Summary of Skin Issues and Care from the Thread

This thread discusses user inquiries and shared experiences regarding mixing and using facial skincare products, focusing on the issue of Salicylic Acid (BHA) precipitation and a review of a user's successful acne treatment formula.

Salicylic Acid (BHA) Precipitation Issue

The user encountered the problem of Salicylic Acid (BHA), mixed in Propylene Glycol and water, precipitating into crystals after refrigeration and even when stored at room temperature.

• Cause and Initial Solution: The staff advised that refrigeration can easily cause BHA to precipitate. It should be avoided, and the solution should be stored at room temperature instead. If precipitation occurs, it can be warmed to 60-70°C and stirred slightly to redissolve, but precipitation may reoccur.
• Efficacy: Even if BHA precipitates into crystals, it can still be effective. It is recommended to shake the bottle before use.
• Formula Improvement for Stability: The staff tested and confirmed that adding 3% Polysorbate 20 helps prevent BHA precipitation. Glycerin and Natural Betaine were also mentioned as potentially aiding solubility, but Polysorbate 20 was confirmed effective for preventing precipitation.
• Optimal pH: BHA works best at pH 3-4. The user's mixed formula had a pH of around 4, which is suitable. Lowering the pH to 3 can be done by increasing the Salicylic Acid concentration itself, but using other pH adjusters is not recommended.

Review of Skin Nourishing Formula for Acne

The user reviewed a self-mixed nourishing formula that yielded very good results in managing various acne problems. The formula included:

• Vitamin B3 (Niacinamide)
• N-Acetyl Glucosamine
• Calendula Extract
• Argireline
• Hyaluronic Acid (Nano Molecule)
• Hyaluronic Acid (Standard Molecule)
• Centella Asiatica Extract

The user reported stronger facial skin, reduced oiliness, visibly smaller pores, smoother skin, fading dark spots from acne, and easier extraction of clogged and inflamed acne. Papules also significantly reduced.

Additional Recommendations from Staff

• Using BHA and Nourishing Formula Together: It is recommended to use BHA only at night and the nourishing formula containing Hyaluronic Acid both day and night to keep the skin moisturized and strong, ready to handle the exfoliation from BHA.
• Enhancing the Nourishing Formula: The staff recommended adding Green Tea EGCG Extract to help with acne and incorporating Natural Moisturizing Factors (NMFs) such as Allantoin, Sodium Lactate, Sodium PCA, and Urea to enhance hydration and strengthen the skin, especially when using BHA which can cause dryness and peeling.
• Caution: Avoid using any type of oil, such as Vitamin E, in formulas for acne-prone skin, as it can easily cause breakouts.
• L-Carnitine: It was clarified that L-Carnitine helps accelerate skin cell turnover gently at normal pH and helps reduce facial oiliness and provides moisture. It does not conflict with BHA but complements it in terms of gentle exfoliation.

In summary, managing acne-prone skin can be achieved by using Salicylic Acid (BHA) to address clogged pores and exfoliation, combined with nourishing the skin to make it strong and hydrated using ingredients such as Vitamin B3, N-Acetyl Glucosamine, Hyaluronic Acid, Centella Asiatica Extract, Green Tea EGCG Extract, and NMFs. This helps reduce irritation, strengthen the skin barrier, and minimize the chance of new breakouts.