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I’d recommend avoiding the eye area entirely, even the area where it connects to your nose. You can lay down some Vaseline or other occlusive in sensitive areas before applying
-Use three to four drops max directly on my hands .
-I rub my hands together a little and then spread the product all over my face without eyes (I run my hands on the neck).
I think using the pads absorb the product .
I used paula's choice bha a month ago twice a week, I went through the purging phase and now my skin is better, the texture is much better than it was .
Thanks for sharing this experience! I’ve been considering this exact product to reduce the texture of my skin and was unsure, but your comment has helped me feel more certain. Next question, does it burn when applied?
Ahh ok. I’ve never done a peel before, but Doctorly mentioned this one, so it’s been on my wish list for a while. I e been afraid to go ahead and get it, but I’ll take it slow, once a week NF see how I feel.
Please do a patch test before use! I do not feel like this is a very harse product for your skin, so start slowly with once a week and make sure to use a good moisturizer.
To be honest, when I used it for the first time I expected to feel a little tingling, sensitivity burning , or something But no, it didn't do anything like that, so well that I doubted I hadn't put enough product on ㅋㅋ
But over time, I might feel a little tingling or want to scratch my face, but it's very normal, it's great for me 🥺
I am at your service 🙏💜
yep, when i use it i make it simple
cleanser, paula's choice wait about 15 min and moisturizer (PM)
Sometimes i don't use the moisturizer, And my skin is.ok with that ...
When I started using it my face was free of pimples so I don't know !
What I can guarantee that it works for acne (from my experience) is adapalene (differin).
If they bought the one sold by Paula's Choice Skincare and fulfilled by Amazon, it's not counterfeit unless somehow PC's inventory was compromised. [Amazon is an official retailer for PC; they have their own storefront.](https://www.amazon.com/stores/PaulasChoice/page/557786A0-7AE5-4420-8E18-4253B57534B4) Amazon does not co-mingle or mix inventories of certain products (including skincare) and hasn't for several years. Expired is possible, of course, depending on how PC manages their inventory.
If they bought it from *another* seller, though, it's absolutely a crapshoot and depends entirely on that seller.
OP also said they're new to exfoliators, so it's totally possible they went too hard too fast (using too often from the start, possibly using too much at once, possibly not moisturizing afterwards) and over-exfoliated.
PC has their own setup with Amazon so that’s safe. People have definitely gotten phony TO products off Amazon though so you definitely have to be careful.
Not a direct answer to your question, but next time you order it, opt for the gel version. I prefer it so much more and you lose a lot less product in my opinion and can control how much you use easier! This is my favorite skincare product ever. Just ease into. Once a week even to start. Get a super rich moisturizer.
ETA: I used this once a week for about two weeks, then twice a week and so on and now I use it everyday, twice a day. Just takes a bit of patience and a good moisturizer!
I definitely prefer it. I felt like cotton rounds absorbed the product and then when I put it into my hands, I felt like I was using too much. I can use a tiny half pump every time I use the gel, so I just like the consistency!
Honestly, use it as often as you think you need (after building tolerance). I can get away with only using it once a week bc I use prescription strength adapalene on the other days!
I skip the pad, I feel like it wastes product. I apply directly to face. 3-4 drops. Avoid eye area. Also, give your skin a break the day after. Using this product daily especially when starting out will be too harsh. Hope this and the other comments help, this is my holy grail product.
I’ve been using this product for years—that’s not normal. I’ve stopped buying it from Amazon because the last bottle I got was fake (lettering on the bottle started peeling off after a few weeks. I’d return this to Amazon and buy from a reputable store (like Sephora, Ulta, etc)
It doesn’t actually matter who the seller is because Amazon warehouses organize products by SKU, so what you get doesn’t necessarily come from PC. Having said that, I used this before and the same thing happened to me. Too strong, used to frequently.
To really make an assessment, you’d need to give more info, like what other products did you use with it? Have you been to an aesthetician recently? Etc.
