Paula's Choice • Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Lotion Exfoliant • Treatments

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marinahasber on 10/15/2011 10:58:00 PM more reviews by marinahasber

Age: 25-29   Skin: Acne-prone, Fair-Medium   Hair: Black   Eyes: Black    

I've used lotion since June of last year. After reading good reviews on the 2% BHA liquid, I continue to the product and do not use the 2% BHA lotion. I thought the liquid better than lotion after reading reviews from MUA. After several months of using the liquid, I am not satisfied with the results because it is unable to remove blackheads. When I was in Hawaii in August and September, my skin tends to be dry. This liquid dries my skin. Luckily, I brought along my 2% BHA lotion and use it in Hawaii. After using the lotion for several days, I find that the blackheads on my face down. I use only at night only because the texture of his more concentrated than 2% BHA liquid. In conclusion, to reduce blackheads on my face, I use 2% BHA lotion at night and 2% BHA liquid during the day. The combination of the lotion with CLEAR Regular Strength Acne Fighting Treatment provides an effective measure in controlling my acne on my face.

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marinahasber on 10/15/2011 10:37:00 PM more reviews by marinahasber

Age: 25-29   Skin: Acne-prone, Fair-Medium   Hair: Black   Eyes: Black    

This is a good exfoliant but not strong enough to remove the blackheads on my nose and chin. This exfoliant also tend to dry out my skin when used daily. I use this exfoliant every morning even if it is not enough in removing blackheads on my face. It just gives me confidence as I always exfoliant my face every day. At night I use 2% BHA exfoliant lotion. Please read my comments on the product.

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.     Was this review helpful to you? Yes   No

Carbonara2 on 10/12/2011 11:00:00 AM more reviews by Carbonara2

Age: 25-29   Skin: Oily, Fair   Hair: Brown, Fine   Eyes: Brown    

I refer to Paula's Beautypedia and Makeup Alley before buying ANY beauty product. In both cases, sometimes its a hit and sometimes its a miss. In this case, Paula's BHA is a definite hit for me. The biggest plus about this product for me is that is that it evens out my skin and makes the texture feel smooth and silky. This allows my make-up application to be smooth and even as well. I also don't find myself getting blackheads on my cheeks like I used to. Unfortunately, it doesn't do anything for me regarding minimizing my pool size pores- but at least they are unclogged and clean. I will be repurchasing.

3 out of 3 people found this review helpful.     Was this review helpful to you? Yes   No

*TOP REVIEWER* violetmist on 9/27/2011 4:41:00 PM more reviews by violetmist

Age: 44-55   Skin: Normal, Fair-Medium, Neutral   Hair: Blond, Wavy, Fine   Eyes: Blue    

No facial could ever give these results. I have to laugh at the women purchasing the Clairisonic saying their skin has never been clearer. This lotion does the job without excessive manipulation of your skin. A simple salycilic acid solution that goes on before moisturizer, sinks in very quickly and is undectable. Pores totally clear and that keeps them from expanding.

7 out of 10 people found this review helpful.     Was this review helpful to you? Yes   No

bluemymind99 on 9/21/2011 12:43:00 PM more reviews by bluemymind99

Age: 25-29   Skin: Very Dry, Fair, Warm   Hair: Brown, Wavy, Fine   Eyes: Blue    

This lotion has dramatically reduced the number of blackheads on my face without drying out my skin. Even though I have dry, sensitive skin that flakes, I get blackheads on my chin and t-zone. Getting rid of them without my face turning into an itchy, flaky mess has been an ongoing challenge, and this product has helped me do that.

I use it every night. After allowing my toner to absorb, I rub this on and wait a couple of minutes until it's fully absorbed (LOVE the fast absorption) before applying my night moisturizer. In the morning, my face feels and looks fresh, dryness, flaking, or redness. Over time, this product has reduced not only my blackheads, but the ruddiness in my cheeks.

4 out of 4 people found this review helpful.     Was this review helpful to you? Yes   No

jenfergo on 8/20/2011 6:56:00 AM more reviews by jenfergo

Age: 25-29   Skin: Normal, Fair   Hair: Blond   Eyes: Blue    

I have used this product for several weeks now. I am one of those consumers who purchase and use products based on other people's experiences. After several applications I couldn't stand the after feel of this product. I am now learning to be an ingredient detective. Gosh, this [any many others] product's list of ingredients is absolutely gross! I don't understand why a consumer [like moi] would not educate themselves to understand that we are feeding our skin such undesirable ingredients when there are other much safer products out there? Perhaps I am over thinking this and my conclusion is off ... bottom line is that I am chucking this and trusting my instincts.
Thank you for letting me vent. :-)

