Skin care, unexpected benefits of AHA and BHA-Beauty

When used correctly, a mild skin care acid – in the form of alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA) or beta-hydroxy acid (BHA) – can work wonders for your skin.

The main benefit of AHAs and BHAs is that they exfoliate, breaking down dead skin cells to reveal brighter and more radiant skin. However, while acids can give you that desirable glow, using them incorrectly can cause irritation and redness.

Brenda Patten – practice nurse at The Beauty Clinic by Shoppers, Dr. Zaki Taher – dermatologist and associate professor in the Department of Medicine at the University of Alberta (Canada) shares all there is to know about exfoliating acids died.

What are skin care acids, what are the benefits of using them?

Using skin care products containing exfoliating acids will promote skin renewal for smoother skin. There are a number of different acids on the market, says Taher, now — some targeting acne, some targeting dark spots, and some working more deeply to target wrinkles.

AHAs and BHAs work to exfoliate dead skin cells that cause dullness and breakouts. Dead skin cells also prevent the skin from fully absorbing other skin care products, like serums and lotions, and can clog pores, which means incorporating acids into your routine will make the skin brighter. Patten says the acid can also help improve hydration and overall skin texture.

AHAs and BHAs work to exfoliate dead skin cells that cause dullness and breakouts.

Difference between AHA and BHA

‘Glycolic and lactic acid (AHA) break down dead skin cells on the skin’s surface, helping to smooth, exfoliate and remove superficial pigmentation on the skin’s outer layer. It can even help treat acne,’ says Taher.

Salicylic acid is extremely helpful for acne-prone skin, oily skin that tends to be congested, and mild acne. Salicylic acid penetrates deeper into the skin than AHAs to remove build-up, fade blemishes and unclog pores. Essentially, AHAs exfoliate the surface of the skin, while BHAs exfoliate deeper into the pores to fight excess oil.

Patten advises: ‘Acids should be incorporated into your skin care routine slowly, in the form of a cleanser, toner or serum depending on your concerns’.

If you want to try a concentrated serum or toner that contains active acid ingredients, both Patten and Taher recommend using the product only once or twice a week until your skin has increased its tolerance. loaded. ‘As your skin increases this tolerance, an acid can build up more often,’ says Patten.

For AHAs like glycolic acid and lactic acid, take it slow and use a lower percentage acid (about 5 percent) a few times a week to see how your skin handles. If you’re new to acids, try pre-soaked toner pads – each pad contains just the right amount of product, thus preventing over-application which can irritate skin.

For salicylic acid, concentrations typically range from 0.5 to 2 percent in products – choose depending on what your skin can handle. Patten adds that applying the ingredient slowly into your routine is especially important for sensitive skin types, while those with oily skin can often tolerate acids better.

Acids should be gradually incorporated into your skin care routine.

When should you use skin care acids?

Both AHAs and BHAs can be used during the day or at night. Some products are formulated to be used at night as an overnight peel, while others (usually serums) are used in the morning to gently remove dead skin cells. Regardless of when you use skin care acids, always wear sunscreen during the day – acids can make your skin more sensitive to the sun.

What should you do if your skin is irritated after using skin care acids?

Patten says: ‘There are many reasons for a reaction to acids or any skin care product, including allergies, applying too much or using the wrong active ingredients. If you experience an adverse reaction to the acid, such as irritation or redness, Patten and Taher recommend that you discontinue treatment and seek professional advice.

It should be noted that skin care acids should not be used near the eyes – that area of ​​the skin is thinner and tends to be more sensitive.

Skin care acids should not be used near the eyes.

Can you combine skin care acids with other active ingredients?

If you’re using other active ingredients, like retinol, be careful. Patten says: ‘Adding an acid can initially cause irritation and redness, and it shouldn’t be used with retinol until your skin has increased its tolerance. Once your skin has adapted to the use of acids, you will be able to use an acid scrub with retinol and other active ingredients, but not at the same time.

Instead, try an acid in the morning and a retinol at night, or an acid at night and a product infused with retinol the next day’.