than after several hours with no product I can feel some oil after rubbing my finger across my face somewhere. Iv been using Neutrogena ultra gentle daily cleaner foaming formula twice a day with Neutrogena oil free moisturiser spf15 for almost 2 months no change. I did NOT notice a difference .i just started using Paula's choice 2% bha salicylic acid, I have had it for about four days and have been using it at night. Cleanser to bha then sometimes moisturizer. Moisturizer always after cleanser during the day.and its hasn't gotten better. Should I wait it out? Is 2℅bha the right product. what would y'all recommend? Considering going to a dermatologist because when I got put on antibiotics for something unrelated it cleared perfectly up then came back after a week of being off the antibiotics. Is that the obvious choice? I'm weary of doctors just throwing medicine at you.
Any product recommendations I don't have a price range if it's worth it.
Link to my three products if anybody needs them.
PC bha https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00949CTQQ/ref=yo_ii_img?ie=UTF8&amp;psc=1#featureBulletsAndDetailBullets_secondary_view_div_1474407713542
Gentle cleaner https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&amp;source=web&amp;rct=j&amp;url=https://www.amazon.com/Neutrogena-Extra-Gentle-Cleanser-Ounce/dp/B000052ZB2&amp;ved=0ahUKEwiyzIiL_57PAhWGQyYKHfCiAvwQFgg9MAA&amp;usg=AFQjCNHi8usPfIHMsMmVQjHtrtN7YsOiIw&amp;sig2=YkhSwvgK-TncZFE8cfoRfA
Moisturizer https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&amp;source=web&amp;rct=j&amp;url=https://www.amazon.com/Neutrogena-Oil-Free-Moisture-SPF-Ounce/dp/B000052YP1&amp;ved=0ahUKEwi1nZuy_57PAhXKKiYKHRdZDDgQFghXMAE&amp;usg=AFQjCNHzhrwe7aWp8taViTH-doQ7VBni3Q&amp;sig2=wTz8d2nU7110NReHXYmevg
AM:
PM:
My question: Do I really need the AHA? I am a 24 year old female, my skin is dehydrated/oily with minor acne, maybe 1 pimple popping up every week or so (THANKS SCA!!!). Started the Nivea Creme this week for dehydration, really love it so far.
Clean&Clear Cleanser (http://www.amazon.com/Clean-Clear-Essentials-Cleanser-Sensitive/dp/B002B4K8J6/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&amp;qid=1411492326&amp;sr=8-2&amp;keywords=clean+and+clear+cleanser)
Clean&Clear Toner (http://www.amazon.com/Clean-Clear-Essentials-Cleaning-Sensitive/dp/B0009RFAPE/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&amp;qid=1411492344&amp;sr=8-1&amp;keywords=clean+and+clear+toner)
Paula's Choice BHA (http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00949CTQQ/ref=sr_ph?ie=UTF8&amp;qid=1411492367&amp;sr=1&amp;keywords=paula%27s+choice+bha)
CeraVe AM Moisturizer (http://www.amazon.com/CeraVe-Facial-Moisturizing-Lotion-Packaging/dp/B004TS06HG/ref=sr_1_2?s=beauty&amp;ie=UTF8&amp;qid=1411492390&amp;sr=1-2&amp;keywords=cerave+moisturizer)
The red comes before the moisturizer -- my face feels really dry and hot after putting the AHA on so I usually put a fair amount on, which makes my face shiny the rest of the day, annoying. But the red face problem was before I added the AHA to this routine.
I realized BP might not be such a good idea since I have rather brown/tannish skin. I decided to go with this instead. Thoughts?
is this what i want? http://www.amazon.com/Paulas-Choice-BHA-Liquid-Perfecting/dp/B00949CTQQ/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&amp;qid=1407929181&amp;sr=8-1&amp;keywords=bha
Thx for the info. Here's my super long post but I wanted to give you useful information. I think you’re on the right track in terms of “active” ingredients (BHA, AHA, retinol, etc.) but I’d switch your routine up to ensure maximum product efficacy (the order you layer your products effects their absorption) and I'd switch your products to more tried-and-true ones like inthegloww suggested as well. Below are my suggestions with a little science behind them, courtesy of the bloggers “snow white and the Asian Pear” and “lab muffin”. As others have noted, unfortunately there’s no magic bullet formula for flawless skin, so you’ll just have to keep monitoring your skin daily and adjust your products accordingly.
Definitely ditch the following:
a.) I don’t think you need vitamin C at this stage of the game and;
b.) It might not even be effective in the moisturizer since Vit C is a finicky active. (It comes in many forms, some are pH dependent; needs to be in a concentration of 20% to be effective; begins to oxidize if mixed w/water so stabilizers are needed [serums tend to be more stable then cream formulas for this reason]; air/photosensitive so it needs to be in dark air tight packaging like a pump. It’s a pain in the butt.)