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amyelizabeth94 on 8/18/2011 12:25:00 AM more reviews by amyelizabeth94

Age: 30-35   Skin: Acne-prone, Medium   Hair: Blond   Eyes: Hazel    

I think this is my HG. After taking a week off from using Paula's Choice BHA, I got 2 new break-outs. I haven't had any for three months and I've been using the BHA 1x a day for about 6 months now. I will definitly not take a week off again! My skin started breaking out horribly about 3 years ago and after doing everything wrong (Murad, BP, M2, Face Reality, ACV, etc) I finally tried this. It did take awhile for me to see results, but my skin is much better. I'm only giving it a 4 because I do still have some blackheads and closed comedones and it tends to make my skin a bit on the dry side. However, not having inflamed break-outs has been so nice.

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AHK on 8/12/2011 10:04:00 AM more reviews by AHK

Age: 30-35   Skin: Oily, Fair   Hair: Blond   Eyes: Green    

I have been using this for over 5 (!) years and it is the best thing I have found for controlling my oily skin. I do find it leaves a bit of a sheen and I feel like there is already enough "product" on my face during the day, so I use this at night only, on a cotton ball like a toner. Yes, I still have occasional acne that needs BP spot treatment and blackheads in my T-zone, but this keeps things in control without dryness or irritation.

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*TOP REVIEWER* lindsayloohoo on 8/11/2011 12:09:00 PM more reviews by lindsayloohoo

Age: 25-29   Skin: Combination, Fair-Medium, Neutral   Hair: Brunette, Wavy, Fine   Eyes: Green    

I will never be without this. Ever. HG.


Background:
I have normal/combo skin that tends slightly oily/slightly dry depending on the season. I am also acne-prone, but attribute this to a sort of sensitivity to irritating ingredients (ahem, witch hazel, alcohol, etc.).


In combination with some good antioxidant toners/moisturizers and diligence in reviewing ingredient lists (for irritating ingredients) before buying skincare (using beautypedia.com/cosmetics ingredient dictionary), I have found that this has left my skin in phenomenal shape. I hardly breakout, and my complexion is clear and without redness. Although other products may contribute to my skin's clarity and lack of irritation, this is the one that really keeps it clear. The few spots I get are small and gone in a day with some treatment (ie benzoyl peroxide).


Usage/Results: I use this BHA twice daily, in tandem with physical exfoliants (gentle) like a microfibre cloth and the Clarisonic. Blackheads are also reduced, but I find I still need to use a physical exfoliant to get smooth (around the nose particularly). I occasionally use an AHA exfoliant about once a week, because I find my skin responds well to the variety and I can achieve that bit of extra radiance, or whatever advertising tells us.


The first week I used this, I had great results. My skin looked more clear and my breakouts subsided. I did have a purging effect for about two weeks after that (days 5-20ish) - but my acne is also hormonal and I was at a new job so these factors are at least partially to blame.


The 2% form does not irritate my skin in the slightest (but I do not have sensitive skin in the conventional sense). I did work up to the twice daily usage, and have found this to be most effective for my acne-prone skin. Since it is a liquid texture, there are no fillers/emollients that clog my pores. This is the same product as the Extra Strength toner in the CLEAR line, by the way.


For people with dry skin - use with caution. If my skin is dry (like after using prescription Retin-A, for example) I use the 2% gel instead because I find this can dry my skin out a bit more. With prolonged usage of the gel (more than a couple days) I feel like I get a little more spotty than otherwise - which is why the liquid is my absolute favourite.


Personally, I use the spray nozzle PC sells and spray it into my hands to put it on my face. I waste less product this way. I also use toner first (PC Skin Balancing toner) and then apply the BHA liquid - once applied I wait for it to dry. I use moisturizer/sunscreen afterwards (let set - then makeup) and experience no pilling or anything. I do prefer a natural satin finish to my makeup, and this product is consistent with that.


I've tried drugstore brand BHAs/AHAs like Neutrogena, but that just doesn't even hold a candle to this stuff. I could cry with happiness over the shape of my skin since using her products, and I (like everyone) felt like I'd tried everything. I use to get the large painful bumps under the skin that wouldn't surface for weeks. This was partly stress/hormonal (and I've balanced the hormones with a regular workout regime - sweating also changes the PH of your skin), but skincare was a large part. My acne was mild, moderate at worse. I can't even stress enough how amazing my skin is since being so diligent about products - but particularly since using such a well-formulated product like this.


This product is currently $18.95 for 4oz, which rivals any drugstore chemical exfoliant I've tried, but wait for the website sales. They always come back around, and if you're not in a rush you can wait to try this. I've been keeping track the last 5 months, and exfoliants have been on sale at least twice (20-25% off, and sometimes you can find other coupon codes online to double up).


