Monday, August 24, 2020

The Ordinary AHA 30%+ BHA 2% Peeling Solution Review




I was all set to write a blog post- but I was distracted by re-watching the Divergent Series. I always forget how much I love Four when I watch those movies and re-watching them I love him all over again. I really wish they made the final movie.

 Anyway.....chemical peels.

I was really scared to try this stuff out- because it's not a beginner peel. And I'm definitely a beginner. But it just looked so cool and I saw so many great reviews, I couldn't resist. It was the main reason I placed my order with The Ordinary. Well, that and I was ready to try some new oils. 

The Ordinary claims:
With 30% Alpha Hydroxy Acids (Glycolic/Lactic/Tartaric/Citric), 2% Beta Hydroxy Acid (Salicylic Acid), Hyaluronic Acid Crosspolymer, Vitamin B5, Black Carrot and Tasmanian Pepperberry 

Alpha hydroxy acids (AHA) exfoliate the skin's topmost surface for a brighter and more even appearance. Beta hydroxy acids (BHA) also exfoliate the skin with an extended function to help clear pore congestion. This combined 32% AHA/BHA solution offers deeper exfoliation to help fight visible blemishes and for improved skin radiance. The formula also improves the appearance of skin texture and reduces the look of fine lines with continued use. 

This formula contains a studied Tasmanian Pepperberry derivative to help reduce irritation associated with acid use. This derivative is of plant origin and varies in colour seasonally and this colour variation may be apparent in the formula from time to time. This formula is further supported with a crosspolymer form of hyaluronic acid for comfort, Vitamin B5 to assist healing and black carrot as an antioxidant.  

Note: This formula contains a very high concentration of free acids. We recommend use only if you are an experienced user of acid exfoliation and your skin is not sensitive.

Contraindications: This formula should not be used on sensitive, peeling or compromised skin. Please refer to additional sun protection note and other warnings in provided Directions. 

This pH of this formula is approximately 3.6. Glycolic Acid, the primary AHA used in the formula, has a pKa of 3.6 and pKa is the most important aspect to consider in formulating with acids. pKa implies acid availability. When pKa is close to pH, there is an ideal balance between salt and acidity, maximizing effectiveness of the acid and reducing irritation. Higher pH numbers in such a case would increase salt which counter-intuitively would make the formula even more irritating than if the formula was more acidic. 

Note: While exfoliating acids can result in quick visible benefits, we generally suggest indirect forms of skin exfoliation in favour of direct forms such as this formula due to potential inflammation and sensitivity associated with acids. Please refer to NIOD's Non-Acid Acid Precursor for such a reference. 

Directions

Clean face and wait for skin to dry. Do not use on wet skin. Apply evenly across face and neck using fingertips, avoiding the eye area. Leave on for no more than 10 minutes. Rinse thoroughly with lukewarm water. Avoid the eye contour and contact with eyes both during application and rinse off. This low-viscosity solution is intended to be used as a masque. Do not leave on for longer than 10 minutes. It is not recommended to use more than twice per week. Contact of the product with the skin must be of limited frequency or duration. If irritation occurs, cease use and consult a physician. Use only as directed on unbroken skin. Patch testing prior to use is advised. Refer to our in-depth guide to patch testing. Keep out of reach of children. 

Sunburn Alert: This product contains an alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) and a beta hydroxy acid (BHA) that may increase your skin's sensitivity to the sun and particularly the possibility of sunburn. Use a sunscreen, wear protective clothing, and limit sun exposure while using this product and for a week afterwards.


This is the most unique mask I've seen so far. And also a very affordable way to try out a chemical peel. I posted all the information from the site because it's very important. I haven't really used it much this summer, because I don't wear sunscreen- and this mask plus sun rays can be really damaging. So I did mostly use it before the sun came out full force, and I do try to make sure I put Shea Butter on before I go out into the sun (small sun protection). Plus...I'm working from home.


Anyway, this mask is a liquid, red mask. Easy to spread around. Not much scent. And stings. Seriously, it stings. If you have sensitive skin this is NOT for you. It's not so painful that I felt I needed to wash it off immediately but I felt it. I usually leave it on somewhere around seven minutes. When I first got it, I used it once a week. Every week...mostly every other week. I was worried about thinning out my skin. 

This is a chemical peel...and usually I prefer more natural methods. But I thought I would test it out to see what it can do-although DIY masks with yogurt/milk smooth the skin out just as well. 

Honestly...it didn't do a whole lot to the scarring I've had for quite awhile on my chin. But new scaring disappeared so quickly- I was really amazed by how fast it worked on new scars 

This doesn't do much for blackheads. You would be better off with a clay mask.

But it is a miracle for little bumpy texture I get on my cheeks sometimes- especially in the heat. This really smoothed it out. 

The day after, my skin looks glowy and also produces more oil. I think to deal with the trauma of the mask and having that top layer stripped off.

I'm torn with this one. I like it for short term use, but am a little wary about using something like this on my skin long term. 

As with all Ordinary products- I love the packaging. I love glass packaging and especially anything that comes with a dropper. The glass is easily recyclable. I usually keep the dropper to use with my essential oils. 


I'm thinking twice about posting these mask pics on the internet. This is NOT a cute face mask...but whatever. It is what it is.

Ingredients:
Glycolic Acid, Aqua (Water), Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Water, Sodium Hydroxide, Daucus Carota Sativa Extract, Propanediol, Cocamidopropyl Dimethylamine, Salicylic Acid, Potassium Citrate, Lactic Acid, Tartaric Acid, Citric Acid, Panthenol, Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer, Tasmannia Lanceolata Fruit/Leaf Extract, Glycerin, Pentylene Glycol, Xanthan gum, Polysorbate 20, Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate, Potassium Sorbate, Sodium Benzoate, Ethylhexylglycerin, 1,2-Hexanediol, Caprylyl Glycol.


Overall, I'm not mad at it. Only 7.20 for a bottle of chemical peel that you can use multiple times for your own at home peel. Likely you won't find a better deal anywhere-not at this quality. But while I was happy using it short term, it's not something I would keep using long term. 

Have you tried out The Ordinary skincare? Would you do an at-home chemical peel?

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