Both BHA and AHA benefits include:
- They are effective exfoliants
- They decrease inflammation from acne, rosacea, and other skin concerns
- They reduce enlarged pores
- They decrease the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles
- They improve skin tone and texture
- They clear pores and treat acne
- They remove dead or sun-damaged skin cells
What is AHA and BHA in skincare?
AHA stands for alpha-hydroxy acid, and BHA stands for beta-hydroxy acid. The most common hydroxy acids include glycolic acid, lactic acid, and salicylic acid. People can find these ingredients in a variety of cosmetic products claiming to treat different skin conditions and improve skin features.
What are AHAS and Bhas and how do they work?
What are AHAs and BHAs? AHAs and BHAs are types of hydroxy acids. You can find both acids in a variety of: The purpose of both AHAs and BHAs is to exfoliate the skin. Depending on the concentration, a related product may remove dead skin cells from the surface of the skin, or it may remove the whole outermost layer.
How often should you use BHA and Ahas?
BHAs are also designed for daily use, but you may need to apply a few times per week at first until your skin gets accustomed to them. Although BHAs don’t make your skin as sensitive to the sun compared to AHAs, you should still wear sunscreen every single day. This will help prevent further sun damage. Salicylic acid is the most common BHA.
What is a BHA ingredient?
BHA stands for beta-hydroxy acid. That ever-popular acne-busting ingredient, salicylic acid? Yep, that's a BHA. "BHAs are organic carboxylic acids that work on skin’s surface and deep inside the pore," explains Markowitz.
What do you use BHA or AHA?
Many skin care companies add hydroxy acid ingredients to their products because of their reported benefits. AHA and BHA both exfoliate the skin. AHA seems to be more effective for treating issues with skin pigmentation. BHA is less aggressive and irritating and has additional antibacterial properties.
Should I use AHA and BHA together?
“It is indeed safe to use AHAs and BHAs together. They target different actions (as discussed above) so they have different benefits. In essence, BHAs disrupt the connections between dead cells whilst AHAs cause dead cells to detach and slough away. In this way they can work really well together, synergistically.
Can I use vitamin C with BHA?
While AHA helps renew the skin's surface, BHA gets deeper into the pores to remove dead cells and excess sebum. Alpha hydroxy, beta hydroxy and Vitamin C are all acidic ingredients. Therefore, when you layer AHA/BHA with Vitamin C, you will experience irritation on your skin.
Does AHA help with acne?
AHAs may also help treat and prevent recurring acne. Acne pimples occur when your pores are clogged with a combination of dead skin cells, oil (sebum), and bacteria. Exfoliating with AHAs can help loosen and remove the clog. Continued use may also prevent future clogs from forming.
What is the difference between AHA and BHA?
Understanding the difference between AHA and BHA for skin care. AHA and BHA are hydroxy acids that people use to treat skin conditions such as acne. People also use hydroxy acids for cosmetic purposes to improve the skin’s appearance. AHA stands for alpha-hydroxy acid, and BHA stands for beta-hydroxy acid.
How does AHA work?
AHAs work by exfoliating the skin. Exfoliation sheds surface skin cells. How much a product with AHAs exfoliates the skin depends on the concentration of the AHA ingredient, its acidity, and other ingredients found in it.
What does AHA stand for in skincare?
AHA stands for alpha-hydroxy acid, and BHA stands for beta-hydroxy acid. The most common hydroxy acids include glycolic acid, lactic acid, and salicylic acid. People can find these ingredients in a variety of cosmetic products claiming to treat different skin conditions and improve skin features. Choosing the most appropriate product ...
What are the ingredients in BHA?
People use BHAs. Trusted Source. to reduce the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines on the skin and improve the skin’s overall texture. Salicylic acid, which is a type of BHA, is a common ingredient in acne products. Different BHAs include: salicylic acid. beta-hydroxybutanoic acid. tropic acid.
What are the AHAs on skin?
