Beta Hydroxy Acid
Beta hydroxy acid, also known as salicylic acid, is a brilliant skincare ingredient for helping to clear blocked pores and reduce inflammation in spots while exfoliating the skin. It works in a similar way to alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs), by dissolving the bonds that are holding old, dead skin cells onto the skin’s surface, so that fresher, clearer skin beneath is revealed. One key difference between BHA and AHAs is that BHA is oil-soluble, so it can dissolve its way into blocked, oily pores as well as working on the skin’s surface, while most AHAs are water-soluble, so they just give a surface exfoliation of the skin.