AHA, BHA or PHA?
Which is right for me? We’ll try and answer some of the most popular questions we get asked.
What’s the deal with AHA, BHA, and PHA?
AHA, BHA, and PHA all belong to the hydroxy acid family. They’re brilliant exfoliators and are great for those that want a cleaner and more radiant-looking skin result. As we age, our skin’s ability to remove dead skin cells slows down, its ability to retain moisture decreases, and the damage from UV rays leave a mark of uneven skin tones on our skin. These acids aim at helping all of these problems, all in one.
They’re responsible for assisting exfoliate dead skin cells that make your skin look dull, dry, and flaky and enhancing your skin’s skin tones for a brighter and more youthful look. These acids might be confusing at first from their various names and sources and might even be intimidating to some, but here’s a small guide to the world of hydroxy acids.
AHA
AHAs, also known as Alpha Hydroxy Acids, are found in many fruits and plants. Some of these sources include lemons, sugar cane, grapefruit, tomato, papaya, and pineapple, which are natural alpha-hydroxy acids. These acids include glycolic acid, lactic acid, tartaric acid, citric acid, and malic acid to mandelic acid. With each having their benefits and obtained through different sources.
As AHAs are water-soluble, they do not penetrate as deep as BHA’s. Therefore, they work very well on the skin’s surface and retain moisture within the skin’s surface. AHAs reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles and help produce a more even skin tone. Those new to AHAs should use products with a small dosage of AHA and slowly work their way up the dosage amount as it could irritate exfoliation. Applying sun protection is also recommended after using AHA’s as your skin will become more sensitive to UV rays.
BHA
Unlike the many acids that comprise alpha hydroxy acids used in skincare, BHA or beta hydroxy acids found in skincare often include only salicylic acid and citric acid. Another varying factor BHA’s have to AHA’s is that they are oil soluble. BHA’s are the solution to those with oily skin, want to target acne, need skin repair from sun damage, and need help with blackheads. BHA’s penetrate deeper than AHA’s, unclogging the pores and reducing the appearance of enlarged pores. They’re also really good at dealing with dry skin and calluses.
PHA
PHA or polyhydroxy acids are acids that work similar to AHA but are less irritating and are great for those with sensitive skin and who do not want their skin to be sensitive to sunlight after application. In addition, their molecular structures are larger than their AHA counterparts, thus not penetrating as deeply as AHAs.
Which Products Should I Look for that has AHA, BHA, and PHA
AHA, BHA and PHA can be found in cleansers, toners, exfoliators, serums, and essence waters. Please give it a go and see which works best for you!
The Clear Winner?
So which is the better acid, you might ask? Well, there’s no clear winner as each has its benefits. In general, if you’re looking for an acid that can help with hyperpigmentation, fine lines, wrinkles, and an uneven skin tone, then AHA’s are your best bet out of the three. If you’re more concerned with acne and UV damage, BHAs will do a better job out of the three. If you have sensitive skin and do not want your skin to be more sensitive to sunlight, then you’ll want to consider PHA’s.