Switching from Benzoyl Peroxide to BHA/ AHA for clear skin
EDS Skin Care Forums Forum Index » Skin Care and Makeup Forum

Sun Oct 17, 2010 3:10 pm

Hi everyone Smile

Can't seem to find any threads about substituting benzoyl peroxide with BHA's/ AHA's - hope you guys can help.

I've been using benzoyl peroxide in my t-zone for about a year - I use it in gel-form and then top it off with a barrier-repairing moisturizer to counteract the drying effects.

I have sensitive combination skin (dry cheeks and slightly oily t-zone), and even though my skin is in fact finely pored in my t-zone and I've never had acne problems, I've had some issues with congestion which eventually leads to impurities, leaving me slightly anal retentive about that area of my face Rolling Eyes

So using BP has worked reasonably well for me – impurities are few and far between and my skin is smooth - I really like not waking up to spotty surprises in the morning.
But I still feel like I’m using a sledgehammer to crack a nut. As have been stated in several other threads here BP is harsh stuff – even when using a barrier-repairing moisturizer I can see how my skin is becoming dehydrated, a fine line on my forehead has gotten deeper, and I think I’ve developed a sun spot from using it over the summer Shock

So after reading about it here on EDS I’m thinking about switching to some kind of BHA/ AHA product that could help keep my skin clear and smooth AND have beneficial long-term effects as well.

Can any of you guys recommend a good BHA/ AHA product that is equivalent in strenght to BP 5%?

It would be for nightly (sometimes daily) use under my moisturizer, so a light, quickly-drying gel would be best (I think).

For example, have been looking at Paula’s Choice 2% BHA gel which can be used with a moisturizer – but is 2% too much or too little? And should a find a product with both BHA’s and AHA’s instead? So many questions Wink

TIA!

phibee

Sun Oct 17, 2010 3:22 pm

I believe for a product only containing BHA, 1% - 2% is the norm as far as percentages go.

I used the Paula's Choice BHA in the past and it is a good option. I liked the liquid version the best.

Another BHA option you may want to consider is from Neutrogena - 'Oil Free Acne Stress Control 3-in-1 Hydrating Acne Treatment'. This is also a 2% BHA; lightweight, absorbs easily. I think I got mine at Target for less than $10 for 2 oz of product.

I preferred the Neutrogena version over the PC product because it absorbs better for me.

HTH!

Mon Oct 18, 2010 11:45 am

Great, I think I'll be going for 2% BHA then - my skin has gotten used to a lot over the years Wink

The Neutrogena gel sounds especially interesting (nice price too) - I'm going to look for that one.

Thanks for the advice:)

Thu Oct 21, 2010 12:23 am

you can also try BHA peels once a month to keep your skin clear

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