Paula's Choice : Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Gel

I was extremely unsure about trying this product since I have reacted badly to salicylic acid products before. I researched that all of her products were pH balanced, though, and gave it a try. I am so glad I did! I started breaking out in inflamed acne all over my cheeks and chin out of nowhere and after sleeping with this on, it reduced the inflammation of every pimple by like 75%. I had one particularly bad cyst on my right cheek that I thought would take a week to go away, and this stuff almost killed it overnight. Also, I use this in conjunction with Differin with no irritation. Awesome product, I hope it continues to work so well.

Great overall, effective BHA with the right pH. It heals razor scratches, increases my skin turnover to fade acne scars, disinfects active acne breakouts, etc, etc. Everything a BHA is supposed to do. I also have used Neutrogena's 3-in-1 BHA treatment which is marginally cheaper, but sold in only 2 oz tubes. It also has a more sticky residue and smells. PC's is a better choice, but if I run out, that's what I get at the drugstore while I wait for my shipment.

I highly reccommend this product. It cleared my skin of black heads! Not one left after a couple of weeks of regular use . This product made the difference for my skin. I guess is the power of BHA! Way better than AHA .

THIS portion (VVV, 5 stars) is with respect to people coming off Accutane: I ended my Accutane course a few years ago and wanted to make sure that the acne would NEVER come back (like most people I presume). I used the 2% BHA in the morning and Retin-A Micro at night. I can happily say, TWO years off Accutane my skin is completely clear. The BHA is not greasy at all and leaves no weird sheen or oiliness. Also, it is reasonably priced (about $20). I hope this does not sound like an advertisement! The reason I write this review is because I feel it would be a huge disservice to Paula's Choice if people do not know there are excellent options (that are well-priced too!). THIS portion (VVV, 2 stars) is for people not coming off/taken Accutane: Honestly, I'd have to say DO NOT use this if you have not taken Accutane. I used this BHA before I took Accutane and it made me break out in terrible acne. I am not sure if I did not stick it out long enough but maybe it had to do with clogged pores? Accutane essentially "purges" your pores so it acts as this does (although with a greater efficacy). It is a well-formulated product although I wouldn't really recommend ANY BHA product for a person who has lots of clogged pores. Expect those clogged pores to turn into pustules/cysts if you do before you have "clear" skin! That's just my opinion. Anyway, 5 stars for maintenance after Accutane, a shaky 2 stars (+1,2,3,4/-1 depending on person) for those with clogged pores who have not taken Accutane (Isotretinoin).