Can you use Paulas Choice on your body?

Q: Can I use Paulas Choice BHA on legs?

To get the best results from Paulas Choice Body Treatment 2% BHA, only a small amount should be applied to cleansed skin. It is designed for use on the arms, legs and back but can be used to treat rough, bumpy skin all over the body.

Blackheads (and their sinister cousin, whiteheads) have plagued me for years; they simply cannot let me go. Across my T-zone, I have pretty large pores going on that cannot resist getting filled with gunk. After years of skin torture in the form of Biore pore strips and ultra strong peel-off masks, I was left with blackheads and a load of irritation. I have tried anything and everything in my quest to send blackheads to that place that Gandalf fell, including a memorable incident with a pore vacuum, which I can heartily say I do not recommend. While it turns out expecting instant results was getting me nowhere (who knew?), I have stumbled upon a cult favorite product I would happily douse my face in for the rest of my life.

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2% BHA Exfoliant
Can you use Paula's Choice BHA on your body?
Can I use Paula's Choice salicylic acid on body?
Can you use chemical exfoliants on your body?
Can I use Paula's Choice BHA on legs?

2% BHA Exfoliant

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I routinely spend time google researching blackhead remedies while binging The Great British Baking Show (don’t you?), and unfailingly, the Paula’s Choice BHA exfoliant would appear in comments and on message boards surrounded by words like magic, life-changing, and undeniable. It’s a chemical exfoliator, which means it doesn’t require those skin-shredding granules I used to slather over my face in middle school.

“I recommend ‘chemical’ exfoliation over physical, meaning using an acid or enzyme to exfoliate instead of physical particles as in a scrub,” said Dr. Loretta Ciraldo, dermatologist and owner of Dr. Loretta Skincare. “With physical exfoliation, you’re removing only surface dead cells. With a chemical exfoliant like AHA/glycolic, BHA/salicylic, or an enzyme, you’re removing cells both in pores as well as on skin’s surface.”

I caved and bought the 2% BHA Exfoliant so I could test the magic for myself about eight months ago. The formula takes a moment to get used to—initially, I was really skeptical since it feels quite oily on the skin. I was expecting more of a light zingy feeling, and instead, it has more of an oil-based slick quality. I apply it with a cotton round and concentrate it on the areas where my blackheads like to congregate—mainly my nose, upper lip (sexy!), and chin.

Despite my doubts, I’ve actually gotten used to how the formula feels, and after around eight months of use, it’s made my hallowed list of auto-buy repurchases. My favorite part is how gentle it feels with no burning, itching, or stinging like other exfoliators—both chemical and physical—that I’ve tried. All Paula’s Choice products are fragrance-free as well, which is a welcome respite from recent overly-scented launches (Fenty Skin, I’m looking at you).

I’ve worked up to using it every night, and I’ve found that of all my lotions and potions, BHA (aka salicylic acid) works best for my skin in terms of refining texture and reducing pore blockage (my nemesis). I’m going to be real: I still have some blackheads. I think they may have decided to be with me forever, and who could blame them? But overall, the pores on my nose are less noticeable and enlarged and the skin on my cheeks and forehead feels buttery smooth, which wasn’t my intention in using this product but is a delightful side effect. Here’s a photo I would use to announce the Exfoliant and I are engaged:

In general when I’m having skin woes, I go back to the drawing board with my tried-and-true products I know work and don’t irritate my skin. The 2% BHA Exfoliant always makes the list, along with a gentle cleanser and hyaluronic acid serum. And of course, sunscreen.

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Can you use Paula's Choice BHA on your body?

If your skin from the neck down is prone to clogged pores, blemishes and redness or if it is rough and bumpy, look no further than this BHA body exfoliant. Application once or twice daily of this chemical exfoliant for the body will make a world of difference.

Can I use Paula's Choice salicylic acid on body?

Yes, you can use this body BHA on your face if its hydrating texture suits your skin type. The ingredients in this formula are suitable for skin anywhere. Which product is better for bumpy skin on the arms and legs: Paula's Choice Weightless Body Treatment or CLEAR Acne Body Spray?

Can you use chemical exfoliants on your body?

When well formulated, a chemical exfoliant for the body gently dissolves the bonds holding dead skin to the surface, revealing the fresh, healthy-looking, bump-free skin beneath. Use an AHA body exfoliator that contains glycolic or lactic acid to improve the look of dry, crepe-like, sun-damaged skin.

Can I use Paula's Choice BHA on legs?

To get the best results from Paula's Choice Body Treatment 2% BHA, only a small amount should be applied to cleansed skin. It is designed for use on the arms, legs and back but can be used to treat rough, bumpy skin all over the body.