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Thu Oct 22, 2009 12:40 am  |
| Is there a cheaper place to get 2% BHA with a pH between 3 and 4 (pref on the lower end) than Paula's Choice, or is this pretty much standard price? I'm also looking for 10% Glycolic AHA with pH under 4 pref. I don't really care what they are carried in (gel/lotion/liquid) but I don't want any other irritating junk in them like witch hazel or alcohol, etc...just the acids and maybe a base preferably. Thanks for any info. |
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Thu Oct 22, 2009 6:26 am |
If you are looking for just basic BHA then I think Paula's Choice liquid is the way to go. She has the most basic formula I've seen without any common irritants, which is part of why I like this one.
I dont use AHA but you might want to check out Alpha Hydrox. |
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Thu Oct 22, 2009 10:05 am |
Second the rec for Alpha Hydrox products. Currently they have free shipping with a $35 purchase. Either google Alpha Hydox or Neotericcosmetics
I also use the PC BHA liquid. Although it seems somewhat pricey, a small amount of the liquid goes a long way, owing to how easily a small (less than dime-sized amount) will spread across skin without pulling or rubbing. The gel and lotion felt tacky and sticky on my skin, but the liquid has a better texture. |
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Thu Oct 22, 2009 10:48 am |
| thank you for the rec of the alpha hydrox, that is pretty much exactly what I was looking for. I don't really mind paying $40 for the two on PC (still way better than $78 for MD Skincare), but the AHA kinda made me want to look around more since it wasn't quite the strength I want to try. |
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Thu Oct 22, 2009 11:35 am |
September.....what consistency is the liquid? Do you have to use a cotton ball?
I know these products are best used on dry skin for pH reasons and so they can stay on longer to do their work so any cleansers containing the products are not nearly as effective....but if using these together and not washing them off (like you would with MD Skincare Alpha Beta pads) what is the ideal way to combine these? I think MD Skincare has AHA first, probably because AHA is water soluble and more irritating I am guessing. MD Skincare has a two minute routine total...this can't leave enough time for the AHA to do it's best work can it? Does the base solution effect this? Like, if I put on a gel such as Alpha Hydrox 10% (I don't see a liquid they carry) should I leave more time than one minute...or is the pH the only thing that has to do with absorption time?
If I'm using these one on top of the other...would it be best to use a BHA lotion/gel/liquid over the Alpha Hydrox Gel....I would want something more occlusive, right? Or does this 'rule' not really apply to acids?
Thanks for all the help! |
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Thu Oct 22, 2009 11:48 am |
Ah, sorry I have another couple questions I just thought of concerning the bases these are in.
I just noticed in the PC ingredients there are emulsifiers listed....so if I got a PC gel and the alpha hydrox gel...could these actually be used together? The lotions also have emulsifiers...I'm guessing plain liquids would be a no-no to mix anyway...? Wouldn't the emulsifier make them blendable even though one is oil based and one is water based, the pH is very similar already, is there anything else that makes this not a good idea?
Do the bases effect the actual DEPTH the product penetrates? In other words, would the liquids work better than the gels and lotions at the same pH and percentage?
This is going to be a very fruitful thread if anyone can answer these questions.... |
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Thu Oct 22, 2009 12:08 pm |
mex0050 -
I use the PC liquid with the spray attachment. I spray on my fingers to apply to face. I find the bottle lasts a really long time this way. Some people use a cotton pad but you waste alot of product this way.
I think the liquid is the way to go w/PC's BHA, for me it absorbs really well. My skin didnt like the lotion or gel. Its been noted that some get breakouts from the lotion.
If you are going to use AHA and BHA at the same time I would apply them separately and not mix them together. You can change the pH when you mix products together and they are not always as effect.
I would also choose the PC BHA liquid (because it absorbs well and quickly) apply that first then your Alpha Hydrox products.
HTH |
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Thu Oct 22, 2009 5:12 pm |
I use PC 2% bha liquid. I have tried cheaper products and I just did not get the same results.
I use the BHA in the AM.
I also have PC AHA gel. I use this at night. Just a small amount. I have tried other AHA. I did like Alpha Hydroxy gel but it is no longer available in Canada.
I buy PC when she has a free shipping event. |
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Thu Oct 22, 2009 7:41 pm |
You could check out Aquaglycolics. They don't get much play on the boards, but they are really good products. Not sure how much money the products cost as it has been a few years since I used them, but you usually can get them at your pharmacy counter (they are kept behind the counter).
Here is a link to their site.
http://www.aquaglycolic.com/aqua_glycolic_face_cream.asp |
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Fri Oct 23, 2009 8:42 pm |
I do not use cotton or anything to apply the PC BHA liquid. I squirt a small amount onto my palm, then rub my palms together lightly to distribute the liquid, then run my palms lightly over my face.
I agree that it's probably not a great idea to combine AHAs and BHAs at the same time. I would recommend, as other posters have, to use one at night and one in the morning.
And a good sunscreen is essential if you use either product. |
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