I bought this during the last promotion earlier this year and seems to have worked with reducing the size of pores as well as the frequency of breakouts.
With the Buy 2 Get 1 Free promo and 22% Cashback at Cashrewards, this works out to be $70.2 for 3 bottles or $23.4 per bottle (~48% off RRP of $45 per bottle). Free delivery when spend >$45.
The bottles are pretty big so each bottle will last ages.
Great product, note it comes in a liquid version (linked) and a gel version based on preference.
Also, note it's recommended to use an exfoliant twice a week. This one says 'up to twice daily'.
Any difference between gel and liquid version?
Liquid version (118ml) - simply liquid. you may wish to use cotton balls to apply to the face to avoid wastage of the liquid (ironically this causes wastage in terms of the cotton balls) but it makes it easier to use.
Gel version (100ml) - gel texture. easier to apply. Cooling in warmer weather.
Other than that, no difference in the effectiveness. I have used both.
Thank you for this! Big fan of the liquid version but it can be annoying to apply on my stubble. Trying the gel out.
Theres also a lotion version
Lotion version is my preference.
It is great and worked really well, at least for my skin ! Love that
How many times a week did you use it?
Depends on your skin type, it is advised that use twice a week. But my friend is a dermatologist and she advised me to use daily, at night time only, with cream on top. Took 3 months to see the results.
Note that for the first month, you have a big and massive breakout, but don't give up on that. Keep using and you will see the results.
Note that the breakout isn't always a given. I didn't experience one, fortunately, but saw incredible results in a similar timeframe to you (3 months). This was paired with The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% serum and a basic moisturizer on top.
You are right though on not throwing the product out should this initial breakout happen.
To add on this, don't immediately start using it every night, this is how you destroy your skin barrier.
Slowly introduce the product (BHA or AHA) into your skincare routine , and once your skin is used to it, then use it more often.
If your skin stings or gets red from using any chemical exfoliant, that means you have either sensitive skin or damaged skin barrier, would recommend repairing it via moisturising before using chemical exfoliants.
I use this and neutogena stubborn acne spot drying lotion. Loves the Paula's choice and have a 30 ml bottle that has lasted over 9 months.
The last 2 weeks I have used the Neutrogena on one side of my face and Paula's choice on the other side each night.
Can finally say the neutogena one works better for me. But it's a pain to wash off each morning.
https://au.iherb.com/pr/neutrogena-stubborn-acne-spot-drying…
Absolutely love this stuff! Thanks OP
Thanks, bought 2 x lotion and 1 x gel.
Keen to split/share an order if anyone is keen from South West or South Sydney. Located in Bankstown but work in Horsley Park and Kogarah
Plan to order 3 x gel but looks like comments above suggest you can mix and match
Just hoping to grab 1 to try, before going all out with 3!
Pm me if keen
Got two of these and a moisturiser. Good deal thanks op
I prefer the AHA gel, it's better for general exfoliation. BHA is more used for acne.
Got 2 AHA gels and 1 BHA liquid, $94 + cashback. Should last me the whole year, nice deal!
Which AHA gel did you get?
AHA 8% gel, I've used it on and off for many years. Use 1-2 times per week, makes your skin really sensitive so use sunscreen even if you're just outside for a few mins. Sometimes I try other products but when I go back to this one, it always makes my skin noticeably brighter and smoother. Most of Paula's products are too expensive now and not really worth it, the AHA and BHA are exceptions because they're so good.
Is the AHA good for textured skin (clogged pores and closed comedones)? I have no acne just want to improve slight texture and not sure if BHA or AHA is better in that regard?
@Rushbrooker: For clogged pores BHA is more helpful, it's oil soluble so will get inside and push out the dead skin, sebum, etc.
Once your skin is cleared up, you can use the AHA to increase skin cell turnover. Basically your old skin gets chemically exfoliated so newer and more radiant skin can show up.
Some people also use both at the same time, waiting a bit before applying the next or on different days which is what I usually do.
@Ononono: Thanks, will try the BHA before the AHA then.
I have started oil cleansing which has helped a lot too.
@Rushbrooker: Do try double cleansing if you're using an oil cleanser, or use a cleansing balm which is basically an oil cleanser and regular cleanser in one
@Ononono: The BHA is more tolerable on sensitive skin; the AHA can cause stinging/redness particularly when first using it. Can be layered over something else when you’re first getting used to it. Paula’s is about to release an alternative formula of AHA which could address some sensitivity issues.
I agree that they have different purposes. My teenage son uses the BHA almost every night and it helps greatly with reducing blackheads; I use a AHA (fine lines, pigmentation) and BHA (pores) both once per week on separate nights- I use retinal most other nights.
