A BHA toner is an exfoliating product that helps the skin to be deeply cleansed, especially inside the pores. The product is used after cleansing and before serum or cream to dissolve sebum, counteract blackheads, and improve skin texture. BHA toners are particularly appreciated in Korean skincare because they exfoliate gently while respecting the skin barrier.
What is a BHA toner?
A BHA toner is a facial water-based product that contains BHA acid, which stands for Beta Hydroxy Acid. The most common and widely used BHA acid in skincare is salicylic acid. Unlike moisturizing toners, a BHA toner has an active function where it exfoliates the skin chemically instead of mechanically.
BHA is fat-soluble, which allows the ingredient to penetrate the pores where sebum and dead skin cells often accumulate. Therefore, BHA toners are primarily used for skin problems like blackheads, pimples, and clogged pores.
Are BHA and salicylic acid the same thing?
Salicylic acid is the most common form of BHA in skincare. When a product is marketed as a BHA toner, it almost always contains salicylic acid in a concentration suitable for daily or regular use.
What does a BHA toner do for the skin?
A BHA toner exfoliates the skin by dissolving the bonds between dead skin cells. The process occurs both on the skin surface and down in the pores, making BHA extra effective for impure skin.
When the pores are cleansed of sebum, the risk of blockages that can otherwise lead to blackheads and pimples is reduced. At the same time, the skin gets a smoother texture as old skin cells are removed and cell renewal is stimulated.
BHA also has antibacterial properties. This effect is particularly valuable for acne-prone skin where bacteria can contribute to inflammation.
Does BHA help with pores and blackheads?
Pores cannot be opened or closed permanently, but their visibility can be reduced. When sebum and dead skin cells are cleared away, the pores appear cleaner and less prominent. Regular use of BHA therefore contributes to a smoother and clearer impression of the skin.
Does BHA help with wrinkles and aging skin?
BHA is not considered a classic anti-aging ingredient, but improved cell renewal and smoother skin texture can make fine lines appear less visible over time. The effect is indirect but can be a good complement in a routine for mature skin.
How do you use a BHA toner?
A BHA toner is applied after cleansing when the skin is clean and free from makeup and dirt. The product can be patted in with hands or applied with a cotton pad, depending on personal preference and skin sensitivity.
When BHA is applied, the acid can work undisturbed on the skin before the next step in the routine. Serum and face cream are therefore applied afterward to moisturize and soothe the skin.
How often should you use a BHA toner?
The frequency depends on skin type and the strength of the product. Beginners often do best by using BHA once or twice a week. The skin needs time to get used to exfoliation, otherwise, irritation may occur.
More experienced users with resilient skin can use BHA every other day or up to daily, provided the skin does not show signs of over-exfoliation.
Which skin types are suitable for BHA toner?
BHA toners are best suited for oily skin, combination skin, and acne-prone skin. Since BHA is fat-soluble, the ingredient works particularly well when the skin produces a lot of sebum.
Adult acne and hormonal outbreaks can also benefit from BHA as the pores are kept clean and inflammation is reduced. Dry and sensitive skin can use BHA with caution and in low frequency, preferably in combination with moisturizing and barrier-strengthening products.
What should not be combined with BHA toner?
BHA is an active ingredient and should be used with care in combination with other active substances. Combinations with strong acids or retinol in the same routine can overload the skin and cause irritation.
Can you combine BHA and AHA or retinol?
BHA and AHA can be used in the same skincare routine but not at the same time. One acid can be used in the morning and the other in the evening, or on different days. The same principle applies to retinol, which often works best in a separate evening routine.
Can you use BHA toner in the summer?
BHA makes the skin more susceptible to external influences as exfoliation is ongoing. Unlike AHA, BHA does not increase sun sensitivity as much, but the skin still becomes more vulnerable.
Daily use of sunscreen is therefore important, especially during spring and summer. With the right sunscreen, BHA can be used year-round without problems.
What is the difference between AHA and BHA?
The difference between AHA and BHA lies in how the acids work in the skin. AHA is water-soluble and primarily exfoliates the skin surface, which is suitable for dry and dull skin. BHA is oil-soluble and works down in the pores, making the ingredient ideal for impure skin and blackheads.
The choice between AHA and BHA should therefore be based on skin type and which skin problem is to be treated.
Common questions about BHA toner
Can you use BHA toner every day?
Daily use works for some skin types, but most do better using BHA every other day or a few times a week.
How long does it take for BHA to show results?
Improvement can be noticed after a few weeks, but clearer results are often seen after four to six weeks of regular use.
Do pores get clogged by BHA?
BHA instead helps to keep pores clean by dissolving sebum and dead skin cells.
Can BHA be used year-round?
BHA can be used year-round as long as the skin is protected with sunscreen during the day.
