Contents:
- Medical Video: Exfoliating Acids in Skincare Routine: Beginner's Guide to Chemical Exfoliation (AHA & BHA)
- Learn the difference between AHA and BHA in skin care products
- AHA
- BHA
- How to use AHA and BHA?
Medical Video: Exfoliating Acids in Skincare Routine: Beginner's Guide to Chemical Exfoliation (AHA & BHA)
Try to check the composition label contained in your facial scrub or exfoliator product. Is there an AHA content? Or does your face cream scrub contain BHA? Skin care products that function to remove dead skin cells will usually contain one of these substances. So, what is the difference between AHA and BHA? Are the benefits different? Which one is better?
Learn the difference between AHA and BHA in skin care products
AHA and BHA are acidic compounds that work to exfoliate dead skin and stimulate the growth of new skin cells. Both are also useful for reducing wrinkles and stimulating collagen production. Both the AHA and BHA only work on the surface of the skin, not until it enters the tissues in the skin.
Although both have benefits for facial skin, but these two compounds in fact have many differences.Following are the differences in AHA and BHA:
AHA
AHA (alpha hydroxy acid) more recommended for sun-damaged skin and dry skin. AHA contains moisturizers that work to trap water content in the skin, making the skin look more moist. Examples of AHA compounds are glycolic and lactic acid.
BHA
BHA (Beta Hydroxy Acid or salicylic acid) does not contain moisturizer. Therefore, facial care products containing BHA are recommended for treating oily skin problems because they are drying.
In addition, BHA also contains anti-inflammatory and antibacterial agents that are effective for sensitive, acne-prone and blackheads.
BHA can also be recommended for people who have rosacea because it can reduce redness on the face and make it look more refined. However, not all skin with rosacea can react well with exfoliation products. If you have rosacea, it's always recommended to do itpatch testbefore using skin care products.
How to use AHA and BHA?
After knowing the difference between AHA and BHA, you are sure to be curious about how to use both, right? The following is a guide to how to use AHA and BHA products:
- AHA and BHA are often found in other names. Other forms of AHAs are usually glycolic acid, lactic acid, malic acid, mandelic acid, to citric acid. While other forms of BHA are salicylic acid.
- Some people argue that the use of BHA and AHA simultaneously will provide better results, but actually not needed. If you want to use BHA and AHA simultaneously, it should be done at different times, such as the AHA during the day and BHA at night.
- Both the AHA and BHA will be more effective in working if your face condition is clean, that is after washing your face and using toner. Then wait about 3-5 minutes or until your skin is completely dry to maximize peeling.
- AHA and BHA can be used in the area near the eye but may not be used on the eyelids or directly under the eyes.
- After the AHA or BHA is absorbed by facial skin, other cosmetic products such as moisturizers, serums, eye creams, sunscreens, or foundations may be used.
- If you want to use topical prescription products such as renovations, retinoids or other topical products, use BHA or AHA first.
