Salicylic Acid & BHAs

What is Salicylic Acid?

Salicylic acid, a beta hydroxy acid, is considered one of the most effective ingredients for clearing the complexion as it tackles skin imperfections at the source.

What are BHAs in Salicylic Acid?

As a BHA, salicylic acid is a sister to well-known AHA's but with a structural difference. Whereas AHA's, such as glycolic or lactic acid, are water-soluble and most effective at exfoliating the surface of the skin, BHA’s are oil-soluble meaning they can penetrate oil-clogged pores, making them effective exfoliators both on and within the skin. 

What are the benefits of Salicylic Acid?

This effective exfoliating action improves cellular turnover, shedding the dead skin cells from the surface of the skin, decreasing the chance of the appearance of new blemishes as pores are kept clear. Salicylic acid also helps control sebum production, for a radiant and shine-free complexion.

What are the benefits of BHA’s?

BHA’s effectively exfoliate the skin to remove a build up of dead skin cells and impurities to clear and decongest pores. Its resurfacing activity helps to combat rough, dull complexions, leading to smooth and radiant skin.

Salicylic acid is one of the most common BHA’s, known for its powerful exfoliating activity. As salicylic acid is oil-soluble, it can effectively penetrate pores to break up the dead skin cells and debris within. Targeting enlarged pores, blemishes and a build up of oil, salicylic acid minimises the appearance of uneven, lacklustre complexions whilst regulating sebum production. Salicylic acid can also reduce skin roughness, pigmentation and the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

What can I use salicylic acid with?

Salicylic acid can be used in conjunction with retinoids depending on skin sensitivity. Combining an essence or toner which contains salicylic acid such as Acid Solution or Silver Skin Tonic with a retinoid-based product applied in the evening would effectively exfoliate as well as promoting cell renewal. We would advise to cycle serums with a higher acidic content such as Acid Fix with retinoids so application is on alternate evenings to avoid any irritation or redness.

We would also recommend to apply an SPF during the day. Niacinamide can be incorporated with salicylic acid during the daytime or evening to resurface and hydrate. Salicylic acid and vitamin C can also be used together. Both ingredients are acidic in nature therefore using salicylic acid first can reduce skin pH, enabling vitamin C to effectively penetrate into the epidermis.

For those with more sensitive skin types, salicylic acid could be incorporated into the evening skin care routine, with vitamin C applied in the morning. Salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide can be combined for those with severe acne but it could be too harsh for other skin types, leading to irritation and redness.

Omorovicza products containing salicylic acid:

• Acid Solution
• Midnight Radiance Mask
• Acid Fix
• Silver Skin Saviour
• Silver Skin Lotion
• Silver Skin Tonic
• Revitalising Scalp Mask
• Scalp Reviver

Acid Fix

Using a potent blend of AHAs and BHA, this multi-purpose acid peel deeply exfoliates, resurfaces, brightens and plumps lackluster complexions. Acid Fix helps dramatically reduce the signs of damage inflicted by sun exposure, city living, acne, and stress, revealing younger-looking and more luminous skin.

Our ultimate recommendation for dullness-prone skin, apply 2-3 times a week after cleansing and follow with your usual moisturiser to reveal a brighter complexion:

• Exfoliates gradually
• Instantly brightens
• Smooths skin surface
• Balances sebum

Key ingredients in our Acid Fix include:

• Glycolic Acid, a powerful exfoliating AHA, reveals a brighter, clearer, younger and even-toned complexion.
• Lactic Acid (AHA) refines and smooths the micro-relief of the skin to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
• Caviar Lime (AHA)extract helps to perfect skin’s appearance by softening and smoothing. Luminosity is improved.
• Salicylic Acid, also known as Beta Hydroxy Acid, exfoliates the surface of the skin leaving it smooth and soft. It also encourages cell renewal and improves hyperpigmentation.
• Omorovicza’s Patented Healing Concentrate™ leaves skin firmer, suppler and more youthful in appearance.

Suitable for oily, combination and normal skin. When using acid products, always avoid sun exposure and use an SPF.