Have used Paula’s exfoliants for over 10 years - they’re excellent. I use lotion texture - easy to apply.
Thanks I’ve been using this everyday for a couple years now it’s great!
Also, eat clean and keep your gut healthy oz members. Bring the change from inside ;)
This is great advice, drinking lots of water is the best starting point before looking for any products to improve things.
this completely evened out my chicken skin
On your face or body?
I've never used anything like this on my skin, not sure I need it?
Friend is a skin specialist, said I have great skin and I don't use anything anymore.
The more I put on, the more pimples I used to get!
I don't even cleanse, after a shower just a bit of moisturizer from chemist Warehouse LOL
I thought these can dry your skin out, if you use too often? Maybe confusing it with a stronger type.
Not sure what your comment adds to the conversation, but if you don’t need it, then you don’t it. Everyone’s skin is different.
I have 20 years of managing my acne which has taken a long course and evolution to learn what works and doesn't. I've also helped others, both professionally and personally.
Skin products with AHAs or BHAs can be very useful as a preventor/maintenence.
I find the most useful, and ubiquitous, is salicylic acid (essentially dissolved aspirin). That's exactly what this product has. My gripe is that this comes at a cost of ~$25 / 100mL. Salicylic acid is found as an active ingredient is many (but not all) facial cleansers/soaps and exfoliants. They are the ones I use, they can be around ~$6-10 per ~150-250mL depending on what you like.
The other ones I find most useful is benzyl peroxide (essentially a topical bleach). It's already in most make-up products, because it needs to counteract their comedogenic effect. You can directly get it OTC in Benzac most commonly (also some Paula's Choice), which is ~$20 / 200mL. It's best if you know you are prone to recurrent at least moderate break outs, or constant acne, not otherwise controlled by a standard skincare routine.
The secret (i.e. underappreciated) weapon against acne… moisturiser. I wish I knew this when I was 15, and it didn't take me until 30. When you are prone to acne (high hormone states i.e. puberty and menstruation, genetic predisposition), it's the interaction between your own natural oil (sebum) and your skin particularly pores and follicles, which is especially comedogenic. That's the fundamental factor driving most acne (and not diet which is the common thing blamed by parents, though diet is still critical in a more general sense). So the best way to prevent acne is to reduce your own sebum production. Sebum is physiologically normal and important for skin hydration and health, but you can largely replace it's daily production by using an external oil or hydrating product, hence the moisturiser. This is especially important to all the people still using harse soaps (e.g. bar soaps) on their face, especially those that are acne prone who feel they need to dry out their skin in response to their oily skin and acne, which sets them on a positive feedback cycle of more acne (basically my entire youth 🤦🏼♂️).
Its the fundamentals, like for many things in life, that can get you 90% of the outcome you seek. The uncomplicated advice on a basic skincare regime is where the gold is - cleanser, preventor, (plus or minus toner) and moisturiser. All products you can buy cheaply. For someone who had moderate/severe acne and was advised a retinoid to treat (but ultimately kept refusing due to side effect profile), I wish I had someone or had the insight earlier to seek out this information.
Hey, I would love to hear some suggestions on the Salicylic acid and moisturisers.
I have combination/oily skin and Paula's Choice Clear oil free moisturiser is my favourite. I wash my face daily with their pore normalising cleanser, and also use the BHA liquid about twice a week, alternating with AHA. It's done wonders for my skin. No more acne, milia from previous bad skincare slowly disappearing, and my skin is smooth and radiant. Definitely recommend if you have oily skin
People mad, but aren't other brands cheaper for AHA and BHA? Aka The ordinary? I thought they got a blend for $20 a bottle.
Per ml this deal is actually cheaper than The Ordinary.
The Ordinary's AHA BHA bottle is only 30ml.
Is that when they dont have discounts? Or just standard pricing compared to this on sale?
I suggest you google to verify the facts before making any comments here.
I need Paul's Choice! haha
If you're looking for cheaper alternatives for BHA products, you can look at cosrx, some by mi, anua, isntree, etc.
I personally stopped using Paula's choice because I could buy 3 bottles of cosrx for the same price as a bottle of Paula's choice.
Also remember to patch test and use sunscreen for those trying for the first time.
Any recommendations on a reliable/cheap site to purchase korean skincare products. TIA
I’d recommend Adore Beauty and Lila Beauty. Depends on what you wanna get. adore’s free shipping threshold is lower (only $25) and bonus Tim Tams! Lila’s one is $49. Both have promos from time to time.
I recommend Stylevana as they regularly runs promotions on their Instagram that are usually 18-22% off discount codes and full-size freebies.