AM Routine
1. Cleanser: CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser - $12
—Acidic Cleanser: Clinical studies have shown that an alkaline cleanser, high pH (greater than 6.0 pH), contributes to the proliferation of acne bacteria on the skin. An acidic pH (less than 6.0 pH) is less bacteria-friendly. CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser has a 5.5 pH, and contains ceramides which help protect the skin barrier.
2. Active: Salicylic acid (BHA) - Humane Clarifying Toner. If you feel like switching, try [Paula’s Choice SKIN PERFECTING 2% BHA Liquid] (https://smile.amazon.com/Paulas-Choice-SKIN-PERFECTING-Exfoliant-Facial-Blackheads/dp/B00949CTQQ/ref=sr_1_1_s_it?s=beauty&amp;ie=UTF8&amp;qid=1518761128&amp;sr=1-1&amp;keywords=paulas%2Bchoice%2Bbha&amp;th=1) - $25 on Amazon // $30 on her site but she frequently runs 20% sales + you can use a rebate site too to save even more (Coupon Cabin is 8.5% back currently).
—BHA: Salicylic acid is only effective at certain pHs 3-4pH and concentrations (1 – 2%). Paula’s Choice is pH range of 3.2–3.8
3. Active: AHA - AHA Enhanced Renewal Cream. Apply AHA following BHA, but only 1-2x a week to start. If you feel like switching, try [Mizon AHA 8% Peeling Serum] (https://smile.amazon.com/Mizon-AHA-8-Peeling-Serum/dp/B00F35GT0W/ref=sr_1_4_a_it?ie=UTF8&amp;qid=1518760920&amp;sr=8-4&amp;keywords=Mizon%27s+AHA+8%25+Peeling+Serum&amp;dpID=41diUr7YN6L&amp;preST=_SY300_QL70_&amp;dpSrc=srch)
—AHAs are not oil-soluble (difficulty penetrating oily areas of your face such as the T-zone) but BHAs are. So, apply the BHA first to clear out the sebum in your pores, then apply the AHA which can then penetrate your skin more effectively. Ideally, you’d wait 15-20 min. between applications for optimal results but who has time for that?
4. Moisturizer: [CeraVe Facial Moisturizer PM] (https://smile.amazon.com/CeraVe-Facial-Moisturizing-Lotion-Lightweight/dp/B00365DABC/ref=sr_1_4_s_it?s=beauty&amp;ie=UTF8&amp;qid=1518763286&amp;sr=1-4&amp;keywords=CeraVe+Facial+Moisturizer+PM) - $9
Contains ceramides and niacinamide which has been shown to reduce pore size.
5. Sunscreen: Biore UV Aqua Rich Watery Essence SPF50+/PA++++
—Japanese sunscreen. Non gloopy physical/chemical combo, doesn’t leave a white cast, some folks like to use it as primer pre-makeup
PM Routine:
1. Cleanser: CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser
2. Active: Antioxidant - [Trilogy Rosehip Oil Antioxidant] (https://smile.amazon.com/Trilogy-Rosehip-Antioxidant-1-01-Ounce/dp/B0081JE0VM/ref=sr_1_1_sspa?s=beauty&amp;ie=UTF8&amp;qid=1518761377&amp;sr=1-1-spons&amp;keywords=Trilogy+Rosehip+Oil+Antioxidant&amp;psc=1) - $22
—Rosehip Oil: A linoleic-rich oil (an omega-6 fatty acid). Acne-prone skin tends to have a low % of linoleic acid and high % of oleic acid in the sebum. It’s thought that these low levels could be one of the things causing acne. Oils with a high linoliec acid content typical go rancid w/in 3-6 months but the antioxidants in this brand keep it shelf stable for three 3 yrs.
3. Active: Retinoid - I'd try azelaic acid, Azelaic Acid Suspension 10% - $8. If you want it stronger, it comes in Rx as well.
—Azelaic Acid: "According to Wikipedia, it can treat mild to moderate acne, both comedonal acne and inflammatory acne. It works by killing acne bacteria that infect skin pores AND it decreases the production of keratin, which is a natural substance that promotes the growth of acne bacteria. So it tackles clogged pores like a BHA preventing future acne and kills bacteria to improve current acne. It also fades hyperpigmentation, like an AHA, but without photosensitivity and unlike some forms of AHA, it can be safely used by those with deeper skin tones." quoting snow white and the Asian Pear
4. Moisturizer**: CeraVe Facial Moisturizer PM or [CeraVe Moisturizing Cream] (https://smile.amazon.com/CeraVe-Moisturizing-Cream-Daily-Moisturizer/dp/B001V9SXXU/ref=sr_ph_1_s_it?ie=UTF8&amp;qid=1518769817&amp;sr=sr-1&amp;keywords=cerave&amp;th=1) if you need something heavier - $12