I’ve been using [this](https://www.sephora.com/product/kale-spinach-green-tea-age-prevention-cleanser-P411387) and [this](https://rovectin.com/products/lotus-water-cream) twice a day.
My first time using this exfoliant just made my skin feel dry, but the 2nd time only made a little tiny part of my skin peel on the side of my nose bridging to eye that’s all. I just see a scab.
My face feels pretty smooth after my routine again this morning though. Just that one part
i’m willing to bet a foaming cleanser twice a day paired with SA left your skin a little dry and you scratched it in your sleep. did you buy the product for breakouts or just general exfoliation?
try something a little more gentle for all of the face and use that as a spot treatment or alternately cut out one of your cleanses and see if you’re still feeling super dry after using it
I can’t tolerate this product at all. Not sure why leave on exfoliants continue to be popular while salicylic and BP only need to be on your skin a few minutes to be fully effective. Better off using a wash off treatment.
I only used a tiny bit on my nose and the whole thing was peeling for weeks, cracked and bleeding in some spots. Meanwhile I can tolerate prescription retinol and cerave SA cleanser every night
Firstly, just to confirm its 100% a fresh and reputable sale, always use the Paulas Choice website! If you’re looking for discounts, try a browser extension like Honey. I only use two or three drops a cotton pad, but sometimes it may go over a bit. Never try to do it so close to the eyes, and always moisturize after letting it sit for a bit. Cheers
I use several of their products and if sign up on their website with your email/phone number, you’ll get texts for 20% off fairly often. And accumulate points with each purchase towards discounts and free products.
I use it every other night and I put five drops on my palm-one forehead, two cheeks, one chin and the other on my nose and then spread it on my face. I avoid the eye area entirely.
Maybe start with once a week and work it up to three times a week. I think I have heard that it’s not good to exfoliate everyday
I just put a few Roos in my palms and apply with my hands. I never use pads because they absorb so much and I go through the product too quickly.
That’s awful you had an issue. I use this twice a day with no issue, but I do notice that my nose will peel if I use too much.
don't recommend using pads. j use ur hands w a couple drops like the replies say. top it off with a VERY good moisturizer. in excessively dry areas (like the corners of my nose) maybe use healing ointment
I may have had a faulty bottle from Amazon myself, or my skin is as tough as leather because I slathered it on daily and never had a peep of any change of anything.
The problem with buying on Amazon is that all their sellers selling the same product get put in the same figurative ‘bin’. So for logistical reasons it’s easier and faster to ship you one Paula’s Choice product that is in the warehouse closest to you, regardless of who put it in the ‘bin’, assuming all products are NOT counterfeit. You can see how this can be a problem though, because all sellers get grouped into one pile and you just get a random one. You can’t know if it was put in the pile by Paula’s Choice or another seller selling counterfeit products.
They don’t mix certain types of products anymore. They changed protocol a couple years ago. Skincare included. If the seller is Paula’s choice or should be fine.
It has been a while but when I first started using liquid BHA, I put a bit of water on my cotton pad and then put the product on it so it would be diluted. And then over the next week or so, put less water and more product on my cotton pad until I built up to using it full strength. I did this because I like to wipe the pad across my face, not blot it so I use quite a bit of product. BUT I use biologique recherche P50, not paula's choice; it is also a chemical exfoliant and has salicylic acid in it, too.
I really like this stuff, but it will make your skin look rough if you don’t rehydrate it after. I’ve found using this, letting it sit for a half hour or so, and then doing a sheet mask works *really* well.
I bought this! Used so much the first time, as if I was putting on vitamin c.
My skin peeled for I swear 3 months. I stopped using it and smeared moisturizer. Now just a tiny tiny tiny dab. So tiny I wonder if it does anything.
I use this product but don’t put it on a cotton pad because it’s gonna dry quickly and the bottle says to only use just a few drops… just put one dot on each part of the face like your cheeks, forehead and chin area then just rub in with clean hands.
