The Benefits of AHA and BHA Exfoliants

The Secret to Smooth, Glowing Skin

Exfoliation is a crucial step in any skincare routine. It helps remove dead skin cells, unclog pores, and reveal smoother, brighter skin. One way to exfoliate is through the use of alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) and beta hydroxy acids (BHAs). These two types of exfoliants work differently, but both can offer a variety of benefits for your skin. Here’s what you need to know about the benefits of AHA and BHA exfoliants, and some product recommendations to get you started.

1. How AHA Exfoliants Work

AHAs are water-soluble acids that work by loosening the bonds between dead skin cells, allowing them to be sloughed off more easily. They are typically derived from fruit, milk, or sugar, and include glycolic acid, lactic acid, and mandelic acid. AHA exfoliants can help improve the texture and tone of the skin, reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, and even out pigmentation.

Product Recommendations for AHA Exfoliants

1. Pumpkin Enzyme Scrub: This budget-friendly option is a great introduction to AHA exfoliants. It contains glycerin to improve skin texture.

2. ELEMIS Superfood AHA Glow Cleansing Butter:  This lightweight cream contains a blend of glycolic, lactic, and malic acids to exfoliate and brighten the skin. It also contains green tea extract to soothe and calm the skin.

3.  T.L.C. Framboos Glycolic Night Serum: This potent serum contains a blend of AHAs and BHAs to exfoliate, unclog pores, and improve skin texture. It also contains soothing ingredients like aloe vera and horse chestnut extract to minimize irritation.

2. How BHA Exfoliants Work

BHAs are oil-soluble acids that work by penetrating deep into the pores and dissolving the oil and debris that can lead to breakouts. The most common BHA is salicylic acid, which is derived from willow bark. BHA exfoliants can help improve the appearance of acne-prone skin, reduce inflammation, and unclog pores.

Product Recommendations for BHA Exfoliants

1. Paula’s Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant: This cult-favorite exfoliant contains 2% salicylic acid to unclog pores and improve the appearance of acne-prone skin. It also contains green tea extract to soothe and calm the skin.
2. The Ordinary Salicylic Acid 2% Masque: This multitasking mask contains 2% salicylic acid to exfoliate and unclog pores, as well as charcoal and kaolin clay to absorb excess oil.
3. COSRX BHA Blackhead Power Liquid: This Korean skincare favorite contains 4% betaine salicylate, a gentle BHA that helps unclog pores and improve skin texture. It also contains niacinamide to brighten and even out skin tone.

3. The Benefits of Using AHA and BHA Exfoliants Together

While AHA and BHA exfoliants work differently, they can be used together to achieve even better results. Combining the two can help improve skin texture, unclog pores, and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. However, it’s important to start slowly and pay attention to how your skin reacts, as using too many exfoliants at once can lead to irritation and sensitivity.

Product Recommendations for Combination AHA/BHA Exfoliants

1. The Inkey List Beta Hydroxy Acid (BHA) + Alpha Hydroxy Acid (AHA) Exfoliant: This dual exfoliant from The Inkey List contains 2% salicylic acid and 10% glycolic acid to unclog pores and improve skin texture. It also contains hyaluronic acid to hydrate and plump the skin, and allantoin to soothe and calm any irritation.

2. Sunday Riley Good Genes All-In-One Lactic Acid Treatment: This cult-favorite exfoliant contains 5% lactic acid, a gentle AHA that helps improve skin texture and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. It also contains licorice extract to brighten and even out skin tone.
3. Murad AHA/BHA Exfoliating Cleanser: This cleanser contains a blend of AHAs and BHAs to exfoliate and unclog pores. It also contains jojoba beads to physically exfoliate and remove dead skin cells, as well as licorice extract to brighten and even out skin tone.

In conclusion, AHAs and BHAs are both effective exfoliants that offer a variety of benefits for your skin. Whether you have acne-prone skin, uneven texture, or hyperpigmentation, there’s an exfoliant out there that can help. Just remember to start slowly, pay attention to how your skin reacts, and always wear sunscreen to protect your newly exfoliated skin. With consistent use, you’ll be on your way to smoother, brighter, and more radiant skin.