To sum up - yes, I like almost all the skincare I've tried from PC, but this is the homerun hitter that simply cannot be substituted with something from the drugstore in my opinion and experience. It has simply dramatically improved the quality of my skin and reduced breakouts. It does not treat spots - I still use benzoyl peroxide for that. However, I can now comfortably wear no face makeup with confidence and feel like no one can tell much of a difference (like with glaring spots!).

7 out of 7 people found this review helpful.     Was this review helpful to you? Yes   No

jimsland on 8/10/2011 9:47:00 AM more reviews by jimsland

Age: 36-43   Skin: Acne-prone, Fair-Medium, Cool   Hair: Brown, Wavy, Fine   Eyes: Green    

HG for me. I'm on at least my 6th bottle, and just reordered 4 more. I have normal yet acne prone skin with blackheads (especially on my nose). I use this at least once a day and wait a minimum of 10 min. before putting SS on over it. Nothing else has kept my face this consistently clean. Are my blackheads completely gone? No, but they are far less noticeable. This, my Pretika ( Clarisonic knock off), Korres Honey Time moisturizer, the occasional mask and I am good to go. I cannot recommend this enough for adult acne sufferers.

4 out of 4 people found this review helpful.     Was this review helpful to you? Yes   No

earok on 7/31/2011 8:05:00 PM more reviews by earok

Age: 44-55   Skin: Combination, Fair   Hair: Blond   Eyes: Blue    

Been using this product for about 2 years. Works great on my combination skin. It does bring up the redness in my fair complexion, so I only us at night. I'm also careful to not apply too much on my forehead, it seems to migrate down into my eyes (ouch). I tend to get bumps around the hairline from hair products, this prevents that and keeps those pores open.

3 out of 3 people found this review helpful.     Was this review helpful to you? Yes   No

*TOP REVIEWER* Zetaflickan on 7/27/2011 5:59:00 PM more reviews by Zetaflickan

Age: 36-43   Skin: Dry, Fair, Neutral   Hair: Brunette, Curly, Fine   Eyes: Grey    

I used the liquid version for months and saw no improvement. Then SO tried it and swears it shrunk his pores. I haven't stared at them as much as he, but it did help with his blackheads, too. He used it all and asked me to get more, exceptional coming from somebody that doesn't want to spend more than a couple of dollars on skincare.
Bought the lotion by mistake (HATE that the packaging all looks the same, I will always take the wrong one), and first he didn't like it, but then said it was as effective as the lotion. The way he uses it, he puts on a thick layer, and leaves it to absorb at nighttime. I tried the same method, and my blackheads that I've had for 27 years, that NOTHING has worked on (too many to extract) are finally shrinking, and vanishing!

So, yes, will buy again! Magic!

7 out of 7 people found this review helpful.     Was this review helpful to you? Yes   No

normy_normz on 7/22/2011 8:47:00 AM more reviews by normy_normz

Age: 19-24   Skin: Sensitive, Fair, Neutral   Hair: Blond, Wavy, Medium   Eyes: Green    

I really really love this product! I have always had really awful acne prone skin and whilst I have gotten my acne under control with a script for Epiduo moisturiser I have noticed that my skin is quite dull and I have a fair bit of redness and acne scarring that bothers me. I wasnt sure how my sometimes sensitive skin woul react and if it would be overkill with my Epiduo (which contains Benzyl Peroxide and Adapalene) however my concerns ended up being unfounded. This has given me unbelievably radiant and glowing skin and I am even noticing a difference in the depth and colour of my scarring over time. The only things I will say about this product is that it does feel a little bit tacky or sticky which took some getting used to as I was expecting a watery consistency, and it can cause some mild flaking at first but my skin eventually calmed down within a few days. I now use this morning and night without fail and couldnt live without it.

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.     Was this review helpful to you? Yes   No

