Here at Skin Studio, we believe that no skincare routine is complete without your acid-based serums! But how does a first-time user get to know the difference between each recommended
acid? Not to fear, that’s what we’re here for! AHAs and BHAs are both chemical exfoliants that are great for at-home use. Keep reading to learn more about AHAs and BHAs, their most common uses and how to incorporate them into your routine.
Alpha Hydroxy Acids, commonly referred to as AHA’s, are a group of plant and animal-derived acids used daily within skincare products. Some acids that fall under this category include
Glycolic Acid, Lactic Acid, Malic Acid, Mandelic Acid and Tartaric Acid. The most common and readily available being Glycolic and Lactic Acids. These acids are suitable for dry, sensitive
skin and are primarily used to gently exfoliate, even skin tone, brighten the skin and restore moisture and plumpness. They also work to reduce the appearance of fine lines, leaving your
skin looking fresh and smooth.
Their anti-aging effects are pretty beneficial on their own; A study done in 2015 concluded that 9 out of 10 volunteers who used AHA serums for a three-week period experienced significant
changes and improvements to their overall skin texture. Since AHAs are water-soluble, they do a better job of peeling away your skin than a BHA can do, as BHAs are oil-based.
When choosing the AHA that’s right for your skin, keep in mind that the maximum concentration of the serum should be between 10%-15%, no more. AHAs can also allow for
increased sensitivity to the sun, so if you’re using one of these acids in your routine, you MUST remember sunscreen! By applying these products every other day, your skin will have a better
chance of adjusting to the new products; this method also decreases irritation, the most common side effect of AHAs.
As mentioned above, a large difference between AHA and BHA acids is that BHAs are oil-soluble, which means that they can penetrate deeper into the pores. BHA stands for Beta-
Hydroxy Acid, the most common one being salicylic acid. BHAs are usually recommended for oily/acne-prone skin as it dissolves oil and reduces acne. This ingredient can come in many
forms including cleansers, serums and moisturizers. Salicylic acid works wonders on acne and scarring, however, that’s the job of most BHAs, like Tropic Acid and Trethocanic Acid.
BHAs are also both anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial, which just seems like an added bonus. Besides working well on any blemish, they treat ingrown hairs and reduce the appearance of
pores. How could we not love them? BHAs are less aggressive, therefore there aren’t many rules for using them. Just be aware that overuse can cause the skin to become dry. Although a given, remember to read the bottle before applying to the face and make sure you ease your way into using them, just as you would with AHAs. Everyone’s skin reacts differently, therefore a little bit will always go a long way, especially when using an unfamiliar product.
There you have it! By now, you should be a little bit more well-versed with both types of acids. Although very different, it’s up to you to figure out what works best for your skin type. If you’re
looking for a free consultation or if we didn’t answer your question within this article, you know where to find us!
