{REVIEW} PAULA’S CHOICE RESIST ADVANCED PORE-REFINING TREATMENT 4% BHA

Ladies and gentlemen, let me introduce you to a new favourite BHA of mine. I broke my skincare budget for this baby right here and I do not regret it at all. Sometimes, skincare product could take up to one month to see the differences on the skin but some products (mainly products that contain chemical exfoliants) take only one application to show the results and this serum is one of them.

 

Description: The unique, high-concentration of 4% BHA goes deep to exfoliate skin quickly so problematic pores, bumps, and uneven skin texture are improved in half the time. The time-released formula delivers dramatic results, while antioxidants revive skin’s firm appearance for a more youthful look—all with a luxe serum texture that glides over skin for a soothing finish. This exfoliant has an optimal pH range of 3.6–3.9. Skin becomes dull, dry and congested when dead skin cells build up on its surface. BHA (beta hydroxy acid) mimics the natural exfoliation process of younger skin by helping it shed extra layers while unclogging and clearing pores. Antioxidants step in to further reduce visible signs of aging.

 

 

Ingredient(s) highlight: Dimethicone is listed high up on the list so if you’re not a fan of silicone then this is not for you. But I don’t mind it at all since silicone helps to form a barrier on the skin to  help prevent moisture loss and it also gives that velvety and smooth finish on the skin. Salicylic acid or also known as beta hydroxy acid (BHA) is an amazing multifunctional ingredient but it is mostly known as the savior for acne prone skin. It helps to shed dead skin cells and penetrates deeply into the pores to reduce breakouts and blackheads. Allantoin has recently becoming one of my favourite ingredients as it is soothing to the skin.

 

 

 

Impression(s): The serum comes in a very beautiful bottle with a wand dropper. There’s a window on the side of the bottle so that you can see how much you have left. The packaging is very slender so it doesn’t take too much room on my skincare vanity.

 

 

Texture(s): The consistency is quite thick but spreads easily on the skin. The serum is cloudy and has a very mild scent. It does leave a slight stickiness on the skin after application but it doesn’t feel heavy or greasy.

 

 

Usage(s): Because the serum is quite thick, I only use it in my night time routine. A full drop of the wand is enough and a little goes a long way so you do not need to use a lot at once. I bought the sachet to try at first and it lasted me for five applications so eventhough this serum is quite pricey but it’s definitely worth it. This is also something that you don’t have to use everyday. I only use this when my skin’s texture is looking more prominent again or whenever my pores are clogged which is not often as it used to be now. Because this contains BHA, please use sunscreen the next morning.

 

Result(s): Ah, where do I start.. First of all, I really like Paula’s Choice products because they stay true to what they claim for each of their products. The claims for this serum are to dramatically smooths wrinkles and unclogs pores which are true. Okay I don’t have wrinkles yet but I do have textured skin and let me just say that my face looks so even and feels so smooths after I use this serum! It feels like a brand new skin! My pores also look non-existent everytime I use this which is what I always appreciate since I have big open pores and I constantly need to use a chemical exfoliant to keep them looking decent. This is also my savior when I have cystic acne. Apply this on the bump and it’s gone the next morning. Weirdly enough I feel like this 4% BHA is much gentler than the 2% BHA liquid (that I also love). This is where formulation does make a big difference.

 

 

Overall: I have to admit that at first I only bought this because it’s fungal acne safe but I can definitely say that this is becoming a big favourite of mine and I might just repuchase this over the 2% BHA liquid from now on because this is not as aggresive as the latter. Sometimes my skin gets irritated when I use the 2% BHA (I’m a bit obsessed with chemical exfoliants and I tend to over-use them so the blame is on me, not the product) but I never have this sort of problem whenever I use this serum.

 

Price & where to buy: I bought mine in a set from Paula’s Choice Malaysia website but you can buy it individually for RM190 or try the sachet first to see whether your skin likes it or not, priced at RM9. You can use my refferal link to get RM20 off on purchase over RM100.

 

Disclaimer: Obviously I’m not a skin specialist or a dermatologist so opinions and thoughts are my own and from what I’ve experienced. Please bear in mind that what works for me might not work for you but I hope you could learn a thing or two from what I share. I am always 100% honest with my reviews.