People can find AHAs in the form of skin peels to treat: acne. scars. melasma (brown or gray patches of skin) hyperpigmentation (patches of darker skin) roughness. age spots. seborrhea (rash with red and itchy spots and white scales) People use BHAs.
Is hydroxy acid good for skin?
Many skin care companies add hydroxy acid ingredients to their products because of their reported benefits. AHA and BHA both exfoliate the skin. AHA seems to be more effective for treating issues with skin pigmentation. BHA is less aggressive and irritating and has additional antibacterial properties.
Can you combine AHA and BHA?
How to combine both. Since both AHAs and BHAs are exfoliants, they can be very irritating to the skin if combined. If a person wants to use both AHA and BHA products for different skin problems, they should consult a doctor. Excessive skin irritation may worsen skin conditions and appearance.
What does AHA stand for?
AHA stands for alpha-hydoxy acid. "AHAs are derived from sugar cane or other plant sources, which is why they are often referred to as fruit acids," says Howe. Among AHAs is glycolic acid, which, according to Howe, is the smallest of the AHAs, is derived from sugar cane, and is the most widely used type in skincare products.
Is BHA oil soluble?
Yep, that's a BHA. "BHAs are organic carboxylic acids that work on skin’s surface and deep inside the pore," explains Markowitz. "They are oil-soluble, so it’s most often preferred for normal to oily skin that's prone to bumps, clogs, blemishes, and enlarged pores.".
Can you use AHA and BHA together?
An AHA/BHA combo might work depending on your skin type, but when your goal is to exfoliate just the top layer of your skin, you should be using an AHA. Markowitz explains that AHAs and BHAs and their strengths are dependent on the mode and formula.
Is salicylic acid a BHA?
This rings true with the most familiar type of BHA, salicylic acid, too. "Salicylic acid (SA) is fat-soluble, so it’s good on oily skin and gives it an enhanced ability to penetrate pores," says Howe. "These features explain why SA is used in a lot of OTC acne products.".
Is BHA good for sensitive skin?
The Benefits of BHAs. Users of BHAs will reap the skin-calming properties of the acid (it gets bonus points for being gentle enough for sensitive skin types, including those pro ne to redness or rosa cea). This rings true with the most familiar type of BHA, salicylic acid, too.
Can you mix AHA and BHA?
How to Combine AHAs and BHAs. Many products make use of both AHAs and BHAs, and though they can cause skin irritation if doses are too high, Markowitz recommends looking for a moisturizer that already has a combination of AHA and BHA for a balanced formula.
What are the benefits of AHA?
Are AHA and BHA Good for Skin 1 diminish the look of lines and wrinkles 2 make skin look and feel firmer 3 hydrate skin 4 improve the look of dull, uneven skin tone 5 smooth rough, bumpy texture
Do you need to apply AHA exfoliant after cleansing?
Most people don’t need that level of exfoliation. Apply your AHA/BHA exfoliant after your cleanser and toner steps. You don't need to wait before moving on to your next product—you can immediately follow with the rest of your routine (it won’t throw off the pH of the exfoliant).
Does BHA help with crepes?
AHAs have also been proven effective in reducing the visible signs of sun damage, including crepe-y skin and wrinkles. BHA is oil soluble, so it not only works on skin’s surface but also deep inside the pore, making it the preferred option for normal to oily skin prone to bumps, clogs, blemishes, and enlarged pores.
Is AHA good for skin?
AHA and BHA are good for skin thanks to the way they exfoliate in a non-abrasive manner by “ungluing” the bonds holding dull, dead skin on the surface. Once those bonds are broken—gently and evenly—skin naturally sheds its spent cells. What do AHA and BHA do for the skin?
Can you use AHA and BHA together?
Yes, you can use AHA and BHA together. While most people do just fine by picking one or the other, there’s nothing wrong with using both or experimenting to see which one works best for you. Just monitor how your skin responds and adjust usage if needed.
Is BHA good for rosacea?
BHA also has natural skin-calming properties, allowing it to be gentle enough for skin that's sensitive or prone to redness or rosacea. This well-rounded ingredient is even suitable for bumpy skin disposed to milia.