Their shipping can take between 2 weeks to a month depending on which warehouse the products are dispatched from.
Make sure to check their BOGO (buy 1 get 1 free) promotion and the Freebies section, where you can get a full-size product or a freebie as a bonus when spending over a certain amount on a specific brand.
I regularly shop with them 1-2 times a month because of the promotions, don't get addicted like me lol.
Fortunately, I'm not into make-up yet. 😅
Apart from the sites ectogammat and what a gem has recommended, I've personally used beauty Amora and heartdrops.
Do note that both beauty Amora and stylevana can take a long time for shipping (anywhere from a week to 2 months).
I've also purchased a few times from jolse, which actually has the fastest shipping even though they're shipping directly from Korea (DHL express).
Yesstyle, I buy skincare and makeup from there all the time.
I find chemical exfoliant is too mild for my thick skin. I prefer to use Body Shop's Face Buffer.
I have some of this but am yet to try it properly.
But I've been using Paula's Choice face cleanser and moisturiser for years. I tried it out when I was looking for something that's cruelty free and I ended up liking it more than any other products I've used.
Has anyone got sciencey and applied to only one side of their face? Having a "control" side would make it easier to tell how well it's working.
Better to just use it for a few months and see if there's any effect overall.
BHA isn't instant despite what the product claims, usually take 3 months at least to see any noticeable effect.
If you want something more instant for that feel good feeling, you can try doing this
https://fiftyshadesofsnail.com/2015/03/28/how-to-shrink-pore…
Can confirm it works….for about a day.
Thanks Op. Just placed an order and waiting to see whether CR actually tracks since it's hit and miss
I'm after some advice and opinions please. I have the travel size bottle of this product (sidenote: it's lasting for ages) and I have been applying it on my nose to reduce the appearance/occurrence of sebaceous filaments (the dots that look like blackheads, but actually aren't). I've only had moderate success with this product, it has reduced the appearance by around half, but so far I've been applying every 2nd to 3rd day for the last 3 months. Does anyone recommend any other product to reduce these sebaceous filaments? I was promised Paula's Choice as the holy grail for them, but tbh I'm a little disappointed with the results. Thank you kindly for any suggestions
If your skin is tolerating every 2-3 day use and showing results I would bump it up and try applying it every night. This particular product it meant to be able to be used daily, you just need to build up to it, which it sounds like you already have.
Niacinamide regulates oil production. Most Olay creams have niacinamide as one of the top ingredients, or The Ordinary has a niacinamide serum if you prefer.
Sulfur is a great pore-clearing ingredient but it smells bad. Some sulfur products: MECCA MAX X-ZIT STRATEGY Clarifying Mask, De La Cruz Sulfur Ointment, Grandpas Thylox Acne Treatment Soap
It's impossible to totally get rid of sebaceous filaments, you can try this https://fiftyshadesofsnail.com/2015/03/28/how-to-shrink-pore…
And get rid of it in one go, but it will always come back within the week. Would not recommend doing it everyday either, as that's just going to destroy your skin barrier.
Yes I have been using this twice a week for years along with Niacinamide for SF (as it's meant to be a highly recommended treatment), and saw a marginal improvement, but not a complete fix. It may or may not improve with daily use, but perhaps there is a better treatment for this specific issue that I haven't come across yet.
FYI you don't have to buy three of the same product. Basically, you choose three items and get the cheapest free.
https://www.revolutionbeauty.com.au/revolution-skincare-2-sa…
this is 3 for 2 at 200ml and total $18 + del
BHA = salicylic acid
Wow… Great find!
Now reconsidering whether this deal was actually a good buy or not 🤯
Depends on formulation and your skin. This particular Paula's Choice product has a big following as many have had success with it (but not everyone, just like all raved skincare). The Revolution product is available at Priceline and that may make it easier to buy. Revolution also goes on sale every now and then at Priceline too.
I'm adding 3 items in my cary but it's not showing the 3rd one free 🤔
Ended yesterday
Anyone here familiar with the skincare cleansing routine by adding BHA 2%?
I have blackheads / large pores and previously used Neutrogena blackhead eliminating but wasnt effective so looking to add new exfoliator the well reviewed Paula's choice BHA 2%
Personally also apply Sebitar and/or Selsun gold to combat serraboic dermatitis.
Apply BHA 2% exfoliant after drying
Wait a bit until it's absorbs then apply moisturiser + sunscreen if AM
Repeat at night
Any other tips?
Anyone in /near Bankstown or Kogarah want to buy a bottle of liquid BHA at cost?
I bought a spare for someone here on ozbargain and they ghosted me lol
FYI - you’ll need at add three bottles into cart for the promo to auto apply reducing price to $30 per bottle