An Easy-to-Read Article About AHA and BHA Products​ for All Skin Types

Everyone knows that the basic skincare steps are cleansing, toning, and moisturizing, but there’s a lesser-known radiance-boosting step: exfoliating with the help of AHA and BHA products.

As you get older, your skin’s natural exfoliating powers slow down or may even stop altogether. This leaves you with clogged, enlarged pores and a layer of dead skin cells that can make your skin look dull and flaky.

Exfoliation helps slough off this dull layer to reveal the fresh, supple skin underneath. You can do this by using a physical exfoliator like a cleansing brush, but this might be too abrasive if you’re not careful or if your skin is sensitive. A gentler alternative? Chemical exfoliators.

Don’t be intimidated by the word “chemical.” The ones you need for exfoliation are just alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs) and beta-hydroxy acids (BHAs), which gently unglue the bonds that keep dead skin stuck to the surface, leading to smooth, even-toned skin. The choice of one or the other depends on your specific needs; while AHA and BHA have some common benefits—minimizing fine lines, firming up and hydrating skin—each one also has unique properties that can address different skin concerns.

Below, we walk you through the differences between AHA and BHA to help you find the right exfoliator for your skin. One important note before we go on: When introducing these acids to your routine, start with a low concentration once or twice a week to help your skin adjust. From there, you can see how your skin reacts and increase the concentration and frequency as needed. Got it? Now, let’s get glowing.

AHAs, sometimes referred to as fruit acids, are derived from sugar cane or other plant acids and primarily address concerns on the skin’s surface. The main benefits of these water-soluble acids are sloughing off dead skin cells, brightening skin, stimulating collagen production, minimizing the appearance of fine lines, and addressing discoloration like sunspots, acne scars, and hyperpigmentation. AHAs are ideal for those whose main concerns are dryness and anti-aging.

Check the ingredients list of skincare products for these types of AHAs:

As the most popular AHA, ,ost of the best anti-aging serums contain glycolic acid. It’s derived from sugar cane typically used for brightening and anti-aging. It has the smallest molecules among the AHAs and can thus penetrate deeper into the skin. Make sure to introduce it gradually and in low doses to prevent any adverse reactions. Try the POND’S Age Miracle Youthful Glow Double Action Serum to help reduce dark spots, fine lines, and dullness.

Derived from lactose in milk, lactic acid can prevent dryness and improve skin tone. As its molecules are larger than those of glycolic acid, it may be a better gateway acid for those with sensitive skin.

While AHAs are water-soluble, BHAs are oil-soluble, which means they can go deep inside your pores, getting rid of oil and dead skin. This makes BHAs great for those with oily, acne-prone skin.

Some types of BHAs are:

A bacteria-fighting ingredient, salicylic acid targets acne and prevents blackheads and whiteheads. It gently exfoliates the skin, sloughing off dead cells to prevent clogged pores.

We know you can’t wait to get started on using these glow-getters, but just a few more tips: Consider introducing one type of acid at a time, especially if you have sensitive skin. Also make sure to moisturize after you use AHAs and BHAs to help new skin regenerate after exfoliation. And lastly, don’t combine these acids with retinol, an ingredient that helps boost collagen production, so as not to overwhelm your skin. For more tips tailor-made for your skin type, it’s best to consult with a dermatologist!