AHA, which stands for alpha hydroxy acid, and BHA, which is short for beta hydroxy acid, are organic compounds used to improve the skin. They are applied to the skin in the form of serum, tonic, gel or cream.
Both AHA and BHA provide exfoliation of dead skin cells. While AHA is more effective in treating problems related to skin pigmentation, BHA has additional antibacterial properties. Both AHA and BHA repair sun-damaged skin.
Using vitamin C together with AHA/BHA forms such as salicylic acid and glycolic acid is not recommended as it can neutralize vitamin C. These ingredients may cause irritation when used together.
Is AHA BHA used every day?
Before using serums, you should cleanse your skin and prepare it with toner. Then apply the serum to your face and massage gently into your skin. Avoid using AHA BHA serums every day, using them 2-3 times a week is sufficient. If your skin is sensitive, you can use the product once a week.
Can AHA BHA be applied on acne?
BHA exfoliants offer an effective solution for oily skin, blackheads, large pores, acne, rosacea, redness, and sensitivity concerns.
What Are the Differences Between AHAs and BHAs?
Hydroxy acids, also called fruit acids, have been among the acids used in the treatment of skin conditions for about 40 years.
They are some of the most widely used and studied anti-aging skin care compounds. Clinical trials have shown the effectiveness of these ingredients in reversing the effects of photoaging and improving wrinkles, skin elasticity, tone, and hydration.
Alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) and beta hydroxy acid (BHA) are the two main classes of hydroxy acids.
AHAs are used in the treatment of a variety of skin conditions, including acne, scarring, pigmentation, dryness, and wrinkles. . AHAs work at both the epidermal and dermal levels. When applied to the skin, they stimulate the exfoliation of epidermal cells in the stratum corneum by interfering with the ionic bond between these cells. This results in the shedding of dull, rough skin and promotes cellular renewal. Originally used to treat hyperkeratosis and other skin conditions that affect the dermal cycle, AHAs promote softer, smoother skin, faded wrinkles, lightened age spots and reduced blemishes. They also improve subcutaneous barrier function, increase epidermal proliferation and thickness and restore hydration and purity through an increase in hyaluronic acid. Well-known benefits of AHAs include exfoliation, moisturizing, reduction of fine lines and wrinkles, collagen synthesis, tightening and skin brightening. Glycolic acid is the smallest of the AHA compounds extracted from sugar. A negative side effect of AHAs can be a stinging or burning sensation immediately after application, especially in people with sensitive skin. More lipophilic AHAs will be used more in the future, especially when targeting oily skin. Beta Hydroxy Acids (BHAs), such as salicylic acid, are very similar to AHAs, except for the difference in their solubility. On the other hand, they are oil-soluble, unlike AHAs’ water-soluble structure. This structure allows them to penetrate the skin via the sebaceous follicles, making them suitable for patients with oily skin and open comedones. BHAls, such as salicylic acid, have been shown to have less skin irritating effects than AHAs, in addition to their proven anti-inflammatory effects. Beta hydroxy acid, found in skin care products, works best at a concentration of 1-2%.