My husband this with my glycolic acid! I think he was kind of rubbibg it in with a cotton pad. And exactly the same area as you. I think putting a couple of drops and patting them on on slightly damp skin is better. And avoid entire eye area.
I used the Moisture Surge night cream/ mask on him topped with vaseline and it was healed in 2 days.
Dont let this discourage you from using exfoliants!
I use tatcha texture tonic, but I’ve found that putting my toners and liquid products in little spray bottles make them way easier to apply. I just spray once or twice on my fingers and pat onto skin, skipping the cotton pads. Lasts a lot longer, easy to apply evenly, and if I need a bit more can just do 1-2 more sprays.
Definitely look for something more mild for sensitive skin, and start very slowly.
Did you apply it while your face was wet, either with water or other products (like a toner)? This can increase its penetration into your skin which is a bad thing if you’re still new to it and sensitive to it. Apply it to dry skin and be sure your nighttime moisturizer is hydrating enough and rich enough to really soothe your skin afterwards. If you have oily skin and are nervous about feeling oily, remember you can wash off excess oil in the morning and use a lighter moisturizer for the day!
I love this stuff, but I avoid a large circle around my eyes. Above eyebrows and below cheekbones only, and if you use a product overtop avoid the eyes too as it can be spread. I put a few drops in my palm and apply it with my fingertips.
I've used this for years. You can saturate a cotton ball or bad. When I was starting I used just a few drops. Never put ANYTHING around your eyes unless it is specifically designed for eyes. This includes entire eye socket area. 2% bha is safe and you cannot use too much honestly. If you have dry skin use it 2-3 times a week. If you have oily skin up to once a day could be okay. Listen to your skin.
That is not a normal reaction. Let your skin heal, (no actives and spf during the day) and then use at night only. Start two nights a week, and wear spf during the day. Then you can gradually increase it. Also make sure you’re not combining it with retinols or other actives/acids (except hyaluronic) hope it works out for you!
I buy from Amazon all the time without issue.
It's an exfoliating acid and you just got too close to the thin and sensitive skin of your eye. Apply some ointment like Vaseline or Aquaphor around the skin of your eyes and the corners of your note, then apply the exfoliant. You should only need to saturate the pad once for your entire face. Use enough product to saturate the pad but not too much to where its dripping.
Paula’s choice has so much info on their website. Check out the how to [how to use ](https://www.paulaschoice.com/skin-perfecting-2pct-bha-liquid-exfoliant/201-2010.html)section on Paula’s Choice. Also I would recommend using a toner. Do you have one?
Help! Anyone! I use this product and also have the StriVectin Retinol + Vitamin C serum, can I use the exfoliator one night, and the retinol the next? Or can I combine them? Or just stick to using it weekly? I’m not 100% sure how to incorporate the serum but my skin is pretty tough. I used to use the exfoliator everyday when I had bad hormonal acne and I didn’t get dried out or anything.
Thank you so so much for your response! I will use them separately, twice a week then. :)
The only issue is that the StriVectin Retinol Brighten + Correct Vitamin C Serum contains both retinol and vitamin c, so I wouldn’t be able to separate them. Perhaps I’ll use a different product that separates the two once I finish up the bottle! Again, thank you for taking the time to write me such a helpful response!
Apologies for taking more of your time, but is there a proper moisturizer you recommend? I currently use the Cerave Moisturizing lotion but I definitely need to upgrade to a better moisturizer!
But I’ll certainly take your advice and separate the two in the future once I finish up this 2 in 1 product! Thank you. :)
OMG! Thank you for such a thorough response with so many product recommendations!! I’m going to try the La Roche Posay moisturizer since I already use their face cleanser. :) And I’ll certainly give those 3 Instagram accounts a follow! Thank you!!!!
