As you browse through skincare products, you’ll encounter the terms AHA and BHA quite a bit. But what are AHAs and BHAs? Both of these ingredients in skincare can provide several benefits, but it’s important to understand the difference so you can choose the right product to meet your needs.
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What Are AHAs
AHA stands for alpha hydroxy acid. AHAs are water-soluble and work wonderfully for removing dead skin from the surface of the skin. As a result, they are frequently found in face masks and exfoliants.
AHAs make your skin more sensitive to the harmful effects of the sun. It’s essential to wear sunscreen when using these products.
AHA Examples
Glycolic acid is the most commonly used AHA. It’s found in various concentrations in most skin care products designed to treat skin concerns through serious exfoliation. It’s found in toners, facial peels, dermabrasion treatments, and many other products.
Lactic acid is another AHA found in skincare products. It’s made from the lactose in milk, so you can find it in most milk products, such as cleansers and facial peels.
Benefits Of AHA’s
AHA’s are found in lower concentrations in many over-the-counter skincare products. They have been tested in laboratories to prove they are practical and safe. AHAs have so many benefits that it’s hard to resist this skincare craze.
AHAs are known for increasing collagen production, giving them a huge advantage over BHAs regarding anti-aging. Collagen production naturally decreases with age, leading to fine lines and wrinkles. When you use AHAs, you slowly notice that your skin appears plump and youthful again. If you have not yet developed fine lines and wrinkles, AHAs can help prevent them.
The anti-inflammatory properties of AHAs can help improve your skin immediately. If you have hyperpigmentation due to inflammation, you’ll slowly see the redness calm down. This ingredient can also help with dull skin and uneven skin texture, giving you a radiant glow without usinga highlighter.
How To Use AHAs
It’s essential to start off using AHAs slowly. It takes some time for your skin to get used to them. Try using them every other day or every few days in the beginning. You can slowly work up to using them every day. This is the best way to prevent irritation.
What Are BHAs
BHA stands for beta hydroxy acid. BHAs are oil-soluble. This allows them to reach deeper into pores to clean them, eliminate excess oil (sebum), and remove dead skin cells. These are found in all skincare products but are particularly popular in cleansers.
BHAs can make your skin sensitive to the sun, but not as much as AHAs. However, you should still wear sunscreen every day.
Examples Of BHAs
BHAs are often listed by name in skincare products. They’re typically found in products that treat acne and other skin conditions.
Salicylic acid is one of the most common BHAs. It remains one of the best-known acne treatments, making it a key ingredient in most acne products. This ingredient is found in various skincare products, but it is most common in facial cleansers.
Benefits Of BHAs
BHAs work similarly to AHAs, exfoliating and cleansing the skin while offering additional benefits. These are great for anti-aging treatments and for people with acne-prone skin.
The anti-aging benefits of BHAs are usually less than you will see with AHAs, but that doesn’t mean they don’t work. BHAs can help reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles by boosting collagen production. You’ll enjoy noticeably firmer and tighter skin.
BHAs truly outshine the competition in their anti-acne benefits. They are known for helping clear excess sebum from pores. They can go deep beyond the skin’s surface for a lasting impact. BHAs can also help reduce inflammation, a common side effect of acne.
How To Use BHAs
If you have sensitive skin or experience irritation, it may be helpful to use BHAs only once per week. Then slowly increase the time you use BHAs to every other day. Don’t forget to wear sunscreen daily!
AHA vs BHA: Which One Should You Use?
AHA and BHA are found in everything from serums to masks and exfoliants. Your facial cleanser likely has one or the other, too! Both acids share several benefits. They can both:
- Even skin tone to reduce hyperpigmentation
- Unclog pores
- Minimize the appearance of large pores
- Remove dead skin cells
- Smooth the texture of your skin
However, one usually outshines the other in certain areas. AHA tends to work better for surface issues, such as enlarged pores and wrinkles. They are a great option if you would like an anti-aging treatment. BHA products are better for people with sun-damaged skin, acne, or other deep-rooted issues that often lie beneath the skin’s surface.
It is possible to use both, but this can dry out your skin. You can use both at low concentrations, use a product containing both, or use them on alternating days to enjoy the benefits without dry, irritated skin.
FAQ
Are BHA and salicylic acid the same
Salicylic acid is a type of BHA, so you’ll want to follow the same recommendations you would for using other BHAs. A useful way to view this is to compare it to a food group. An apple is a type of fruit, but it is not the only fruit. BHA is used to describe various BHAs, including salicylic acid.
What does AHA mean in skincare?
AHA stands for alpha hydroxy acid. This ingredient is found in many skincare products, particularly anti-aging treatments, exfoliants, and cleansers. AHAs make your skin more sensitive to sunlight, so you should always wear sunscreen.
What is hydroxy acid?
Hydroxy acid in skincare is also called alpha hydroxy acid or AHA. AHAs are a group of acids naturally found in fruit, milk, and sugar. People use them to increase collagen production, decrease the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, and for an even skin texture.
In Conclusion
AHAs and BHAs are both skincare ingredients used to treat common skin conditions, including fine lines, wrinkles, enlarged pores, acne, and hyperpigmentation. Understanding the key differences between the two helps ensure you’re selecting the right product to meet your needs. Learn more about the ingredients in your favorite skincare products here.
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