AHA and BHA acids - for young and radiant skin
AHA and BHA acids are important skincare ingredients as they help to remove dead skin cells and stimulate the growth of new cells.
Have you heard of AHA and BHA acids? Although they may sound like chemistry to you, these active ingredients are part of many skincare products. AHAs and BHAs are hydroxy acids that help remove dead skin cells, improve skin texture, and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
In this blog, we'll reveal exactly what AHA and BHA acids are, how they work, what their benefits are, and how to use them correctly.
Table of Contents:
Why do we recommend the use of AHA and BHA acids?
Benefits of using AHA and BHA acids
What do you need to know before your first use?
What are hydroxy acids?
The use of acids is becoming more and more common nowadays, and what's more, they have become a real hit. As a result, they can be found in various cosmetic products, but care must be taken when using them.
Hydroxy acids are an important ingredient in skin care, as they help to remove dead skin cells and stimulate the growth of new cells.
Hydroxy acids (HA) are natural or synthetic compounds whose structure contains a carboxyl group (-COOH) replaced by a hydroxyl group (-OH) at the following carbon atoms.
HA products contain low concentrations (4-10%) of acid and are therefore suitable for domestic use. There are several groups of HA, which are divided according to the position of the hydroxyl group, but at the same time, their function varies. Acids have two key roles:
- exfoliation (peeling), which results in a restorative effect
- and moisturizing the skin.
What are AHA and BHA acids?
AHA acids, also known as hydroxy acids, are organic acids derived from fruits and lactic acid. The most common AHA acids are glycolic, lactic, and almond. AHA acids work by removing dead skin cells, leaving the skin smoother, softer, and more radiant.
AHA acids are mainly used to exfoliate and improve skin texture, reduce fine lines and wrinkles, and improve hyperpigmentation.
BHA acids are beta-hydroxy acids derived from salicylic acid. Salicylic acid is known for its anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties.
BHA acids are more suitable for oily and acne-prone skin, as they penetrate deeper into the pores and remove excess sebum and impurities. BHA acids can also help reduce skin inflammation and redness.
Why do we recommend using AHAs and BHAs?
Did you know that our skin renews itself every 28 days? Yes, it's true. In fact, skin cells have a lifespan of 28 days. The cell renewal process starts from the inside.
Skin cells originate in the lower layers of the skin and slowly move to the surface of the skin, aging as they do so. Once the skin cells have ''arrived'' at the surface of the skin, they die. The dead skin cells are replaced by younger skin cells and the cycle repeats.
In theory, it all looks quite simple, but in practice, there can be some problems. If our skin is not healthy and nourished, the dead cells are not removed.
This natural process of ''sloughing off dead skin cells'' can be slowed or stopped for a number of reasons:
- Sun damage
- Dry or oily skin
- Genetics
- Skin diseases
Skin that cannot shed dead skin cells fast enough looks dry, and dull and may also develop clogged pores, pimples, and white bumps.
How do AHA and BHA acids work?
Alpha hydroxy acids work on the surface of our skin (they act on the top layer of the skin, called the epidermis) where they have an important effect - they stimulate epidermal renewal and increase water retention in the skin, resulting in improved skin hydration.
In addition to their moisturizing effect, they cause the exfoliation of the top, and dead skin cells and stimulate collagen synthesis by affecting the thickening of the dermis (the middle layer of the skin).
Hydroxy acids exfoliate by first penetrating the skin and then causing peeling. Salicylic acid does the opposite. It exfoliates the dead skin in layers from the surface to the lower epidermis.
Benefits of using AHA and BHA acids
AHA and BHA acids have many benefits for the skin. In addition to removing dead skin cells, they can help improve the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, reduce pigmentation, and improve skin texture.
1. They help exfoliate and remove dead skin cells
AHA and BHA acids work by removing dead skin cells from the surface of the skin. This is very important as dead skin cells can build up and cause dry and dehydrated skin, clogged pores, acne, and other skin problems. Acids are used to remove these dead skin cells, leaving the skin smooth and radiant.
2. They stimulate skin renewal
After removing dead skin cells, acids stimulate the skin's renewal process. This means that new, fresh cells appear on the surface of the skin, making it smoother and more even. This helps to improve skin tone and reduce the appearance of fine lines and other signs of aging.
3. Reduce the appearance of hyperpigmentation
AHA acids can help reduce hyperpigmentation and skin imperfections. This is because the acid removes dead cells that can cause dark spots and hyperpigmentation. Regular use of AHA acids can lead to a more even and radiant complexion.
4. They improve the condition of acne-prone and blackhead-prone skin
BHA acid is particularly effective in reducing acne and blackheads. This is because BHA acid penetrates the pores and removes excess sebum, which can cause clogged pores and acne. In addition, BHA acids also help to reduce inflammation, which can aggravate acne conditions.
5. Moisturize the skin
AHA acids can help to increase skin hydration. AHAs work by removing dead cells that prevent moisturizing ingredients from penetrating deeper into the skin. This increases the effectiveness of moisturizing creams and serums and prevents the skin from drying out.
What do you need to know before using AHAs and BHAs for the first time?
1. Consider your skin type
AHA acids are used for sun-damaged skin, dry skin, and older skin that is not prone to acne. BHA acids are used for oily skin and acne-prone skin, as BHA acids can prevent the formation of impurities and pimples.
2. Listen to your body or skin
Start by choosing products with a weaker concentration of AHAs or BHAs so that your skin can get used to their action and avoid potential irritation.
When using AHAs, start with products containing between 5 and 8% acids, while with BHAs you can start with products containing 1% or 2% acid. Start using your chosen acid product every 2-3 days, only in the evening. Pay attention to your skin's reactions and the effect.
If you do not notice any negative effects (redness, irritation, or inflammation), you can start using the product every day - just in the evening or morning and evening as needed. If you do not have any pronounced problems, even 1 or 2 times a week will be sufficient.
3. Don't forget your sunscreen
Sun protection is the number 1 skincare product. It protects our skin from UV rays, which can damage our skin and cause premature skin aging. And with the inclusion of AHA and BHA products, the use of sunscreen is even more important.
AHAs can increase sensitivity to the sun's rays, so it is essential to apply sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher every morning when using AHAs regularly.
4. Choose a product that does not wash off
AHA and BHA acids can be found in a variety of products - serums, masks, creams, cleansers, and toners. Unfortunately, experts report that acids in products that are removed or washed off the skin simply don't have enough time to work.
For optimal results, we recommend choosing products that stay on the skin longer, such as toners, serums, and face creams.
BHA Toner - for intensive skin cleansing
The toner's job is to gently refresh the skin without stripping it of its natural moisture. This means that the toner does not irritate sensitive skin or cause excessive dryness.
It also prepares the skin to absorb the moisturizer more easily after cleansing and any other skin care treatments you use.
BHA Toner contains salicylic acid and tea tree extract, which effectively penetrate the pores and dissolve oil, helping to prevent the appearance of pimples and blackheads. It also contains hyaluronic acid and niacinamide, which moisturize the skin and help maintain its natural pH.