{"product_id":"dr-althea-2-salicylic-acid-clear-pad-170g","title":"Dr.Althea - 2% Salicylic Acid Clear Pad (170g)","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDr.Althea 2% Salicylic Acid Clear Pad is the strongest exfoliant in the range — BHA at the concentration with the most evidence behind it, on a wipe-and-go pad.\u003c\/strong\u003e This is a real exfoliant and deserves to be treated as one.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eDr.Althea 2% Salicylic Acid Clear Pad at a glance\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003ctable\u003e\n  \u003ctbody\u003e\n    \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSize\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e170g jar of soaked pads\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n    \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eActive\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSalicylic acid (BHA) 2%\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n    \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBest for\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eBlackheads, congestion, rough texture, oily skin\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n    \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eStart at\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e2–3 nights a week\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n    \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSunscreen\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eEssential — BHA increases sun sensitivity\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n    \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDo not combine with\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eRetinol on the same night\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n    \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eGentler alternative\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"\/products\/dr-althea-345-cream-mask-4ea\"\u003e345 Cream Mask\u003c\/a\u003e on rest nights\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n  \u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eWhy BHA specifically works on blackheads\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe distinction between BHA and AHA is the one piece of chemistry worth knowing, because it explains why this suits some concerns and not others.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSalicylic acid is oil-soluble.\u003c\/strong\u003e That means it can pass through the sebum filling a pore and work inside it. AHAs — glycolic, lactic — are water-soluble and work on the skin's surface only.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eBlackheads are pores plugged with oxidised sebum. An acid that dissolves in oil reaches them; one that dissolves in water does not. \u003cstrong\u003eThis is why BHA is the standard recommendation for blackheads and congestion\u003c\/strong\u003e, and AHA is the recommendation for surface dullness and dryness. Buying the wrong one is a common and expensive mistake.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eSalicylic acid is also anti-inflammatory, which is why it helps with the redness around blemishes as well as the blockage causing them.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003e2% is the meaningful number\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMost research on salicylic acid for acne and congestion uses 2%, and higher concentrations in leave-on products increase irritation without clear additional benefit. \u003cstrong\u003eThis is a full-strength BHA\u003c\/strong\u003e — treat it with the respect a real exfoliant deserves rather than as a toner pad.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eThese are not hydrating pads\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWorth stressing, because a jar of soaked pads looks identical whether it contains hyaluronic acid or salicylic acid. \u003cstrong\u003eThese exfoliate.\u003c\/strong\u003e There is a frequency limit, they need care around retinol, and daily use damages a lot of people's skin.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eHow to use them\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003col\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCleanse first,\u003c\/strong\u003e then apply to dry skin — damp skin increases penetration and irritation.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSweep one pad over congested areas\u003c\/strong\u003e — nose, chin, forehead for most people. Light pressure only; the acid does the work.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAvoid the eye area entirely.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDo not rinse.\u003c\/strong\u003e Wait a few minutes, then continue with your routine.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFollow with moisturiser\u003c\/strong\u003e — the \u003ca href=\"\/products\/dr-althea-345-repair-cream-with-niacinamide-panthenol-50ml\"\u003e345 Repair Cream\u003c\/a\u003e is the natural partner.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSunscreen every morning, without exception.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ol\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFrequency:\u003c\/strong\u003e start at two to three nights a week. Increase only if your skin is genuinely comfortable. Daily suits some people and is far too much for others — there is no correct number, only your tolerance.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eDo not stack exfoliants\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eNot on the same night as retinol.\u003c\/strong\u003e BHA plus retinol is the most reliable route to a damaged barrier. If you use the \u003ca href=\"\/products\/dr-althea-0-1-gentle-retinol-serum-30ml\"\u003e0.1% Gentle Retinol Serum\u003c\/a\u003e, alternate nights.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFine alongside:\u003c\/strong\u003e niacinamide, hyaluronic acid, panthenol, ceramides. None of these exfoliate.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003ePurging versus breaking out\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePurging:\u003c\/strong\u003e spots appear faster in the areas where you normally get them, then clear faster than usual. Exfoliation accelerates what was already forming. It should settle within four to six weeks.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBreaking out:\u003c\/strong\u003e spots appear in new places, or six weeks pass without improvement. That is not purging — reduce frequency or stop.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eSigns you are overdoing it\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTightness, stinging at products that were fine before, a shiny or waxy look, new flaking. All mean the same thing: cut back. \u003cstrong\u003eOver-exfoliation regularly disguises itself as \"my skin needs more exfoliating,\"\u003c\/strong\u003e and that mistake takes weeks to unwind.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eWhich Dr.Althea product for congestion?