What’s The Difference? AHA vs. BHA

Hello Lovelies. How are all of you? Wonderful I hope. I have been having a little bit of a writers block lately, you’d think since I wasn’t sleeping I’d find things to write about, but it seems like quite the opposite. I finally thought of something I wanted to talk about so lets get going shall we…

I wanted to talk about the differences between AHA and BHA, both are wonderful skin exfoliators, they do share some similarities, however they do vary as well…

AHA: Alpha Hydroxy Acids

Derived from fruit and milk sugars, they’re “organic” or natural acids found in foods that have exfoliating properties.*glycolic, *lactic, *tartaric, *malic, and *citic acid are types of AHA. Alpha Hydroxyls are a chemical exfoliant as opposed to a physical exfoliator, like a sugar scrub, since it is a chemical and not an abrasive exfoliator its much more gentle at removing the dead skin cells from the surface layer of the skin. It’s said that AHA can help reduce the chances of wrinkles developing also can improve collagen. They also have humectant properties(hydrating)so the Alpha Hydroxyls are a great choice for dry skin, they also have a low concentration which can help with post-inflammatory and hyper-pigmentation. AHA are best for, aging, dry, or sun-damaged skin.

*Glycolic Acid:sugar cane | hydrates, stimulates collagen production, reduces fine lines, hyper-pigmentation, dark spots and uneven skin tone.

*Lactic Acid:sour milk | speeds up cell turnover, draws in moisture and holds it in the skin, naturally reoccuring.

*Tartaric Acid:fermented grapes | treat flaky and/or dull skin and hyper-pigmentation.

*Malic Acid:apples | pH balancing, brighten and rejuvenate.

*Citric Acid:citrus fruit | speeds up cell renewal and balances skins pH.

BHA: Beta Hydroxy Acids

Derived from aspirin and salicylic acid, this chemical exfoliant is fat/oil soluble which means it can penetrate the oily layer of the skin and reach deep into your pores to de-gunk your skin. The Beta Hydroxyls are a great choice for people with oily and/or acne prone skin, because it exfoliates both top and bottom of the skin, they help unclog and minimize pores, clear blackheads, all while helping flush out impurities. Some use it as an acne treatment, it also carries antibacterial properties, along with mild reduction of inflammation, also unlike AHA the BHA have a high concentration which is also great for post-inflammatory and hyper-pigmentation, however it is a bit drying due to the salicylic acid that’s why people with oily skin tend to gravitate towards it more than one’s with dry skin.

Well those are 2 of the skincare exfoliating acids, AHA and BHA both are wonderful and keep the skin looking and feeling its best. Since they’re both chemical and not physical exfoliants they aren’t as harsh on the skin. It’s important to exfoliate, it helps with removing the dead skin cells, cell turnover and can also help to clear your skin if you use the right exfoliator. I hope this has helped some of you🙏. I have 2 toners both part of my K-Skincare routine(which the 30 day mark is 3/16) and I can tell a difference with them, one is just a BHA and the other is an AHA/BHA clarifying toner from Cosrx and I love it, I can see a difference in my skin. I am hoping I’ll be able to get at least one more post up this week🤞

Until Next Time💋