Greetings! Today I want to talk about the COSRX Natural BHA Skin Returning A-Sol. I have been using this for nearly three months and I am happy to report that I like it.

COSRX Natural BHA Skin Returning A-Sol My Skin Issues (in order): Hyperpigmentation (acne scars) Lines around my eyes (mainly eye bags) Acne The COSRX Natural BHA Skin Returning A-Sol appealed to me because it claims to control oil and prevent recurring pimples.  To be transparent, I used to have pretty tragic acne as a teenager. When I was ~15, I was introduced to Noxema pads; that really, really helped make my acne go away and helped prevent future breakouts. As I have aged, my skin has changed. I don't get major breakouts anymore, but my skin is somehow more oily than I remember. I have also always used some sort of anti-acne product on my face since then. I do get recurring pimples a week before "that time of the month," usually on my cheek or chin.

COSRX Natural BHA Skin Returning A-Sol

What it is and how to use it:

COSRX Natural BHA Skin Returning A-Sol

It's basically a toner and I use it as such. After cleansing, I usually apply 4 or 5 pumps to a cotton pad and swipe over my entire face, paying more attention to my t-zone, which is where I  produce the most oil. I wait one or two minutes before proceeding to the next step in my regimen, which is usually a serum like the Vitamin C serum (reviewed here).

COSRX Natural BHA Skin Returning A-Sol

The most interesting ingredient is propolis extract; for me it's interesting because it's first and because it's from bees (bees use it to seal unwanted holes in their beehives). There is a plethora of information about propolis and propolis extract, which has been used for centuries, but I have only come across propolis being great for wound healing in skin care and other medical ailments. This fact makes me want to start back using my derma roller! 

COSRX Natural BHA Skin Returning A-Sol

COSRX Natural BHA Skin Returning A-Sol

COSRX Natural BHA Skin Returning A-Sol

Results:
I don't really see any decrease in the amount of oil my face produces under normal circumstances, and taking the recent temperature change into consideration. While my skin loves BHA (beta hydroxy acid = usually salicylic acid, but in this case the BHA is betain salicylate), it has never controlled oil for me. Now as far as breakout prevention, I would say that this is effective. 

Betain salicylate, from my understanding, is a "lighter" form of salicylic acid, possibly for those with sensitive skin. I don't have sensitive skin and my skin happens to love salicylic acid. 

My suspicion is that this works for me right now because I am also using other products with AHA and BHA in them (Murad AHA/BHA exfoliating cleanser and Alpha Hydrox AHA Souffle). I suspect that using this on its own would be less effective for me. I would recommend this toner for those that have an adverse reaction to salicylic acid and those with acne-prone sensitive skin. 

The bottom line is I like it and it works for me to prevet breakouts, in conjunction with my skin care regimen. I purchased this from Beauteque for $22.00 but recently saw it on Amazon for ~$16.00.

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