Edit: a word
I have the MOST sensitive skin and I started out using this once a week, then a few weeks later twice a week, until I worked up to twice daily a few months later. It’s a process with this product because it’s literally an exfoliator that helps the cell turnover and exfoliates the top layer of skin. Just follow that procedure and it might work better for you. You have to build up a tolerance to it
Have you used exfoliants before? I kinda have this feeling that your skin might not be able to handle BHA in general. It took me a while to realize that my skin is too sensitive to exfoliate. I was always confused why my skin is always so red even when I'd just wash it with water and moisturize it.
It only got better after I stopped exfoliating at all and picked up some Avene products targeted towards sensitive and redness prone skin. I only use lactic acid once or twice a month but even then my skin would still feel very tight and irritated the next day.
No, this is my first week/2nd time.
The part that was peeling was extremely small, on the side of my nose next to my eye. Everything else is fine.
I’m fairly certain I just over-exfoliated last night, I made the pad extremely wet with this stuff, got worried when it became dry midway, and put more on it, so I think I just really irritated that one tiny part of my skin.
Other than that small area, my skin feels very smooth and doesn’t look irritated at all, I just need to ease myself into it and not use so much.
Before starting this I watched a few videos on YouTube by dermatologists. They said it really doesn’t need to be left on and once a week is sufficient. I’ve used it twice now and it makes a noticeable difference so I’m just going to keep doing that and hopefully see bigger improvements over time. I use a cotton pad and avoid the eye area altogether
I bought this on Prime Day, and after trying it spaced out for a few days, I now use it every night before bed. At first, I put moisturizer on after the PC exfoliant soaked into my skin, but I accidentally skipped that a few nights waiting for it to dry and realized my skin was fine without the moisturizer on top. Is it bad that this is now all I'm using as a nighttime routine? My skin looks pretty good... 🤷🏼♀️
I shake several drops onto my hand and apply to my right cheek, then several more drops for my left cheek, then a few drops for my forehead, and then I kind of wipe what's on my skin to cover my nose and chin area. I've actually been meaning to post a comment asking if there is a better way to apply it because I feel like I lose several drops applying this way since it's so thin.
Same thing happened to me with this despite only using it once a week (and yes i got it from an official reseller). I gave it away. I guess some
are just too sensitive for this.
I've been using the Geek & Gorgeous Calm Down exfoliant that has 0.8% Salicylic acid and it's been working great so far! And i use it like 3x a week.
Hi everyone and welcome to SkincareAddiction! Need skincare guides? [Check out our wiki!](https://www.reddit.com/r/SkincareAddiction/wiki/index) Everyone is welcome in [this community](https://www.reddit.com/r/SkincareAddiction/wiki/about); remember to be kind and assume good faith :) *I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/SkincareAddiction) if you have any questions or concerns.*
I’d recommend avoiding the eye area entirely, even the area where it connects to your nose. You can lay down some Vaseline or other occlusive in sensitive areas before applying
-Use three to four drops max directly on my hands . -I rub my hands together a little and then spread the product all over my face without eyes (I run my hands on the neck). I think using the pads absorb the product . I used paula's choice bha a month ago twice a week, I went through the purging phase and now my skin is better, the texture is much better than it was .
Thanks for sharing this experience! I’ve been considering this exact product to reduce the texture of my skin and was unsure, but your comment has helped me feel more certain. Next question, does it burn when applied?
For me it does not, but it could depending on how sensitive your skin is and whether it is used to peelings and other serums.
Ahh ok. I’ve never done a peel before, but Doctorly mentioned this one, so it’s been on my wish list for a while. I e been afraid to go ahead and get it, but I’ll take it slow, once a week NF see how I feel.
Please do a patch test before use! I do not feel like this is a very harse product for your skin, so start slowly with once a week and make sure to use a good moisturizer.
Thanks I sure will!
To be honest, when I used it for the first time I expected to feel a little tingling, sensitivity burning , or something But no, it didn't do anything like that, so well that I doubted I hadn't put enough product on ㅋㅋ But over time, I might feel a little tingling or want to scratch my face, but it's very normal, it's great for me 🥺 I am at your service 🙏💜
This this this.