*TOP REVIEWER* amstoica on 7/19/2011 5:21:00 PM more reviews by amstoica

Age: 30-35   Skin: Sensitive, Fair-Medium, Cool   Hair: Blond, Fine   Eyes: Blue    

This is my first PC product, and my first 2% BHA product. I have used plenty of AHA products like Glycolic Acid which seems to have the opposite effect of what I'm looking for when it increases my break-outs. I seem to do better with a BHA because I have a few clogged pores and whiteheads. I actually don't know the difference so I am not sure which one of those categories I have! All I know is I have a very frustrated little cluster of about 4 either clogged pores, whiteheads, or acne cysts. They don't ever come to the surface, just remain little bumps on my cheek in the same little cluster together. I have tried for months using Glycolic Peels, Retinol product after Retinol product, Pro-Active, topical SA treatments and those suckers won't budge. I've heard rave reviews about the PC 2% BHA and was told that the liquid has the ability to penetrate further into the pores so this would be my best option. I have to admit I wasn't expecting the product to be like it is. I was thinking it was more of a thin water like substance like a toner would be. Its thicker than that yet not a lotion but it feels like a thin lotion when its applied. I do use more than a dime size because it seems to penetrate through the cotton ball and kind of dry up. I just use my fingers to apply it to mostly my problem areas. I don't apply it to areas where I don't have a problem because I have sensitive skin and don't want to have any irritations. It has a shiny appearance but that goes away when you apply your other products or makeup. I may be seeing things but it kind of looks like it firms things up with its tightening effect. I was sure it would be a drying substance but it hasn't made my skin dry at all which I'm just shocked by! It actually leaves my skin smooth to the point where I can let it sink in for about 10 mins without my skin screaming for my moisturizer. Usually when I use an acne product, my skin tightens and feels soo dry immediately! So that is a definite bonus. The first night I used it I actually saw a difference in the way that my little bumps got smaller and less noticeable. So far so good, I will update with further results..

4 out of 4 people found this review helpful.     Was this review helpful to you? Yes   No

*TOP REVIEWER* shazzar on 7/8/2011 12:58:00 AM more reviews by shazzar

Age: 30-35   Skin: Acne-prone, Fair   Hair: Brown, Wavy, Medium   Eyes: Hazel    

I made the mistake of using a few samples of this after the Clear 2% Toner over the course of a few nights, not realising they are basically the same thing. This is a bit tackier and greasy though. It caused some irritation, redness and flakiness (but I'm sure this is due to using two 2% products one after another). Previously I had tried samples of the 1% BHA Gel after the toner with great success, so will probably buy a full size of that. The gel seems like it would last longer, as you have more control over the amount used and I just liked the feel of it in general.

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.     Was this review helpful to you? Yes   No

dusice on 7/5/2011 5:33:00 AM more reviews by dusice

Age: 25-29   Skin: Acne-prone   Hair: Brunette   Eyes: Brown    

This is the total best whitehead liquid ever! I was using a cleanser that didn't agree with my skin, and then put on a bit of this BHA liquid, and the next day, almost all of the whiteheads were cleared away! It totally works great for the skin bumps, try it for sure, I will always use this liquid and always repurchase, and would also recommend to use it in conjunction with the AHA for a deeper exfoliation. One in the morning, one at night, or else alternate nights if twice a day is too harsh on your skin (you can tell if it's too harsh if any skin redness appears). You all should definitely try it, it's totally great for the skin.

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calzz on 7/2/2011 3:09:00 AM more reviews by calzz

Age: 19-24   Skin: Acne-prone, Fair-Medium, Neutral   Hair: Brunette, Straight, Fine   Eyes: Brown    

I think this is helping me prevent some acne when used in conjunction with the skin balancing toner and cleanser. The other BHA product I use is Olay daily renewal cream- since I have pretty oily skin, I have been skipping the cream at night and have just been using this. I haven't had any breakouts, although my skin does feel a bit sensitive around the nose area (probably because I have been rubbing this stuff around my nose too hard). I need to use this for a few more weeks but I'll report back to see how my skin is looking then~

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*TOP REVIEWER* Laski on 6/16/2011 3:16:00 AM more reviews by Laski

Age: 30-35   Skin: Combination, Fair-Medium, Neutral   Hair: Brown, Straight, Medium   Eyes: Hazel    

I think this product helped me clear up my skin a bit. It´s not like it miraculously gave me an even and clear complexion, but while using it, my blemishes diminished, and it also seemed to turn down the redness in my cheeks and nose. This is absolutely not irritating, even for my sensitive rosacea skin. Just one minus: No matter how I applied (with fingertips or on a cotton pad), it left my skin a little shiny and feeling like there is a slight film on top. It always took quite long to really soak in. That bothered me quite a bit, so in general I would say: yes, I´d buy it again for its anti-inflammatory and anti-blemish abilities, but for now, I will check out some other options.

3 out of 3 people found this review helpful.     Was this review helpful to you? Yes   No

lolawants on 6/15/2011 1:14:00 PM more reviews by lolawants

Age: 30-35   Skin: Combination, Fair-Medium   Hair: Red, Fine   Eyes: Brown    

Seems like this product either really works for you--or *really* doesn't! Sadly, it did not work for me. I applied it where I was having minor breakouts only to notice those areas were getting worse when using this product. Bummer! Nothing catastrophic though and it cleared up once I stopped using this.

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Mouldy on 6/12/2011 7:23:00 AM more reviews by Mouldy

Age: 19-24   Skin: Oily, Fair-Medium   Hair: Brunette   Eyes: Brown    

There are no words
:')

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