Latest news with #Paula'sChoiceWeightlessBodyTreatment
Refinery29
25-06-2025
- Health
- Refinery29
This Body Lotion Is Saving My Skin From Breakouts
All linked products are independently selected by our editors. If you purchase any of these products, we may earn a commission. Breakouts can be common — and frustrating — as we shift through seasons. That's why Paula's Choice Weightless Body Treatment 2% BHA, $50, has become my go-to recently, helping to keep my skin smooth and clear no matter the weather. For those yet to discover Paula's Choice, the brand has long been the gold standard for treating breakouts on the face using gentle but effective exfoliating acids. Its 2% BHA Exfoliating Toner, which enlists salicylic acid, has garnered acclaim from beauty editors and dermatologists alike. When I found out that the brand also offers an exfoliating body lotion with salicylic acid, I couldn't resist giving it a go. What is salicylic acid and what are the skin benefits? Salicylic acid is a BHA or beta hydroxy acid that gently dissolves the compacted mix of dead skin and oil, which leads to clogged pores and eventually breakouts. Besides exfoliating salicylic acid, this lotion boasts a handful of soothing, moisturising ingredients like vitamin E and chamomile flower extract, too. I tested this lotion to see if it'd help keep body breakouts at bay — and I'm impressed. Is the Paula's Choice Weightless Body Treatment 2% BHA any good? Before diving into my review, I asked the experts to help me understand the science behind the key ingredients. According to aesthetic doctor Dr Mehri Pourkand, chemical exfoliants like salicylic acid are always preferable over a physical scrub for a few reasons: First, they tend to go much deeper into the pores, making them more effective. Second, unlike scrubs, they are less likely to cause micro-tears in the skin due to friction. Salicylic acid is probably the most famous BHA out there, and for good reason: 'BHAs are oil-soluble, which means they can dive right into your pores to clear out all the built-up sebum and dead skin,' Dr Pourkand explains. 'Salicylic acid is especially great if you're dealing with blackheads, breakouts, or congestion; it also helps smooth rough texture and refine the look of large pores over time.' If you deal with keratosis pilaris (also referred to as KP or 'chicken skin' thanks to its bumpy texture), this lotion can help smooth these rough, red bumps with consistent use. Salicylic acid does more than exfoliate and treat congested pores. 'It also has calming, anti-inflammatory properties,' Dr Pourkand adds, 'so it doesn't just treat breakouts, it soothes them, too.' Unlike many of the exfoliating body products I've previously tried, which tend to be heavier in texture, Paula's Choice's version feels more similar to a lightweight lotion. But don't underestimate it. While it absorbs in seconds, allowing you to pull on clothes quickly and easily, it's substantially moisturizing thanks to nourishing vitamin E, as well as allantoin and the emollient dimethiconol. I will say that the formula carries a natural, slightly yeasty fragrance, but it disappears within a few seconds. This lotion is excellent at evening out skin tone and smoothing bumpy skin texture. Before using this, I had hyperpigmentation on my legs as a result of mosquito bites, and it started to fade after two weeks of consistent use. My previously rough knees and elbows felt a lot softer, too. My skin gets easily irritated during periods of frequent travelling, and I often get back acne after taking a long-haul flight, but this lotion quickly calmed any spots that started appearing on my back, even after a 16-hour journey to Asia. One glance at the product's glowing review section proves that I'm not the only one who is impressed. One reviewer says that this product single-handedly cleared up the back acne they had had for four years: 'I've tried many products, including prescription antibiotic cream, but this lotion was the only one that worked,' they wrote, adding, 'I use it every morning after showering and now have completely clear skin on my back.' Whenever I had tried body care products that contain active ingredients like exfoliating acids, my skin has suffered from purging — redness, itchiness and irritation. I'm very happy to report that this lotion, which contains an effective 2% salicylic acid, didn't cause any reaction. I asked Dr Emma Cunningham, aesthetic doctor and founder of Dr Emma Clinics, to shine more light on why that might be the case: 'Green tea and chamomile are both packed with antioxidants and have calming, skin-soothing properties,' she told me. 'While the salicylic acid is doing the heavy lifting on the exfoliation side, these ingredients help reduce redness and keep everything balanced.' For people new to acids or those with sensitive skin, Dr Cunningham recommends using the lotion two or three times a week and observing how your skin responds. The lotion can be used in the morning or the evening, but if you're using it in the daytime, applying a high-factor, broad-spectrum sunscreen to exposed areas of your body before venturing into the sun is always a good idea, since exfoliating acids can make skin more sensitive to the sun. Paula's Choice Weightless Body Treatment 2% BHA has earned a permanent spot in my summer travel bag after doing a great job at keeping my back spots at bay. I also noticed improved overall smoothness on my arms and legs. The weightless consistency made it a joy to use when travelling around. Trust me: this is a must-have for anyone looking to target body breakouts, all without the irritation. This story was originally published on Refinery29 UK.
