How to use AHA and BHA

Exfoliating is an important step to healthy, radiant skin. However, choosing the right product is still a difficult step for many people, especially the concern for AHA and BHA.

According to Byrdie, when comparing these two, neither is better, they suit different needs and skin types. Plus, many exfoliants combine the two, allowing you to tackle multiple skin problems at once.

What is AHA?

AHA (short for alpha-hydoxy acid), which is derived from cane sugar or other plant sources. That is why they are often called fruit acids.

Depending on your needs and skin type, you can decide whether to use AHA or BHA.

According to dermatologist Kenneth Howe (New York, USA), AHAs are often recommended for normal to dry skin, sun damaged skin. Because they have the ability to enhance the natural moisturizing factors inside the skin.

Benefits of AHA

“AHAs work on both the outer layer of the skin (epidermis) and the deep layer (dermis). In the epidermis, AHAs have an exfoliating effect, increasing the shedding of dead skin cells that are retained on the surface. Howe shared.

AHAs also help stimulate collagen production, making them ideal for those looking to reduce the appearance of wrinkles. AHAs do this by increasing collagen synthesis by fibroblasts (collagen-producing cells in the skin).

In addition, AHAs have been shown to be effective in reducing signs of sun damage and wrinkles. However, they are not a substitute for sunscreen.

What is BHA?

BHA stands for beta-hydroxy acid. Many people are familiar with the popular acne-fighting ingredient salicylic acid. That is the BHA.

BHAs are organic carboxylic acids that work on the surface of the skin and deep within the pores. They are oil-soluble, making them suitable for normal to oily skin prone to breakouts, congestion, blemishes, and large pores.

Benefits of BHA

BHA users will receive the skin-soothing effect of the acid. BHAs are gentle enough for sensitive skin types, including those prone to redness or rosacea.

The dermatologist further explains: “Salicylic acid (SA) is fat soluble. So it’s great for oily skin and helps to enhance its ability to penetrate pores. These features allow SA to be used in a wide variety of acne products.”

How to choose AHA and BHA

When choosing between AHAs and BHAs, you need to know which skin condition you want to correct. If the problem is deeper, such as cystic acne or just general acne, you can use a BHA or a combination of AHA/BHA.

AHAs are more suitable for dry skin.

However, for dry skin problem, AHA is the best choice for you. An AHA/BHA combination can be effective depending on skin type, but when the goal is to exfoliate only the top layer, you should use an AHA.

Doctors warn that AHAs and BHAs are strong humectants, which can strip the skin and make it dry if overused. For this reason, they should be used several times a week rather than every day.

How to combine AHA and BHA

Many products incorporate both AHAs and BHAs. They can cause skin irritation if used in excessive amounts. Howe recommends looking for a moisturizer that combines AHA and BHA for a well-balanced formula. The bottom line is that you must understand it is suitable for curing stubborn pores, deep wrinkles or rough spots.

Besides, you can also choose one that combines two AHAs (glycolic and lactic acids) with vitamin C and hyaluronic acid (HA). HA calms the skin, making AHAs more tolerable, while vitamin C provides antioxidant activity.

If you have too large pores, deep wrinkles, you can refer to the cream moisturizing Contains AHAs and BHAs.

In addition to your usual serum or cream, you can also prevent breakouts with a cooling gel mask. Look out for ones made with willow bark – a natural BHA with high levels of salicylic acid. They will help treat blemishes and prevent breakouts.

For stubborn blackheads, this BHA liquid lotion is recommended. It helps to remove excess sebum to reduce blackhead production, unclogs pores.

According to Zing