Biossance product question

[AnaJ89]

Hi everyone,

I wanted to verify if I can used the biossance squalane glycolic renewal mask l and then used the squalane + BHA  pore minimizing toner right after?

[haleyvvvv]

You could definitely use an AHA product (mask) and a BHA product (toner) on the same night, @AnaJ89, but it depends on how used your skin is used to mixing acids on the same day. Both AHAs and BHAs are exfoliating acids and using both in the same routine can be too much for some skin.

If these are new products I'd start out using one first for a few weeks to make sure it doesn't irritate your skin, and then add the other one (but maybe not on the same day). If your skin isn't used to acids, make sure to slowly ramp up usage (e.g. once or twice a week for the bha to start, then can go to every day or every other day; once every week or two for the mask (or half the recommended wear time), before ramping up).

[AnaJ89]

Wow, thank you so much for your detailed answer. I’ve been into my skin care for a while now but I haven’t had much experience with the AHA and BHA. I actually had a very bad reaction to a REN product which basically burned my face. I believe it’s because I was using it wrong and my skin wasn’t used to it. 

I’ve had an explosion of acne and I wanted to try these two items. I’m going to go with the toner first and try it for a few weeks by itself. I’m going to put it on at night only when I know it’s dark and i’m not going out. Do you think I can do it every night? Or is it better every other day?

[Ispend2much6]

@AnaJ89. I do know the REN toner seems pretty strong to me. I feel it for a few hours on my face when I use it. One way to dampen the effect of acids which will make them more comfortable but a little less effective is by applying a moisturizing cream on top of them. I do always use the omega cream on top of the lactic acid night serum and the daytime retinol serum.

[haleyvvvv]

Oh the REN toner I believe is an AHA and is like 10%, so definitely strongish and can definitely cause a negative reaction if used too often. I've definitely given myself a moisture barrier breakdown before so I'm always cautious, @Ispend2much6 @AnaJ89 especially with AHAs. 

To start with the BHA toner, I'd first do a patch test and then start using it at most every other day but for thr first two weeks I'd personally start with 2x a week. Now, my skin loves BHAs so at this point I could get away with using it every day, but everyone's skin is different, that's why it's always good to start slow and work your way up. It can be tempting to go with too much especially if there is a skin concern but you can end up causing your skin more harm. @Ispend2much6 made a good point to layer on a soothing or moisturizing product after. I always use a hydrating toner, a serum, a night moisturizer and sleeping mask at night which helps my skin. Thats probably not necessary but make sure you're using a night moisturizer or oil and sunscreen the next day if you are using any active (and in general).

[Ispend2much6]

Hi @AnaJ89 - I took a screenshot of the product layering guide from the Biossance Squalane + Glycolic Renewal Mask page on Biossance direct.  This is what they recommend:

[AnaJ89]

Thank you so much for this!

I actually have several biossance products and it’s good to know how to actually combined them lol

Although I usually combined different brands, I often used the serum, eye cream and at times the moisturizers. But since I haven’t included AHA BHA in my routine, I’ll go slow and start with toner first per the other reply.

Thanks again 🙂