Beta Hydroxy Salicylic Acid
BHA ~ An Effective Anti-Aging
Skin Care Ingredient

Beta Hydroxy or Salicylic Acid, BHA for short, is typically used in skin care products as a chemical exfoliant.

Salicylic acid is an organic acid derived from willow bark.

BHA is an ideal alternative to alpha hydroxyl acids, AHA's, for those with sensitive skin types as it can be less irritating to the skin.

Beta Hydroxy Salicylic Acid is also a good choice for acne prone skin. BHA has the ability to penetrate deeply to unclog pores and effectively exfoliate dead skin cells which reduces the incidences of acne outbreaks.

BHA properties share similar rejuvenation characteristics with the alpha hydroxyl acids from reducing fine lines and wrinkles to evening out skin tones.

BHA is typically found in acne treatment products and often recommended for preventative strategies against outbreaks.

Salicylic acid is also used medicinally to treat dandruff, calluses, and even warts.

In addition to the rejuvenating role that BHA plays in anti-aging skin care, it is most widely known in its first form as a fever and pain reliever, i.e., aspirin.

You may have noted that crushed aspirin is included as an ingredient in many natural skin care recipes, (probably because there aren't too many people with willow bark hanging around).

Simply crush up a few aspirin, mix with a squeeze of your favorite citric juice or a splash of milk and you'll have made a rejuvenating BHA mask.

As with any anti-aging skin care product it is important to select a BHA product with an effective concentration of Beta Hydroxy Salicylic Acid. Check the label to ensure that the product contains a 1% to 2% concentration of salicylic acid.

Only use higher concentrations under the supervision of a Physician because like the AHA's, the higher the concentration the more likely that skin irritation will occur.

Remember to use your sunscreen as BHA increases your skin's sensitivity to the sun. . .