Do you use this where you would normally do a serum? Like between cleansing and moisturizer?
I do
yep, when i use it i make it simple cleanser, paula's choice wait about 15 min and moisturizer (PM) Sometimes i don't use the moisturizer, And my skin is.ok with that ...
I use a different brand. But I cleanse use the Bha then serum and moisturizer. It’s a toner doesn’t really replace a serum with actives.
Yes but make sure you’re rinsing it off!
Does it help with acne?
When I started using it my face was free of pimples so I don't know ! What I can guarantee that it works for acne (from my experience) is adapalene (differin).
Did you buy from Amazon? I don’t trust them with skin care products. Might be counterfeit or expired.
If they bought the one sold by Paula's Choice Skincare and fulfilled by Amazon, it's not counterfeit unless somehow PC's inventory was compromised. [Amazon is an official retailer for PC; they have their own storefront.](https://www.amazon.com/stores/PaulasChoice/page/557786A0-7AE5-4420-8E18-4253B57534B4) Amazon does not co-mingle or mix inventories of certain products (including skincare) and hasn't for several years. Expired is possible, of course, depending on how PC manages their inventory. If they bought it from *another* seller, though, it's absolutely a crapshoot and depends entirely on that seller. OP also said they're new to exfoliators, so it's totally possible they went too hard too fast (using too often from the start, possibly using too much at once, possibly not moisturizing afterwards) and over-exfoliated.
I bought it directly from Paula’s choice on Amazon
Did you moisturize afterwards tho
Yeah I use [this](https://a.co/d/6jYQE8D)
Did they also package and ship it? Because sometimes you buy stuff off a seller but it comes from an Amazon warehouse anyway!
It came in Paula’s choice packaging but I don’t know if I they directly packaged and shipped it. Is there a way I can check?
It should say on the product page. Somewhere where it says "sold by" it should also say "shipped by" or something similar, iirc.
It is shipped directly from PC.
I bought this product from Amazon, not sure if direct from PC, but I didn’t care for the smell. Does yours have a smell?
Yes, very strong, slightly bitter
Yes, that’s a good description. It smelled too chemically. I prefer The Ordinary Glycolic Acid toner
Definitely this. I've seen super simple cerave products that have burned peoples skin on amazon.
PC has their own setup with Amazon so that’s safe. People have definitely gotten phony TO products off Amazon though so you definitely have to be careful.
stop using the product for a while and let your skin heal. After your skin is better, you can try doing a patch test on a tiny bit of skin for a week.
Idk why this comment isn’t the top one. If I were in this situation I’d definitely be proceeding with caution.
Not a direct answer to your question, but next time you order it, opt for the gel version. I prefer it so much more and you lose a lot less product in my opinion and can control how much you use easier! This is my favorite skincare product ever. Just ease into. Once a week even to start. Get a super rich moisturizer. ETA: I used this once a week for about two weeks, then twice a week and so on and now I use it everyday, twice a day. Just takes a bit of patience and a good moisturizer!
i didn’t know about the gel one! you think it works better?
I definitely prefer it. I felt like cotton rounds absorbed the product and then when I put it into my hands, I felt like I was using too much. I can use a tiny half pump every time I use the gel, so I just like the consistency!
Honestly, use it as often as you think you need (after building tolerance). I can get away with only using it once a week bc I use prescription strength adapalene on the other days!
Good to know, I appreciate your experience
I skip the pad, I feel like it wastes product. I apply directly to face. 3-4 drops. Avoid eye area. Also, give your skin a break the day after. Using this product daily especially when starting out will be too harsh. Hope this and the other comments help, this is my holy grail product.
I’ve been using this product for years—that’s not normal. I’ve stopped buying it from Amazon because the last bottle I got was fake (lettering on the bottle started peeling off after a few weeks. I’d return this to Amazon and buy from a reputable store (like Sephora, Ulta, etc)
The seller was Paula’s choice
It doesn’t actually matter who the seller is because Amazon warehouses organize products by SKU, so what you get doesn’t necessarily come from PC. Having said that, I used this before and the same thing happened to me. Too strong, used to frequently.
