Application:
- Morning and evening, as needed or directed.
- Face, neck and chest, as needed.
Best for:
- General, mild exfoliation.
- All skin types, especially acne-prone or hyperpigmented skin.
Together with AHA/BHA Cream, this two-part series, together, are a sophisticated approach to daily acne care or hyperpigmentation. They contain alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs) and a beta-hydroxy acid (BHA), which make for great anti-aging elements, too.
The AHA/BHA Exfoliating Cleanser includes soft, round jojoba spheres to act as a mechanical exfoliant, in addition to the mix of acids which act as chemical exfoliants. And yes, the jojoba spheres are biodegradable (i.e. not made of plastic). Their smooth edges also help you avoid micro tears when scrubbing your skin. This would be a concern with more ‘jagged’ exfoliants.
What are AHAs and BHAs?
AHA and BHA acids are considered chemical exfoliants, as opposed to mechanical ones. They work to clear out dead skin cells, dirt and oil without the ‘scrubbing’ of small particles, or a face brush. Both types of exfoliation are fine, but should be used gently, since the skin can get irritated if it is over-exfoliated.
AHA and BHA acids are comparable, but target different needs in the skin. BHA works deeply and can penetrate through oil (it is oil soluble). AHAs accelerate skin shedding near the top layers of skin, and help to stimulate collagen production. Together, these acids give you a more comprehensive treatment for acne, hyperpigmentation or even aging skin concerns. That’s because, at the root of all of these issues is the need to clean and exfoliate, in order to remove dead skin cells and bacteria.
For melasma or hyperpigmentation sufferers, the combination of AHAs and BHAs can be essential for a daily skin care routine.
A few helpful things to know about this product:
This can be quite a strong exfoliant for some people. You may only want to use it once or twice a week to start. See how your skin reacts, and only increase the frequency of use if you feel you need it. Or, use per a doctor’s instructions, especially when combining this with other treatments to target a specific issue on your skin.
We also recommend following an aesthetician or doctor’s instructions to get the most benefit out of using this product. For example, if your hope is to use it for acne versus for melasma, the mix of products you use it with can be critical to achieving the effects you want. Some ingredients should not be mixed, while others work better together. Contact us, and we’ll come up with a skin care regimen that’s tailored to you!
AHAs can increase your sensitivity to the sun. While everyone should be using sunscreen daily, and should be reapplying it every two hours, it is especially important when using this product. Remember: hyperpigmentation and wrinkles start because of sun exposure. Don’t make it worse by using AHAs without sunscreen!
Don’t use this face wash alongside a retinol or vitamin C product, at least not without consulting a doctor first.
Don’t use this face wash if you’ve recently undergone a cosmetic procedure or facial. Give your skin time to heal, first.
Notable skin care ingredients:
AHAs found in this face wash include lactic acid, glycolic acid, citric acid, and malic acid. They are derived from natural sources, like bilberry, sugar cane, sugar maple, and citrus fruits. The BHA is salicylic acid, as mentioned above. And the mechanical exfoliant is made of jojoba spheres.
This product also includes:
Panthenol (pro-vitamin B5) – also known as pro-vitamin B5 (yes, the one in shampoos), this is a water and moisture sealant for the skin. In addition, it has anti-inflammatory properties to help with redness from damaged skin cells.
Glycyrrhiza glabra (licorice) root extract – a plant-derived skin soother that some say can also help with skin tone.
Glycerin – a common skin care ingredient used as a humectant to keep skin moisturized by ‘trapping’ water inside of it. This is important in a face scrub, to avoid excessive dryness.
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