Beauty

The Power Duo for Your Skin: Unlocking the Benefits of AHA and BHA

Are you confused about how AHA and BHA can help keep your skin healthy and how they work together? Don't worry - read on to find out which one is right for your unique skin needs.

Administrator

7 September, 2023

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Both AHA and BHA are chemicals used in chemical exfoliation methods to remove dead skin cells, and they are commonly found in modern skincare and exfoliation products. However, AHA and BHA have distinct properties, which are the basis for their classification and compatibility with different skin types.

Let’s find out if your skin needs AHA or BHA skincare products.

1AHA – Exfoliation and Hydration for Dry Skin

AHA, or alpha-hydroxy acid, is water-based and naturally occurs in fruits or milk. Examples include lactic acid from milk, glycolic acid from sugar cane, malic acid from apples and pears, and citric acid from oranges and lemons.

AHAs are highly water-soluble, aiding in quick and efficient cell hydration. This makes them ideal for dry, aging, or sun-damaged skin that has become dull or uneven in tone.

When applied to the skin, AHA helps protect, strengthen, and thicken the epidermis, enhancing the quality of elastin and collagen fibers for stronger, more elastic skin.

When choosing AHA-containing products, an AHA concentration of 5-10% and a pH level of 3-4 are recommended for optimal results.

2BHA – Oil Control and Acne Management for Oily, Sun-Damaged, and Acne-Prone Skin

On the other hand, BHA, or beta-hydroxy acid, is oil-soluble. The most common type is salicylic acid, derived from willow tree bark.

Due to its oil solubility, BHA is particularly suitable for individuals with oily skin, large pores, acne-prone skin, and sensitive skin.

Its oil-based nature allows BHA to easily penetrate oil-clogged pores, removing excess sebum and preventing acne. BHA is also gentle and non-irritating, helping to reduce inflammation and improve the appearance of acne. With regular use, it can effectively reduce acne scars and dark spots within 3-6 weeks.

Look for BHA-containing products with a BHA concentration of 1-2% and a pH level of 3-4 for optimal results.

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3Precautions When Using AHA and BHA Skincare Products

– Sun protection is crucial when using acid-based products as they can increase sun sensitivity.

– While AHA is considered safe for pregnant and breastfeeding women, there are ongoing debates about the safety of BHA. Therefore, it is recommended that pregnant and nursing women opt for AHA-based skincare routines.

– Regardless of the brand or origin, always patch test new products to ensure they do not irritate your skin.

Now that you know the differences between AHA and BHA, you can easily determine which one is better suited for your skin’s unique needs.

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Frequently asked questions

AHA (alpha-hydroxy acid) and BHA (beta-hydroxy acid) are chemicals used for exfoliation to remove dead skin cells. The key difference is that AHA is water-based and suitable for dry, aging, or sun-damaged skin, while BHA is oil-soluble and ideal for oily, acne-prone, and sensitive skin.

AHA, naturally occurring in fruits or milk, provides quick cell hydration. It protects, strengthens, and thickens the epidermis, improving skin elasticity and tone. Look for products with 5-10% AHA concentration and a pH of 3-4 for best results.

BHA, commonly derived from willow tree bark, is perfect for managing oily skin and acne. Its oil solubility allows it to penetrate and unclog pores, reducing excess sebum and acne. BHA is gentle and anti-inflammatory, helping to fade acne scars and dark spots within weeks. Optimal BHA concentration is 1-2% with a pH of 3-4.

Yes, sun protection is crucial as these acids can increase sun sensitivity. While AHA is considered safe for pregnant and breastfeeding women, there are debates about BHA. It’s recommended that pregnant/nursing women opt for AHA-based routines. Always patch test new products to ensure they don’t irritate your skin.