AHA vs. BHA, What is the difference?

April 4, 2024

Exfoliation is a term that is frequently used in the beauty industry. Additionally, there are a seemingly endless number of techniques to exfoliate, including using a loofah or a variety of sugar or salt scrubs. Then again, there are substances like glycolic acid, salicylic acid, AHA, and BHA. What exactly are those substances, then?

These latter exfoliants are regarded as chemical exfoliants. Don't let the word "chemical" mislead you. In this sense, it simply means that they dissolve the bonds between dead skin cells using an enzyme- or acid-based solution rather than physically scrubbing them away (like a loofah.)

Therefore, are these chemical exfoliants superior to physical exfoliants in skincare? Well, let's get started.

Exfoliate your skin, why do it?

To produce room for new skin cells, your skin is constantly shedding old ones (and smoother skin). However, as you age, this shedding slows down, giving your skin a more aged, duller, dryer, and uneven appearance.

However, applying moisturizer to these dead skin cells will not eliminate them.

Additionally, it stops your moisturizer from working as well.

Exfoliation is a technique for "manually" removing the dead skin cells on your skin's surface, giving you a more youthful, radiant, and moisturized complexion.

Let's examine the two well-known chemical exfoliants, AHA and BHA.

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AHA Exfoliants

Alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) exfoliants AHA is an acid. AHAs can be created artificially or naturally.

AHA is a catch-all phrase for a couple of other words you might be familiar with, notably glycolic acid and lactic acid. Lactic acid and glycolic acid are traditionally obtained from milk and sugar cane.

Now that the "glue" holding your skin cells together has been broken down, AHAs make it easier for dead skin cells to fall off, revealing smoother skin. Without using an abrasive scrub on your skin, AHAs can reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

Numerous products include AHAs, including face and body cleansers, serums, and moisturizers. Because they stay on your skin longer than a wash and absorb better than moisturizers, serums are frequently a fantastic option. But as long as they don't aggravate your skin, you can use a variety of AHA-containing creams.

BHA Exfoliants

Beta hydroxy acid, also known as salicylic acid, is referred to as BHA. These phrases are undoubtedly found on the labels of numerous anti-aging or dry skin products. Salicylic acid can be produced synthetically and naturally in plants and fruits.

By gently dissolving the bonds between those dead skin cells, a BHA exfoliant accomplishes the same task as an AHA exfoliant. However, there are two key reasons you might pick salicylic acid over an AHA:

BHA is great for calming inflamed skin, especially for people with persistent dry skin issues or recurring acne.
BHA is a favorite product ingredient that reduces breakouts since it can penetrate more profound and clear pores.

Salicylic acid and acetic acid undergo a chemical reaction to produce aspirin. Additionally, salicylic acid is what gives aspirin its anti-inflammatory properties.

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AHA vs. BHA

Which one is better choice?

As you can see, chemical exfoliators may be a far better option than loofahs or scrubs because they can help softly yet effectively remove congestion on (and below) the skin's surface. Instead of agitating your skin with rough scrubbing, they can also help calm it.

So, who prevails in the AHA vs. BHA matchup?

There is yet to be a definite winner of the medals. They both come out on top. Looking at your individual needs can help you determine which product is best for your skin. AHAs function on the skin's surface and benefit normal to dry skin.

BHA is exceptionally soothing and acts on the skin's surface and deep within it. Therefore, it works best for oily, imperfect skin, sensitive skin prone to redness, or dry skin that needs a bit more assistance clearing out clogged skin cells.

Can I Use a BHA and an AHA Together?

Both are excellent stand-alone components, so this is not required, but it is not prohibited. You could experiment with different products to see how your skin reacts. Don't go overboard. Many people discover that using chemical exfoliants too frequently irritates their skin.

On that subject, susceptible skin might occasionally become irritated by chemical exfoliants. Start with a minor concentration (%) of an AHA or BHA to avoid adverse effects, and work your way up.

When using chemical exfoliants, always wear sunscreen because it can increase your skin's sensitivity to the sun's photons.

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THE BOTTOM LINE

There is no right or wrong choice—beta or alpha hydroxy acids are both acceptable.

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Which makes the most significant difference regarding your specific skin conditions will ultimately determine whether to use AHA or BHA. The best thing you can do is try out various creams and observe which ones your skin responds to the most.

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