AHA vs. BHA - What Is the Difference?

Daily exfoliation and replacement of dead skin cells occur naturally in our skin, but aging and UV damage can slow down this process. 

Consider the possibility that you've noticed your skin has gotten a little bit more dull, dry, and flaky than usual or that you're displaying signs like enlarged pores, a lack of firmness, or an uneven skin tone. The likelihood is that your skin is having trouble exfoliating itself in such a situation.

Chemical exfoliants like AHAs and BHAs can assist sustain this process and keep your skin clean and radiant by being added to your skincare regimen.

While AHA and BHA have some similarities, many differences are essential to be aware of. 

Alpha-hydroxy acids (AHA) are chemical exfoliants that dissolve in water and help remove dead skin cells. Conversely, oil-soluble chemical exfoliants known as beta-hydroxy acids (BHA) can enter the skin through sebaceous glands. While AHA and BHA products are excellent for exfoliating the skin, you should use them cautiously. 

AHA

Alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs) are a class of acids from plants and animals and are included in many cosmetic products. These consist of regular anti-aging items like serums, toners, and lotions and seldom focused treatments like chemical peels.

Seven different forms of AHAs are frequently found in skincare products. These consist of:

• citric acid (from citrus fruits)

• lactic acid (from lactose or other carbohydrates)

• tartaric acid (from grapes)

• malic acid (from fruits)

• glycolic acid (from sugar cane)

AHA Benefits

AHA products can help reduce the visibility of wrinkles and fine lines, enhance the appearance of age spots and other moderate hyperpigmentation, such as scars, and reduce pore size.

BHA

Because beta-hydroxy acids are chemical exfoliants that may dissolve in oil, they can enter the skin through sebaceous glands. Your skin and hair are lubricated by the oils that sebaceous glands release. Less is more with BHAs. It is preferable if you see BHAs near the bottom of the ingredients list because they are often more helpful when present in lower doses.

BHA ingredients may be listed as:

• salicylic acid (or related substances, such as salicylate, sodium salicylate, and willow extract)

• beta-hydroxybutyric acid

• tropic acid

• trethocanic acid

BHA Benefits

BHAs are mainly used to treat UV damage and acne. These solutions unclog your pores by drying out extra oils and dead skin cells inside the deepest parts of your hair follicles. BHAs are most suited for combination with oily skin because of their effects.

What Is the Difference between AHAs and BHAs?

AHAs and BHAs may both work as exfoliants, but they do in different ways.

BHAs, unlike AHAs, are predominantly produced from salicylic acid, a single source. Salicylic acid is known for treating acne. However, this isn't its only function.

Salicylic acid removes dead skin cells from the skin, just like AHAs do. Opening up the pores that are clogged with oil and dead skin cells that have built up in the hair follicles can help remove blackheads and whiteheads.

For the treatment of acne, improved skin texture, and sun-related discoloration, BHAs could be equally as beneficial as AHAs. Salicylic acid may be preferred for sensitive skin because it is less irritating.

Should I Use AHA or BHA?

When selecting a skincare product, a person should decide which hydroxy acid is most suited for their unique requirement.

Due to its antibacterial qualities, BHA tends to be more helpful in treating skin disorders like acne.

How to Use Both?

You might try with both AHAs and BHAs if you have many skin issues, but you should proceed cautiously. While BHAs could be ideal if you have sensitive, acne-prone skin, AHAs might be better suitable for age-related skin issues. For the latter, you may think about using BHAs daily, such as a salicylic acid toner, and then applying an AHA-containing face peel once a week for a more thorough exfoliation.

It's crucial to gradually include different skincare products into your routine. Using excessive AHAs, BHAs, and chemicals at once might irritate the skin. As a result, this could make skin problems like acne, wrinkles, and others more obvious.

The Night Light creme, containing salicylic acid, following Phyto Glow toner, rich in lactic acid, is the perfect combination to introduce both AHAs and BHAs to your routine and reduce the appearance of aging, acne marks, and sun exposure.

What to watch out for

There are specific adverse side effects to using AHAs. These negative effects are most frequently found in skin peeling products. The guidelines on the product's label should be strictly followed if you want to utilize AHA-containing skin products. Observe any cautions listed on the product's label.

People who routinely use AHA-containing cosmetics ought to use sunscreen. UV protection measures include sunscreen, donning sun-safe clothes, and avoiding prolonged sun exposure.