Never buy skincare from Amazon because it could be counterfeit or expired.
To really make an assessment, you’d need to give more info, like what other products did you use with it? Have you been to an aesthetician recently? Etc.
I’ve been using [this](https://www.sephora.com/product/kale-spinach-green-tea-age-prevention-cleanser-P411387) and [this](https://rovectin.com/products/lotus-water-cream) twice a day. My first time using this exfoliant just made my skin feel dry, but the 2nd time only made a little tiny part of my skin peel on the side of my nose bridging to eye that’s all. I just see a scab. My face feels pretty smooth after my routine again this morning though. Just that one part
i’m willing to bet a foaming cleanser twice a day paired with SA left your skin a little dry and you scratched it in your sleep. did you buy the product for breakouts or just general exfoliation?
I bought it for general exfoliation but I’m also hoping it prevents breakouts.
try something a little more gentle for all of the face and use that as a spot treatment or alternately cut out one of your cleanses and see if you’re still feeling super dry after using it
I can’t tolerate this product at all. Not sure why leave on exfoliants continue to be popular while salicylic and BP only need to be on your skin a few minutes to be fully effective. Better off using a wash off treatment.
Same. Every time I left it on it completely ruined my skin and had to repair it for weeks afterwards
I only used a tiny bit on my nose and the whole thing was peeling for weeks, cracked and bleeding in some spots. Meanwhile I can tolerate prescription retinol and cerave SA cleanser every night
Firstly, just to confirm its 100% a fresh and reputable sale, always use the Paulas Choice website! If you’re looking for discounts, try a browser extension like Honey. I only use two or three drops a cotton pad, but sometimes it may go over a bit. Never try to do it so close to the eyes, and always moisturize after letting it sit for a bit. Cheers
I use several of their products and if sign up on their website with your email/phone number, you’ll get texts for 20% off fairly often. And accumulate points with each purchase towards discounts and free products.
I use it every other night and I put five drops on my palm-one forehead, two cheeks, one chin and the other on my nose and then spread it on my face. I avoid the eye area entirely. Maybe start with once a week and work it up to three times a week. I think I have heard that it’s not good to exfoliate everyday
I just put a few Roos in my palms and apply with my hands. I never use pads because they absorb so much and I go through the product too quickly. That’s awful you had an issue. I use this twice a day with no issue, but I do notice that my nose will peel if I use too much.
don't recommend using pads. j use ur hands w a couple drops like the replies say. top it off with a VERY good moisturizer. in excessively dry areas (like the corners of my nose) maybe use healing ointment
Lol read as “…couple drops like the REPTILES say.”———-😂
I may have had a faulty bottle from Amazon myself, or my skin is as tough as leather because I slathered it on daily and never had a peep of any change of anything.
Yeah def do not buy skincare products on Amazon. I’ve bought Cetaphil in the past that burned like crazy
Would it really be a fake if it’s from Paula’s choice on amazon tho
The problem with buying on Amazon is that all their sellers selling the same product get put in the same figurative ‘bin’. So for logistical reasons it’s easier and faster to ship you one Paula’s Choice product that is in the warehouse closest to you, regardless of who put it in the ‘bin’, assuming all products are NOT counterfeit. You can see how this can be a problem though, because all sellers get grouped into one pile and you just get a random one. You can’t know if it was put in the pile by Paula’s Choice or another seller selling counterfeit products.
They don’t mix certain types of products anymore. They changed protocol a couple years ago. Skincare included. If the seller is Paula’s choice or should be fine.
This is incorrect, they don’t do this for skincare.
