It’s taken me 4 years to get around to penning this post. I often think that it’s the products you use the most – the unglamorous workhorses – that never get enough attention, but I’d be doing you a disservice if I didn’t give that one its own post. Because the Paula’s Choice Skin Perfecting Liquid is surely a hard-worker and it’s a multi-tasker to boot; whether you put up with the occasional hormonal breakout, suffer from adult acne or simply want a gentle, non-abrasive way to exfoliate, this BHA liquid will it all. Brightening, de-clogging, soothing and clarifying, it’s simple, effective and doesn’t cost the earth. Everyone I’ve recommended it to in my personal life, without exception, has witnessed great results which leads me to help make the uncharacteristically bold statement: you need this in your bathroom shelf.
People often ask me to suggest good skincare products that contain salicylic acid and the Paula’s Choice selection of BHA liquids are the ones that immediately come to mind every time. Mainly because they’re really quite uncomplicated – an enormous whack of salicylic acid, some bits and bobs to hydrate or result in the acid work harder and a formula that you simply wipe on and leave. So whether you've redness, sensitivity or you’re constantly battling sore, bumpy breakouts, it’s just a very simple solution.
Because salicylic acid has quite the reputation when it comes to keeping skin clear inside a relatively soothing, gentle way – it's not only an excellent exfoliant, helping to slough away dead cells to depart skin brighter and smoother, it’s anti-inflammatory, which means that it can have a calming influence on angsty, sore skin. It’s also effective at getting directly into the pores to remove excess oil and give them a de-clogging session – something which alpha-hydroxy acids (your glycolics and lactics and mandelics) can’t do.
The soothing properties make salicylic acid great for more sensitive skin, those with rosacea and anyone suffering with painful, stubborn spots. I particularly like it for the pre-period week, because it feels less harsh than using products with glycolic or lactic acid but at the same time seems to keep spots (in addition to dullness) at bay.
Paula’s Choice has quite a big range of BHA products – there are lotions, gels, sprays and liquids, with different strengths and (very slightly) different formulas targeted at many different skin concerns. It’s a clever range, because despite the general purpose of the product being more or less exactly the same there’s something specific for nearly everyone – those with blackheads, those with stubborn spots, those with spots and advanced indications of ageing – the list goes on. There’s a 1% BHA lotion for very sensitive skin or individuals with rosacea, there’s a 2% Extra Strength Liquid for stubborn acne. There’s a BHA Gel, an appearance spray, a 2% Lotion after which – this is the one I’ve probably tested the most – the Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid*.
The Skin Perfecting Liquid is, apparently, the bestseller; perfect for blemish prone skin, hormonal breakouts and skin with an uneven tone, it’s also great if you simply want a brightening exfoliant that’s gentle and calming. If you don’t get on with AHA products, perhaps finding them as well strong for you, then this may just be your bag. Salicylic acid works differently to AHAs because it’s oil soluble, so it gets right into the pores rather than just exfoliating on the surface – it still includes a brightening effect, but it’s possibly the pore de-clogging benefits you’ll notice more. (With that, if you have drier skin with no blemish problems, or sensitivity problems, I’d go for AHAs over BHAs. Try the First Aid Beauty pads, Liquid Gold, Skinceuticals Glycolic 10* or the L’Oreal Peel Pads*.)
To use the BHA Liquids, just wipe up with cotton wool after cleansing. (Or pour just a little into your palm and pat it on, which is what my sister-in-law likes to do because it’s always such a waste of product letting it soak into the cotton wool pad!) You can follow the 2% BHA Liquid with a serum and moisturiser, or simply a moisturiser if that’s usually enough for you personally. (I like to use something sensational looking hydrating; try Toleriane if you’re not into spending zillions, Elemental Emulsion from Omorovicza if you’re feeling incredibly spendy, new Indeed Labs Hydraluron Lotion* if you’re partway to spendy, Sunday Riley Tidal Cream if you’re very spendy although not at Omorovicza level.)
So that’s the beauty of the BHA Liquid – just wipe (or pat) it on and you’re good to go with the rest of your routine. It doesn’t disturb other things, it doesn’t require any special measures or considerations and also the bottle of liquid can last for ages. Years, if it’s just your pre-period skin fix. The thing I would say is that too much else can have its adverse effects, if you do start to see any flakiness or feel any tightness or dryness, cut back and adopt a slightly less enthusiastic usage regime.
I’ve come up with a couple of little skincare routines for hormonal weeks or for if you’re suffering with adult acne (I had it for a relatively brief but depressing period a few years ago and made extensive notes!) so I’ll get those typed as soon as I can. They’re standard – it’s just product combinations that work well for me – but for now I can tell you that salicylic acid features prominently, if you want a head start then the Paula’s Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid will slot in very nicely.
It’s lb26 for any large bottle at Lookfantastic* or Amazon* and you may get a trial bottle at Lookfantastic here* for lb8.
Extra reading, in the event you fancy it:
Treating spots during pregnancy…
Skincare products for hormonal skin…
Treatment masks for sensitive skin…