Do AHA exfoliants damage skin?
AHA and BHA exfoliants do not damage skin when well-formulated and used properly. In fact, AHAs strengthen skin by supporting healthy collagen and BHA delivers soothing properties to calm agitated skin. For best results, AHA and BHA exfoliants need to be formulated within a pH range between 3-4. Paula’s Choice Skincare is aware ...
What are AHAs and BHAs?
AHAs are water-soluble and made from sugary fruits, while BHAs are oil-soluble acids. While they work differently, they can help you combat a variety of skin problems.
The Difference Between AHAs & BHAs
Since AHA exfoliants are water-soluble, they mainly work on top of the skin’s surface. When you use AHAs, they’re gently removing the dead skin cells and buildup that accumulated on the skin’s surface. Once you remove the buildup, your skin looks more vibrant and fresher because you are revealing the younger skin cells underneath.
What Are the Different Types of AHA Exfoliant?
The most common types of AHAs that companies include in skin care products these days are glycolic and lactic acid. Glycolic acid is a strong option that increases cell turnover quickly and is commonly found in peels, while lactic acid is slightly gentler.
What Are the Different Types of BHA Exfoliant?
BHAs are slightly better known than AHAs. If you’ve ever used an over-the-counter acne treatment, you’ve probably used BHAs. Salicylic acid is the most common BHA, known for its effectiveness in unclogging pores and clearing pimples.
AHAs & BHAs Together
The answer is yes; using both acids properly together can help reveal brighter, clearer skin.
Benefits of AHA and BHA Exfoliants
AHAs and BHAs can work together to target a variety of skin concerns. For dry skin, AHAs work great to remove patchy, dead skin and make it easier for a moisturizer to work more effectively.
Tips in Combining AHAs & BHAs
If you’re just starting to use AHAs and BHAs, make sure to start slow. As with any skincare product, it’s best to introduce it slowly into your regimen to make sure you won’t have a reaction. We also recommend patch-testing the product first on your neck to see if it feels good on the skin.
AHA: Alpha Hydroxy Acid
AHA, the abbreviation for alpha hydroxy acid, is a water-soluble acid derived from natural sources, such as fruits and milk. AHAs are popular in skincare because they exfoliate the skin, which helps to remove dead skin cells and promote new cell growth. This can help improve the appearance of wrinkles, acne scars, and sun damage.
Common AHAs in Skincare
Glycolic Acid (derived from sugar cane): The most common AHA, glycolic acid, is a chemical exfoliant that increases collagen production for firmer-looking skin with a reduction in the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. It increases skin thickness and has even been shown to be an effective treatment for mild to moderate acne.
BHA: Beta Hydroxy Acid
BHA, the abbreviation for beta hydroxy acid, is a type of acid that is derived from natural sources, like willow bark and wintergreen leaves. BHAs work by exfoliating the skin, which helps to remove dead skin cells and promote new cell growth. This can help unclog pores, treat acne, and prevent future breakouts.
PHA: Poly Hydroxy Acid
PHA, the abbreviation for polyhydroxy acid, is a milder type of acid similar to AHAs and BHAs but is gentler on the skin. This makes it less likely to cause skin irritation or burning, which is why it’s a go-to option for people with sensitive skin.
AHA vs BHA vs PHA: Which Should You Use?
Balanced Skin: If you have balanced, blemish-free skin with a healthy moisture barrier and aren’t experiencing any active breakouts or irritation from your current skincare routine, then you could potentially benefit from both AHAs and BHAs.
AHAs to Try
CeraVe Skin Renewing Nightly Exfoliation Treatment is a nightly treatment containing glycolic acid and lactic acid to exfoliate the skin, remove dead skin cells and reveal a brighter complexion.
BHAs to Try
The Inkey List Beta Hydroxy Acid Serum uses salicylic acid, a BHA that can help unclog pores, reduce inflammation, excess oil, blackheads, and fade acne scars. The BHA serum contains 2% salicylic acid to improve skin texture, help prevent breakouts and improve the look of enlarged pores.