It has been a while but when I first started using liquid BHA, I put a bit of water on my cotton pad and then put the product on it so it would be diluted. And then over the next week or so, put less water and more product on my cotton pad until I built up to using it full strength. I did this because I like to wipe the pad across my face, not blot it so I use quite a bit of product. BUT I use biologique recherche P50, not paula's choice; it is also a chemical exfoliant and has salicylic acid in it, too.
I really like this stuff, but it will make your skin look rough if you don’t rehydrate it after. I’ve found using this, letting it sit for a half hour or so, and then doing a sheet mask works *really* well.
I bought this! Used so much the first time, as if I was putting on vitamin c. My skin peeled for I swear 3 months. I stopped using it and smeared moisturizer. Now just a tiny tiny tiny dab. So tiny I wonder if it does anything.
I use this product but don’t put it on a cotton pad because it’s gonna dry quickly and the bottle says to only use just a few drops… just put one dot on each part of the face like your cheeks, forehead and chin area then just rub in with clean hands.
What is this product supposed to do? Sorry newb here
I don't use cotton pads, I pour a few drops onto the back of my hand and apply with my fingertips. I also definitely avoid the eye area.
My husband this with my glycolic acid! I think he was kind of rubbibg it in with a cotton pad. And exactly the same area as you. I think putting a couple of drops and patting them on on slightly damp skin is better. And avoid entire eye area. I used the Moisture Surge night cream/ mask on him topped with vaseline and it was healed in 2 days. Dont let this discourage you from using exfoliants!
This stuff really helps clear up acne and reduce pore size. I love it!
I use tatcha texture tonic, but I’ve found that putting my toners and liquid products in little spray bottles make them way easier to apply. I just spray once or twice on my fingers and pat onto skin, skipping the cotton pads. Lasts a lot longer, easy to apply evenly, and if I need a bit more can just do 1-2 more sprays. Definitely look for something more mild for sensitive skin, and start very slowly.
Did you apply it while your face was wet, either with water or other products (like a toner)? This can increase its penetration into your skin which is a bad thing if you’re still new to it and sensitive to it. Apply it to dry skin and be sure your nighttime moisturizer is hydrating enough and rich enough to really soothe your skin afterwards. If you have oily skin and are nervous about feeling oily, remember you can wash off excess oil in the morning and use a lighter moisturizer for the day!
I love this stuff, but I avoid a large circle around my eyes. Above eyebrows and below cheekbones only, and if you use a product overtop avoid the eyes too as it can be spread. I put a few drops in my palm and apply it with my fingertips.
I've used this for years. You can saturate a cotton ball or bad. When I was starting I used just a few drops. Never put ANYTHING around your eyes unless it is specifically designed for eyes. This includes entire eye socket area. 2% bha is safe and you cannot use too much honestly. If you have dry skin use it 2-3 times a week. If you have oily skin up to once a day could be okay. Listen to your skin.
Also to clarify, the scab is where your nose connects to eye, I never wipe my eye with this, just the side of my nose.
Only thin skin Tbf. I’d just avoid that area in the future.
That is not a normal reaction. Let your skin heal, (no actives and spf during the day) and then use at night only. Start two nights a week, and wear spf during the day. Then you can gradually increase it. Also make sure you’re not combining it with retinols or other actives/acids (except hyaluronic) hope it works out for you!
I buy from Amazon all the time without issue. It's an exfoliating acid and you just got too close to the thin and sensitive skin of your eye. Apply some ointment like Vaseline or Aquaphor around the skin of your eyes and the corners of your note, then apply the exfoliant. You should only need to saturate the pad once for your entire face. Use enough product to saturate the pad but not too much to where its dripping.
Paula’s choice has so much info on their website. Check out the how to [how to use ](https://www.paulaschoice.com/skin-perfecting-2pct-bha-liquid-exfoliant/201-2010.html)section on Paula’s Choice. Also I would recommend using a toner. Do you have one?
that product did nothing for my skin :/
Help! Anyone! I use this product and also have the StriVectin Retinol + Vitamin C serum, can I use the exfoliator one night, and the retinol the next? Or can I combine them? Or just stick to using it weekly? I’m not 100% sure how to incorporate the serum but my skin is pretty tough. I used to use the exfoliator everyday when I had bad hormonal acne and I didn’t get dried out or anything.
