Two common ingredients in beauty and Skin care products are alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) and beta hydroxy acids (BHAs). They’re both chemical exfoliants that help remove dead skin cells from the top layer of your skin. Treat common issues like acne, dullness, uneven skin tone, and rough texture.

Both AHAs and BHAs are types of hydroxy acids, but they work differently and should be chosen based on your specific skin concerns. Understanding the difference between AHA and BHA is key to selecting the right product.

AHA stands for alpha hydroxy acid, a group of water-soluble chemical exfoliants found in skincare products like serums, cleansers, and creams. AHAs work on the skin's surface by dissolving the bonds between dead skin cells, which helps slough them off to reveal a brighter, smoother, and more radiant complexion, mainly made from fruits or milk. They delicately exfoliate the skin's surface, aiding in the removal of dead cells to provide fresh, smoother skin underneath.

AHAs are popular for brighter skin, uneven complexion, or fine lines. Researchers suggest that either ingredient also has the potential to make you more sensitive to the sun when you put it on your skin. They are effective on dry or sun-damaged skin and are commonly included in toners, peels, and exfoliating serums.

If the product contains Glycolic acid, Lactic acid, Citric acid, Hydroxycaprylic acid, Hydroxycapric acid, then your Product has AHAs, and if it contains Salicylic acid (or related ingredients, like salicylate, sodium salicylate, and willow extract), Beta hydroxybutanoic acid, Tropic acid, Trethocanic acid, then it has BHAs.

Mechanism:

• Exfoliation: AHAs "dissolve the bonds between dead skin cells," making it easier for them to shed naturally. AHAs accelerate the skin's natural cell turnover process, revealing the fresher, smoother, and more radiant skin underneath.
• Hydration: Some AHAs, like lactic acid, attract water, which can hydrate the skin's surface. 
• Stimulate collagen: They can help stimulate collagen production, which contributes to anti-aging benefits. 

Commonly used AHAs in the cosmetic industry

How to use AHA??

Begin by applying a low percentage AHA product once a week. Apply it after cleansing but before your moisturizer. Observe for a week how your skin reacts after using alpha hydroxy acid.

Avoid layering AHAs with strong retinoids or vitamin C at the same time. And don’t forget sunscreen in the morning, AHAs can make your skin more sensitive to the sun.

What Are BHAS ??

BHA stands for beta hydroxy acid. They are oil-soluble. This means they can go deeper into pores, making them ideal for oily and acne-prone skin. BHAs are considered a great option for treating blackheads, whiteheads, and even small breakouts. They are excellent for deep cleaning the skin and preventing clogged pores. BHAs are often used in bha cleanser, spot treatments, and toners designed for oily or combination skin. Here are some benefits:

1.      Unclogs pores and prevents breakouts

2.      Reduces oiliness and shine

3.      Calms redness and inflammation

4.      Improves skin texture over time

5.      Helps with rough patches and bumpy skin

Salicylic acid, a powerful BHA sourced from willow bark, helps clear pores, calm irritation, and treat acne effectively.

Other varieties, such as tropic acid or trethocanic acid, exist but are rarely used in Cosmetics.

Start with a low BHA concentration and apply it once or twice a week. Apply your BHA exfoliant after cleansing. Products containing salicylic acid for skin may also be used as spot treatments on problem areas.

It is important to monitor skin response and avoid combining BHAs with strong active ingredients unless advised by a skincare professional.

DIFFERENCE BETWEEN AHA AND BHA

Finding the Right Balance: Combining AHAs and BHAs

The decision to use AHAs and BHAs together is entirely skin-dependent.

Some individuals successfully combine these acids to address multiple concerns simultaneously, such as tackling both dryness and breakouts. However, using them in excess can potentially lead to skin irritation or sensitivity.

Fortunately, many modern skincare products simplify this by offering balanced formulations that contain both acids. You can find these in products like an AHA and BHA serum or a specialized AHA BHA exfoliator.

A good starting point is to integrate these combination products into your routine once or twice a week.

Essential Guidelines for Using Exfoliating Acids (AHA and BHA)

Understanding the benefits of AHAs and BHAs is only half the battle; proper application is crucial to ensure they enhance, rather than harm, your skin. To maximize the positive effects, avoid these common mistakes:

• Using It Too Often: Begin by applying acids just 2 times a week. Only increase daily use if explicitly recommended by a skincare professional.
• Skipping SPF: Never skip sunscreen! Both AHAs and BHAs significantly increase your skin's sensitivity to sunlight, making daily application of a broad-spectrum SPF non-negotiable.
• Mixing Too Many Actives: Avoid layering exfoliating acids with other potent ingredients like retinol or strong Vitamin C unless you have expert guidance. This combination dramatically raises the risk of irritation.
• Neglecting to moisturize: Acids can strip your skin of natural moisture. Always follow up with a quality moisturizer to hydrate and replenish the skin barrier afterward.
• Applying to Broken Skin: Do not use exfoliating acids on areas with cuts, peeling, irritation, or sunburn. Wait until your skin has fully healed.