How to apply it

  1. 1Wash your face. If you use a toner, apply that before the BHA.
  2. 2Put a small amount of BHA in your hands or on a cotton pad. Spread it gently over your face and neck, avoiding the eye area.
  3. 3Leave the liquid on. Follow with the rest of your routine, including moisturizer.
  4. 4During the day, finish with broad spectrum sunscreen rated SPF 30 or higher. At night, continue with your usual evening skincare.
1

You can apply the liquid with your fingers, so a cotton pad is not an entrance requirement.1

How often should you use it?

Start every other day and watch how your skin responds. Paula's Choice allows gradually increasing to twice daily if tolerated; that is an upper limit, not a target. Salicylic acid can cause dryness and irritation at first. Reduce the frequency if your skin becomes dry.12

What if it feels sticky or oily?

A sticky finish usually means you have applied too much. Use a smaller amount and spread it thinly next time. The oily feel comes from glycols in the formula. A sticky finish calls for less liquid next time, not a closing ceremony at the sink.1

What should you expect?

BHA means beta hydroxy acid; this liquid contains 2% salicylic acid. It removes dead skin cells and works inside pores to loosen blockages. General guidance for salicylic acid acne treatments is to allow several weeks or longer for the full benefit. Applying extra liquid or using it more often than directed is not the next step.12

When should you wash it off?

Wash it off if you develop redness, itching or swelling, and do not use it again. Stop using it if it stings, burns or tingles. Leaving an exfoliant on is its normal use, not a reason to endure irritation. A cool compress or petroleum jelly can help relieve a reaction. See a dermatologist if the reaction is severe and those measures do not help.34

Who should be careful?

Test small areas before applying a new skincare product across your face. For salicylic acid, general medicine guidance specifies a small amount on one or two treatment areas for three days before broader use. Do not apply it to broken, irritated or infected skin.23

Ask your doctor before using salicylic acid if you have a salicylate allergy, are pregnant or are breastfeeding. If you use tretinoin, benzoyl peroxide or other topical medicines, check before applying them to the same skin. Combining these with salicylic acid can cause substantial irritation. Seek emergency medical help for difficulty breathing, throat tightness, faintness or swelling of the face, lips or tongue.12

Where this answer comes from

  1. 1‌Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Peelingpaulaschoice.de
  2. 2Salicylic Acid Topical: MedlinePlus Drug Informationmedlineplus.gov
  3. 3How to test skin care productsaad.org
  4. 4How to maximize results from anti-aging skin care productsaad.org