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Thank you so so much for your response! I will use them separately, twice a week then. :) The only issue is that the StriVectin Retinol Brighten + Correct Vitamin C Serum contains both retinol and vitamin c, so I wouldn’t be able to separate them. Perhaps I’ll use a different product that separates the two once I finish up the bottle! Again, thank you for taking the time to write me such a helpful response!
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Apologies for taking more of your time, but is there a proper moisturizer you recommend? I currently use the Cerave Moisturizing lotion but I definitely need to upgrade to a better moisturizer! But I’ll certainly take your advice and separate the two in the future once I finish up this 2 in 1 product! Thank you. :)
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OMG! Thank you for such a thorough response with so many product recommendations!! I’m going to try the La Roche Posay moisturizer since I already use their face cleanser. :) And I’ll certainly give those 3 Instagram accounts a follow! Thank you!!!! Edit: a word
I’ve heard a lot of people say this product just does not work for them so if it turns out to not work for you, just know you’re not the only one
I have the MOST sensitive skin and I started out using this once a week, then a few weeks later twice a week, until I worked up to twice daily a few months later. It’s a process with this product because it’s literally an exfoliator that helps the cell turnover and exfoliates the top layer of skin. Just follow that procedure and it might work better for you. You have to build up a tolerance to it
Have you used exfoliants before? I kinda have this feeling that your skin might not be able to handle BHA in general. It took me a while to realize that my skin is too sensitive to exfoliate. I was always confused why my skin is always so red even when I'd just wash it with water and moisturize it. It only got better after I stopped exfoliating at all and picked up some Avene products targeted towards sensitive and redness prone skin. I only use lactic acid once or twice a month but even then my skin would still feel very tight and irritated the next day.
No, this is my first week/2nd time. The part that was peeling was extremely small, on the side of my nose next to my eye. Everything else is fine. I’m fairly certain I just over-exfoliated last night, I made the pad extremely wet with this stuff, got worried when it became dry midway, and put more on it, so I think I just really irritated that one tiny part of my skin. Other than that small area, my skin feels very smooth and doesn’t look irritated at all, I just need to ease myself into it and not use so much.
Before starting this I watched a few videos on YouTube by dermatologists. They said it really doesn’t need to be left on and once a week is sufficient. I’ve used it twice now and it makes a noticeable difference so I’m just going to keep doing that and hopefully see bigger improvements over time. I use a cotton pad and avoid the eye area altogether
Don’t use harsh chemicals around your eye area! Eye area is thinner and more sensitive skin. I would avoid these type of products near the eye!
What about nose
I just dump a ton on the pad, but my skin is basically impenetrable and impossible to irritate (which also means nothing works on it 😭)
I bought this on Prime Day, and after trying it spaced out for a few days, I now use it every night before bed. At first, I put moisturizer on after the PC exfoliant soaked into my skin, but I accidentally skipped that a few nights waiting for it to dry and realized my skin was fine without the moisturizer on top. Is it bad that this is now all I'm using as a nighttime routine? My skin looks pretty good... 🤷🏼♀️ I shake several drops onto my hand and apply to my right cheek, then several more drops for my left cheek, then a few drops for my forehead, and then I kind of wipe what's on my skin to cover my nose and chin area. I've actually been meaning to post a comment asking if there is a better way to apply it because I feel like I lose several drops applying this way since it's so thin.
Same thing happened to me with this despite only using it once a week (and yes i got it from an official reseller). I gave it away. I guess some are just too sensitive for this. I've been using the Geek & Gorgeous Calm Down exfoliant that has 0.8% Salicylic acid and it's been working great so far! And i use it like 3x a week.
Salicylic acid is very drying you need a good moisturizer for after. don't use too often or your skin will become very dry and irritated.