Both AHAs vs. BHAs are acids that can be used in skincare products. Both improve the appearance of the skin by exfoliating. However, they work in different ways. AHAs break down the glue that holds dead skin cells together, while BHAs penetrate deep into pores to remove dirt and oil.
Alpha hydroxy acids (AHA) are water-soluble chemical peels that help remove dead skin cells. Beta hydroxy acid (BHA) is an oil-soluble chemical peel that penetrates the skin through the sebaceous glands. AHA and BHA are exfoliants.
What are AHAs?
AHAs are compounds traditionally found in fruits, dairy products, or sugar cane*. For skincare, AHAs (and BHAs) are chemical peels that slough off dead skin cells and promote skin cell renewal.
If you’re wondering how AHAs do it, they dissolve the glue that holds skin cells together, allowing dead cells to slough off. Cell regeneration is stimulated and skin looks younger, smoother and firmer.
AHA is also a humectant. They help retain moisture in the skin. AHAs treat a variety of skin problems related to aging and acne, including:
Evens out skin tone (reduces blemishes, hyperpigmentation and discoloration)
- Improving skin smoothness and skin texture
- brighten skin tone
- reduce inflammation
- reduction of pore size
- Reduction and prevention of fine lines and wrinkles,
- Treat acne.
They occur naturally as fruit acids, but AHAs in skin care products may have been synthesized.
Types of AHAs
There are many types of AHAs and BHAs that offer different benefits. Below is a list of the most common AHA formats and their uses.
glycolic acid
Glycolic acid appears on many skin care labels because it is one of the famous and well-studied. A 2011 study showed that a 10% glycolic acid emulsion improved mild acne. But its benefits go beyond treating acne, and can also help with anti-aging and hydration. Glycolic acid can fluctuate in price and is more expensive when used in high concentrations for skin exfoliation.
citric acid
A popular AHA found in both plants and animals, citric acid has exfoliating properties similar to glycolic acid and helps improve the skin’s natural moisture levels. but research suggests more research is needed to fully understand its benefits.
mandelic acid
Mandelic acid is useful in the manufacture of many medicines, but it has many benefits when it comes to skin care.Mandelic acid is said to help even skin tone and reduce age spots and freckles. As an antibacterial agent, mandelic acid also fights acne breakouts and tightens the skin and pores.
lactic acid
Another AHA, lactic acid, exhibits exfoliating and skin-strengthening properties, making it an excellent choice for treating areas of hyperpigmentation.It also provides skin hydration, antibacterial activity, and skin lightening. To do. Since lactic acid occurs naturally in the human body, it is a safe product to use in cosmetics.
What are BHAs?
BHA is also a chemical peel that breaks down dead skin cells. However, BHA is more suitable for people with oily or combination skin. It can get into the pores and essentially clean them.
It is especially suitable for people with acne-prone skin due to its anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties.
BHA offers almost the same benefits as AHA, but you can also:
Penetrates deep into the pores through the oil and sebum of the skin
Helps fight acne (AHAs can do this to some extent, but BHAs are better for existing acne and can penetrate deeper into the skin instead of peeling it off)
It unclogs pores and makes them look smaller.
Types of BHA
Just like AHAs, BHAs come in different forms and have different skin care benefits. Salicylic acid, tropic acid, and willow extract are some of the most common forms of BHA.
salicylic acid
This is the most common BHA and can be found in many skin care products. It is ideal for oily skin types and is used in many over-the-counter acne treatments. Various concentrations of salicylic acid have been used to treat other skin problems such as dandruff, psoriasis, and warts.
tropical acid
Tropic acid is a common ingredient in products listed as BHA, but it has not been extensively studied in skin care.Check with your dermatologist about the benefits of this product and its effects on your skin and complexion.
willow extract
Willow extract, also known as willow alba, is a natural form of salicylic acid that offers many benefits. It also provides a gentle exfoliation like other his BHA members, but its anti-inflammatory properties help with conditions like eczema, psoriasis, and rosacea.
The difference between AHAs vs. BHAs
AHA stands for alpha hydroxy acid. BHA stands for beta hydroxy acid.
AHAs are water-soluble acids found in sweet fruits. They help exfoliate the surface of the skin, allowing new, more evenly pigmented skin cells to emerge and take their place. BHA, on the other hand, is oil-soluble. Unlike AHAs, BHAs penetrate deep into pores to remove dead skin cells and excess sebum.
AHA is primarily used for:
- Mild hyperpigmentation such as blemishes, melasma and scars
- enlarged pores
- Fine lines and surface wrinkles
- uneven skin tone
AHAs are often touted as safe for all skin types, but you should be careful if you have extremely dry or sensitive skin. It may be necessary to gradually work towards daily use to avoid skin irritation. BHA, on the other hand, is primarily used for acne and sun damage.These products penetrate deep into the hair follicles, drying out excess sebum and dead skin cells and unclogging pores. These effects make BHA ideal for combination with oily skin. Low concentrations can be used to soothe sensitive skin. You can also have more success with BHA when trying to reduce rosacea-related redness.
The main difference between AHA and BHA is that most AHA are water soluble whereas BHA is oil soluble. AHAs can easily penetrate the superficial layers of the skin, while BHAs can penetrate deep under the oily surface of the skin.
AHAs are suitable for normal skin types.The chemicals can irritate sensitive skin, especially if you haven’t developed a tolerance. However, there are also mild AHAs of his that can be enjoyed by those with sensitive skin. In general, BHA is good for oily and sensitive skin. It is also preferred by people with darker skin who are prone to hyperpigmentation and discoloration.
There is no good or bad when it comes to AHA vs BHA. It all about your skin type and the skin problem you are trying to address.
Which would you like to choose? AHAs vs. BHAs
AHAs vs. BHAs? The answer depends on your skin type.
For those with dry skin, we recommend using an AHA that is gentle on the skin. If you have oily or acne-prone skin, consider using BHA, which is more effective at penetrating pores and clearing blemishes.
Both AHAs and BHAs are effective in exfoliating the skin and promoting cell turnover, so both have the potential to improve the appearance of the skin.
