Confused on what AHA and BHA’s are? Here’s a Guide to Learn What You Need to Know.  

With the internet filled with overwhelming information, you don’t know what is right or wrong when it comes down to skin care products. It’s okay, you are not alone, Belle Vie is here to get your thoughts together and finally help you understand everything a little better!  

As many of us know, exfoliating at least once a week helps your skin look more radiant and healthier looking by removing dead skin cells. Adding some AHA and BHA to your skin will make the biggest difference. Here is everything you need to know. 

Should you be using AHA in your skincare routine?

AHA stands for alpha hydroxy acid. It is a water-soluble acid that works great on top of the skin rather than on top of the pores. They help exfoliate away old skin so that new skin cells can reach the surface, creating a more evenly pigmented skin tone. But how? They work by reducing the concentration of calcium ions in the epidermis that acts like glue. They have also been shown to help build collagen. 

Here are a few different types of AHAs:

• Glycolic acid: Derived from sugarcane, the most common and strongest due to its tiny molecular size.

• Lactic Acid: Derived from milk, more gentle than glycolic acid, and can be more appropriate for sensitive and dry skin. Best hydrating AHA

• Citric Acid: Derived from citrus fruits that regulates PH and can be used as a preservative.

• Mandelic Acid: A milder AHA derived from almonds that is usually combined with others to have a more powerful affect

• Malic Acid: Derived from apples and is usually also combined with other AHAs

• Tartaric Acid: Derived from grapes that is used to balance PH.

Or is BHA better for you? 

BHA stands for beta hydroxy acid and is found in bark tree leaves and is oil-soluble, meaning they can pass through sebum and work on the surface AND inside of the pores. They are used to soften the skin by dissolving and loosening dead keratin cells, a protein in the skin. BHAs are better for acne prone skin since they have antibacterial properties and help reduce oil. Dry skin types might want to avoid BHAs since it can over dry the skin.

• Salicylic acid: Most common and largest BHA that has anti-inflammatory properties which help with acne prone skin.

• Betaine Acid: Not as strong as salicylic acid and also has anti-inflammatory properties

• Salix alba or Willow bark extract: It is the weakest BHA so it won’t give you the results that salicylic and betaine will give for acne and will need to be combined.

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Recap: Both AHAs and BHAs have the benefit of peeling away dead skin to achieve that gorgeous glowing skin you always dreamed about. For skin care advice specific to your skin, schedule a complimentary consultation at our Costa Mesa or Cerritos offices by calling (855)635-0011.