Our skin has the ability to remove, through a natural process of exfoliation, dead cells. But with age, this super power of his diminishes and may even stop. And in the absence of exfoliation, the skin becomes dull, dry, scaly, dilated pores, wrinkles appear, the firmness and uniformity of the skin tone is lost. That's why there are exfoliating chemical acids AHA and BHA that make an amazing difference in their ability to slough away dead skin cells from the skin's surface, restoring skin's health and radiance. If you want to know what is AHA, BHA, what is a chemical peel, what is the difference between them, how can you use them in your skin care routine and which would be the most suitable for your skin, keep reading this informative article detailed about chemical exfoliating acids.
What Are AHAs and BHAs?
AHA (alpha-hydroxy acids) and BHA (beta-hydroxy acids) are two types of hydroxy acids that contribute to the natural exfoliation process of the skin. The two types of acids are intended to be used for various skin problems. Their ingredients help to restore cells, providing smoother skin with an even tone. The benefits of exfoliating acids have been discovered as far back as ancient Egypt, when Cleopatra used to bathe in sour milk to improve the appearance of her skin. Today, chemical exfoliants can be found in skin care products such as facial cleansers, body scrubs , serums, body lotions, toners , and more.
Before we go into detail about each acid, we'll give you the main information about their role in skin care below:
- AHA and BHA are chemical exfoliants that help gently remove dead skin cells through a facial peel.
- Chemical exfoliation is different from physical exfoliation, which uses physical objects such as scrub-like exfoliants (with exfoliating particles) to manually remove dead skin cells. Physical exfoliation is often not as gentle on the skin as chemical exfoliation.
- The role of alpha-hydroxy acids is to help smooth and soften the skin, as well as reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
- Beta-hydroxy acids are beneficial in treating rough, bumpy skin, with imperfections caused by acne, but also in treating psoriasis.
What is AHA?
Alpha-hydroxy acids are a type of exfoliating acid. They are naturally found in sugar cane (glycolic acid), milk (lactic acid) and fruit sources (citric acid). For the cosmetic formulas used today, alpha-hydroxy acids are usually produced in a laboratory.
Alpha-hydroxy acids are increasingly sought after in the skin care routine due to their ability to reduce signs of skin aging such as fine lines and wrinkles, prevent aging caused by sun exposure, as well as discoloration. This type of acid is considered safe for the skin and can be used to gently remove dead cells to help improve the overall appearance and texture of the skin.
Types of AHAs
Although there are a number of different types of AHAs, the most commonly used alpha-hydroxy acids you'll find in cosmetics are lactic acid and glycolic acid. Sometimes these two types can be combined for their multi-functional benefits, such as in Dr. Hedison's AHA 6% Peeling Gel which combines the two types of AHAs (3% lactic acid and 3% glycolic acid) for deep exfoliation, maintaining the optimal level of hydration of the skin.
Lactic acid
Lactic acid is a common AHA used in exfoliating skin care products that removes dead skin cells. This gives the skin smoothness, softness and improved skin texture when used frequently in the skin care routine. Lactic acid is also part of the skin's natural moisturizing factor that can help the skin retain moisture.
Glycolic acid
Glycolic acid is another of the most commonly used AHAs in skin care. This exfoliating acid has the lowest molecular weight of all alpha-hydroxy acids, which allows it to easily and effectively penetrate the skin. To enjoy the benefits of this ingredient, you can try the super moisturizing glycolic acid daily toner Q+A version that balances hydration levels, having multiple benefits for the skin and restoring its brightness.
What is BHA?
BHAs are another category of exfoliating acids known as beta-hydroxy acids. They are used for many skin problems such as rough and blemished skin, acne, psoriasis, seborrheic dermatitis and more. Similar to AHAs, BHAs are found naturally in many plant-based sources, but are most often created in a laboratory when included in cosmetic products.
Types of BHA
When referring to skin care BHAs, the most commonly used ingredient is salicylic acid.
Salicylic acid
Found naturally in the bark of certain plants—such as white willow and wintergreen— salicylic acid is a beta-hydroxy acid that's commonly used for its mild but effective exfoliating properties. Among the beneficial effects of salicylic acid are: reduces inflammation, swelling, redness, reduces the appearance of enlarged pores, deep cleans, removes dead cells and excess sebum, contributes to cell regeneration and the reduction of wrinkles, fine lines or superficial scars .