The Age
14-06-2025
- Health
- The Age
It's a skin condition that can be hard to treat, but there are ways to help it
This story is part of the June 15 edition of Sunday Life. See all 15 stories. Let's start at the beginning. What actually causes acne? Skin produces sebum that comes from glands connected to your hair follicles. The sebum travels up the follicles to add moisture to your skin and hair. Acne forms when extra sebum and dead skin cells build up at the base of the follicle. This build-up then clogs the pores and traps bacteria, causing the follicle to swell, which leads to pimples and blackheads. Dermatologist Dr Ritu Gupta says acne can flare up on the face, chest and back and be caused by four main things. 'Family history; a hormonal surge of oestrogen and progesterone; bacteria that lives in the oil glands and which can stimulate the body to react against it; and when the lining around the hair follicle forms comedones [bumps on the skin].' Parts of the back are difficult to reach, which makes them a cleansing and treatment nightmare, and a breeding ground for pimples, blackheads and whiteheads. The skin's pores get clogged as a result of sweating, hormonal fluctuations, skin rubbing against clothes, and stress. To help tackle this cluster, try showering with a body wash that contains salicylic acid, like Paula's Choice Weightless Body Treatment ($50), and use a handy back-exfoliating tool like Manicare Exfoliating Back Scrubber ($17) – it has stretch fabric and handles, which helps with those hard-to-reach areas. Back sprays are also a great addition to your bodycare collection as they contain active ingredients, such as tea-tree oil and salicylic acid, and come with nozzles that swivel to reach difficult spots. Try Murad Clarifying Body Spray ($74). If the dedicated body wash and sprays aren't shifting the acne, head straight to your GP for a prescription for a treatment such as a peroxide foam, which kills inflammation-causing bacteria. If this doesn't do the trick it might be time to seek advice from a dermatologist Loading Even if you don't suffer from bacne, a back facial is a well-deserved treat. A therapist can give your back the attention it deserves with a thorough scrub to clear clogged pores, a deep cleanse and condition, plus extractions. In Melbourne, try the Artemis Medispa B-Acne Facial ($199), which includes deep cleansing, exfoliation, steam and extraction, a purifying mask, and massage with a rich moisturiser. Once your back is a clean slate, it's time for some dedicated care, starting with a perfectly applied fake tan. For a professional application, try Tan Temple in Sydney and Beauty & Bronze in Melbourne. For DIY, try Bondi Sands One Hour Express Foam ($19). As with all fake tanning, preparation is key, so exfoliate well before application. To apply the mousse at home, invest in Loving Tan Easy To Reach Back Applicator ($25) and to extend the life of your fake tan, apply moisturising Spray Aus Tan Extender ($30) before bed each night.
Sydney Morning Herald
14-06-2025
- Health
- Sydney Morning Herald
It's a skin condition that can be hard to treat, but there are ways to help it
This story is part of the June 15 edition of Sunday Life. See all 15 stories. Let's start at the beginning. What actually causes acne? Skin produces sebum that comes from glands connected to your hair follicles. The sebum travels up the follicles to add moisture to your skin and hair. Acne forms when extra sebum and dead skin cells build up at the base of the follicle. This build-up then clogs the pores and traps bacteria, causing the follicle to swell, which leads to pimples and blackheads. Dermatologist Dr Ritu Gupta says acne can flare up on the face, chest and back and be caused by four main things. 'Family history; a hormonal surge of oestrogen and progesterone; bacteria that lives in the oil glands and which can stimulate the body to react against it; and when the lining around the hair follicle forms comedones [bumps on the skin].' Parts of the back are difficult to reach, which makes them a cleansing and treatment nightmare, and a breeding ground for pimples, blackheads and whiteheads. The skin's pores get clogged as a result of sweating, hormonal fluctuations, skin rubbing against clothes, and stress. To help tackle this cluster, try showering with a body wash that contains salicylic acid, like Paula's Choice Weightless Body Treatment ($50), and use a handy back-exfoliating tool like Manicare Exfoliating Back Scrubber ($17) – it has stretch fabric and handles, which helps with those hard-to-reach areas. Back sprays are also a great addition to your bodycare collection as they contain active ingredients, such as tea-tree oil and salicylic acid, and come with nozzles that swivel to reach difficult spots. Try Murad Clarifying Body Spray ($74). If the dedicated body wash and sprays aren't shifting the acne, head straight to your GP for a prescription for a treatment such as a peroxide foam, which kills inflammation-causing bacteria. If this doesn't do the trick it might be time to seek advice from a dermatologist Loading Even if you don't suffer from bacne, a back facial is a well-deserved treat. A therapist can give your back the attention it deserves with a thorough scrub to clear clogged pores, a deep cleanse and condition, plus extractions. In Melbourne, try the Artemis Medispa B-Acne Facial ($199), which includes deep cleansing, exfoliation, steam and extraction, a purifying mask, and massage with a rich moisturiser. Once your back is a clean slate, it's time for some dedicated care, starting with a perfectly applied fake tan. For a professional application, try Tan Temple in Sydney and Beauty & Bronze in Melbourne. For DIY, try Bondi Sands One Hour Express Foam ($19). As with all fake tanning, preparation is key, so exfoliate well before application. To apply the mousse at home, invest in Loving Tan Easy To Reach Back Applicator ($25) and to extend the life of your fake tan, apply moisturising Spray Aus Tan Extender ($30) before bed each night.
