What is BHA in skincare?
BHA stands for beta-hydroxy acid, and in skincare it almost always means salicylic acid. The defining difference from AHAs is solubility: BHA dissolves in oil, so it can move through sebum and exfoliate inside the pore rather than only on the surface.
It is also anti-inflammatory, which is why a blemish treated with BHA often looks less angry as well as less congested. Typical over-the-counter strengths are 0.5% to 2%.
What skin concerns does BHA treat?
Blackheads, whiteheads, congestion and mild to moderate acne respond best, because BHA clears the plug where it forms. It also smooths rough texture, helps keratosis pilaris and manages body and back breakouts.
Oily and combination skin see the most benefit, though even dry skin can use a low-strength BHA occasionally for congestion around the nose and chin.
What ingredients are best paired with BHA?
Niacinamide is the natural partner – it regulates oil and strengthens the barrier without competing. Hyaluronic acid, ceramides and glycerin replace the moisture exfoliation costs.
Azelaic acid and benzoyl peroxide complement it for acne, usually used at opposite ends of the day. Avoid stacking BHA with AHAs or retinoids in one step until your skin is used to it, and wear SPF daily. Take our Skin Quiz.
What is pigmentation?
Pigmentation refers to any change in the colour of the skin caused by melanin. Hyperpigmentation – the common form – means patches darker than your natural tone, including sun spots, melasma, freckles and the marks left behind after acne or injury.
Melanin is produced by melanocytes in the lower epidermis and handed to surrounding skin cells. When that process is over-stimulated or unevenly distributed, the result is a visible patch rather than an even tone.
What causes pigmentation?
Ultraviolet exposure is the single largest trigger, because UV directly activates melanin production as a protective response. Inflammation is the second: acne, eczema, friction, waxing, burns or harsh procedures can all leave post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, which is more common and longer-lasting in deeper skin tones.
Hormonal change, certain medications, heat and genetics complete the picture. Without daily sun protection, treated pigment reliably returns.
What ingredients are best for pigmentation?
The most effective topicals work at different points of melanin production: vitamin C and niacinamide, azelaic acid, tranexamic acid, alpha arbutin, kojic acid and liquorice root extract.
Retinoids and gentle AHAs speed up turnover so pigmented cells clear faster. But broad-spectrum SPF worn daily is the ingredient that decides whether any of it holds – without it, results reverse within weeks. Take our Skin Quiz.