However, salicylic acid must be used in a suitable concentration as it can irritate the skin.
Salicylic acid is found in many cosmetic products, such as cleansers, toners, lotions, serums, and body care products. If you face problems like pimples on your body or even acne, you can try salicylic acid smoothing lotion Q+A which exfoliates the skin, removes dead cells and prevents the appearance of other pimples. It also soothes irritated skin, deeply hydrates and reduces excess sebum.
The difference between AHA and BHA
Although all hydroxy acids have some similarities, they have one major difference. While both AHAs and BHAs act as exfoliants for the skin, AHAs are what is known as "water soluble" and BHAs are considered "oil soluble." This is because AHAs work on the surface of the skin, while BHAs (such as salicylic acid) work both on the surface and inside the pores. For this reason, salicylic acid is recommended for acne-prone skin, acting on clogged pores and reducing uneven skin texture. AHAs (such as glycolic acid) focus on reducing fine lines, wrinkles and signs of aging caused by the sun.
Can AHAs and BHAs Be Used Together?
The answer is yes. AHA/BHA can be used together. While most people choose to use only one of them, there is nothing wrong with using both or experimenting to see which one works best for you. The important thing is to test how the skin reacts to each of the two. Depending on the answer, you can choose to continue with both or just the one you prefer. You have to keep in mind that both can cause irritation, especially when they are not used in the right concentrations or are not used correctly.
Used together, AHAs and BHAs can deliver amazing results if you're dealing with multiple skin concerns (such as signs of sun damage, deep wrinkles, clogged pores, puffiness, dull skin, flaky skin). In fact, alternating between AHA and BHA exfoliants is believed to be the perfect solution to all skin concerns.
How do you introduce AHA and BHA into your skincare routine?
It would be advisable to use AHA and BHA alternately. For example, one day AHA, another day BHA. It is not recommended to use the two types of acids on the same day. It would be a much too aggressive exfoliation for the skin.
Apply AHA/BHA exfoliator after cleansing and toner steps. In order for the effect to be as expected, the skin must be thoroughly cleansed of impurities and, by means of the toner, the pH must be adjusted.
How to alternate scrubs:
A gentle chemical peel once a day, morning or evening, depending on personal preference.
If you want to alternate between AHAs and BHAs, you could choose one week and then the other the following week.
Once or twice a week, introduce a higher-concentration AHA or BHA treatment into your skincare routine for amazing results.
Remember, when using these ingredients, you must use sunscreen every time, regardless of the season.
In conclusion, AHA and BHA are extremely beneficial acids for skin health, offering multiple advantages for various skin problems. If you want a radiant complexion with no visible wrinkles, no enlarged pores, no imperfections, with an even tone, then AHAs and BHAs are the answer to all your skin problems.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are AHAs and BHAs and how do they work in skin care?
AHAs (Alpha Hydroxy Acids) and BHAs (Beta Hydroxy Acids) are two types of chemical exfoliants used in skin care products. These acids provide facial peeling by removing dead cells from the surface of the skin, thus promoting cell regeneration and improving skin texture and brightness.
What concentration of AHA is beneficial for the skin?
The concentration of AHAs in skin care products can vary between 5% and 30%, but the recommended concentration for beginners is generally between 5% and 10%. To achieve visible benefits and minimize the risk of irritation, it is important to start with a lower concentration and gradually increase the concentration as the skin adapts.
What concentration of BHA is good for the skin?
The concentration of BHA used in skin care products typically ranges from 1% to 2%. This concentration is enough to provide the benefits of exfoliation and help clear pores without overly irritating or sensitizing the skin.
Why do I need to use sunscreen when using AHAs and BHAs?
The use of AHAs and BHAs can make the skin more sensitive to the negative effects of ultraviolet radiation, which can increase the risk of sunburn. Therefore, it is essential to apply a sunscreen with an adequate SPF every morning, even on days cloudy or when you don't spend much time outdoors. This will protect the skin against the harmful effects of the sun's rays and prevent the appearance of premature signs of aging, such as age spots and wrinkles .