\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003ctable\u003e\n  \u003cthead\u003e\n    \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eProduct\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eUse it for\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eStrength\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n  \u003c\/thead\u003e\n  \u003ctbody\u003e\n    \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e2% Salicylic Acid Clear Pad\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eBlackheads and congestion\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eStrongest\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n    \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003ca href=\"\/products\/dr-althea-pore-refresh-grinding-cleansing-balm-50ml\"\u003ePore Refresh Grinding Cleansing Balm\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eRemoving what causes it\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eCleanser\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n    \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003ca href=\"\/products\/dr-althea-15-niacinamide-purity-serum-30ml\"\u003e15% Niacinamide Purity Serum\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eOil control and pore appearance\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eLeave-on, no acid\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n  \u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eBrowse the complete \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/dr-althea\"\u003eDr.Althea range at EmartGCC\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eFrequently asked questions\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eWhat is the difference between BHA and AHA?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBHA (salicylic acid) is oil-soluble and works inside oil-filled pores, so it suits blackheads and congestion. AHAs are water-soluble and work on the surface, suiting dullness and dryness. They are not interchangeable.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eHow often should I use them?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eStart at two to three nights a week and increase only if your skin stays comfortable. Some people tolerate daily use; many do not.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eCan I use them with retinol?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNot on the same night. That combination is the most reliable way to damage your barrier. Alternate nights.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eMy skin is breaking out more. Is that purging?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIf spots appear faster in your usual areas and clear faster, yes — it should settle in four to six weeks. If they appear in new places, or six weeks pass with no improvement, it is not purging.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eDo I need sunscreen the next day?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYes, essential. BHA increases sun sensitivity, and exfoliating without daily sunscreen causes more pigmentation than the exfoliation resolves.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eDamp or dry skin?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDry. Damp skin increases penetration and irritation without improving results.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eDo I rinse afterwards?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNo. Wait a few minutes, then carry on with moisturiser.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eCan I use them on my back or chest?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYes — those areas commonly get congestion and respond well. Avoid the eye area on the face.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eBuying Dr.Althea in Kuwait\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eEmartGCC supplies 100% original Dr.Althea with free standard home delivery across Kuwait, usually next day. Areas beyond Fahaheel and Jahra carry a 3 KD delivery surcharge. Cash on delivery is available, and unopened items can be returned within 14 days. Keep the lid firmly closed so the pads do not dry out.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cscript type=\"application\/ld+json\"\u003e{\"@context\":\"https:\/\/schema.org\",\"@type\":\"FAQPage\",\"mainEntity\":[{\"@type\":\"Question\",\"name\":\"What is the difference between BHA and AHA?\",\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"BHA (salicylic acid) is oil-soluble and works inside oil-filled pores, so it suits blackheads and congestion. AHAs are water-soluble and work on the surface, suiting dullness and dryness. They are not interchangeable.\"}},{\"@type\":\"Question\",\"name\":\"How often should I use them?\",\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"Start at two to three nights a week and increase only if your skin stays comfortable. Some people tolerate daily use; many do not.\"}},{\"@type\":\"Question\",\"name\":\"Can I use them with retinol?\",\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"Not on the same night. That combination is the most reliable way to damage your barrier. Alternate nights.\"}},{\"@type\":\"Question\",\"name\":\"My skin is breaking out more. Is that purging?\",\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"If spots appear faster in your usual areas and clear faster, yes — it should settle in four to six weeks. If they appear in new places, or six weeks pass with no improvement, it is not purging.\"}},{\"@type\":\"Question\",\"name\":\"Do I need sunscreen the next day?\",\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"Yes, essential. BHA increases sun sensitivity, and exfoliating without daily sunscreen causes more pigmentation than the exfoliation resolves.\"}},{\"@type\":\"Question\",\"name\":\"Damp or dry skin?\",\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"Dry. Damp skin increases penetration and irritation without improving results.\"}},{\"@type\":\"Question\",\"name\":\"Do I rinse afterwards?\",\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"No. Wait a few minutes, then carry on with moisturiser.\"}},{\"@type\":\"Question\",\"name\":\"Can I use them on my back or chest?\",\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"Yes — those areas commonly get congestion and respond well. Avoid the eye area on the face.\"}}]}\u003c\/script\u003e\n\u003cscript type=\"application\/ld+json\"\u003e{\"@context\":\"https:\/\/schema.org\",\"@type\":\"BreadcrumbList\",\"itemListElement\":[{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":1,\"name\":\"Home\",\"item\":\"https:\/\/emartgcc.com\/\"},{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":2,\"name\":\"Dr.Althea\",\"item\":\"https:\/\/emartgcc.com\/collections\/dr-althea\"},{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":3,\"name\":\"Dr.Althea - 2% Salicylic Acid Clear Pad (170g)\"}]}\u003c\/script\u003e","brand":"Dr.Althea","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":67802143293507,"sku":"ALT-BHA-PAD-170G","price":14.0,"currency_code":"KWD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0751\/2840\/6083\/files\/FB909F7E-AD37-4111-A7ED-C643356B4206.jpg?v=1793133201","url":"https:\/\/abeerbeauty.com\/products\/dr-althea-2-salicylic-acid-clear-pad-170g","provider":"My Store","version":"1.0","type":"link"}