Our skin naturally sheds dead cells every day, but as we age, this process slows down. This can lead to dull, flaky skin, enlarged pores, wrinkles, uneven skin tone, and other signs of aging.<\/p>\n
The good news? You can support your skin\u2019s natural exfoliation by using gentle chemical exfoliants, which reveal the radiant, glowing skin underneath.<\/p>\n
Two of the most popular chemical exfoliants are AHA (alpha hydroxy acid) and BHA (beta hydroxy acid). Let\u2019s explore what they are, their benefits, and which one may suit your skin type.<\/p>\n
<\/span>What Are AHA and BHA Exfoliants?<\/strong><\/span><\/h4>\nAHA (Alpha Hydroxy Acid) and BHA (Beta Hydroxy Acid) are chemical exfoliants that both work to \u2018unglue\u2019 the bonds holding dead, dull skin cell to the surface of the skin. What you need to do is break these down so the skin naturally sheds these old cells.<\/p>\n
Both AHA and BHA exfoliants are formulated with a pH range between 3 and 4.<\/p>\n
\u201cAHA\u2019s and BHAs are commonly used in the same sentence, and indeed products, but work in very different ways. AHAs work at the superficial layers of the dermis, and are commonly Glycolic Acid and Lactic Acid. They promote shedding at surface level and provide an antibacterial effect.<\/p>\n
BHA’s work at the deeper layers of the skin, with Salicylic Acid the most common. Salicylic acid is oil soluble, which will get deep into your pores to break up oils, exfoliate the skin and other deep follicular action,\u201d says Kelly Saynor<\/a>. Kelly Saynor, a Specialist Aesthetics Nurse.<\/p>\n<\/span>Key Benefits of AHA and BHA Exfoliants<\/span><\/h4>\n\n- Remove dead skin cells<\/li>\n
- Decrease inflammation<\/li>\n
- Decrease the appearance of large pores and surface wrinkles<\/li>\n
- Evens out skin tone and improves overall skin texture<\/li>\n
- Can help to unclog pores to prevent acne<\/li>\n
- They both impact collagen and procollagen production to show an improvement in the appearance of photoaged skin.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
<\/span>Popular products combining AHA and BHA include:<\/strong><\/span><\/h4>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>Jane Scrivner Skinfoliate<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>![\"Skinfoliate](\"https:\/\/wowbeauty.co\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/1-1-1013x1200.jpg\" "\\"Skinfoliate")
<\/span><\/div>Buy here<\/span><\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div>Strivectin Daily Reveal Exfoliating Pads<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>![\"strivectin](\"https:\/\/wowbeauty.co\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/2-2-1013x1200.jpg\" "\\"strivectin")
<\/span><\/div>Buy here<\/span><\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div>Paula’s Choice Skin Perfecting 25% AHA + 2% BHA Exfoliant Peel<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>![\"paulas](\"https:\/\/wowbeauty.co\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/3-2-1013x1200.jpg\" "\\"paulas")
<\/span><\/div>Buy here<\/span><\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>So, let\u2019s get on to the differences and which one could work better for your skin type. Neither is better \u2013 but they work slightly differently so can suit different needs.<\/p>\n
<\/span>AHA Exfoliants: Ideal for Dry or Sun-Damaged Skin<\/span><\/h3>\nAHA stands for alpha hydroxy acid.<\/p>\n
AHA\u2019s are water soluble and made from sugary fruits. They work on the skin\u2019s surface to hydrate and smooth<\/a> and are a slightly more aggressive type of exfoliant. They are proven to be effective in reducing visible signs of sun damage, including wrinkles and improving skin tone. They help regulate cell turnover for healthy, dewy skin.<\/p>\n\u201cAHAs exert their effect on the skin-surface and help regulate the skin-moisture balance.\u00a0 They are particularly suitable for sun-damaged or dry skin<\/em>,\u201d says the experts at skin care and supplements brand RINGANA.<\/p>\nCommon AHAs: Glycolic Acid<\/a>, Lactic Acid<\/a>, Mandelic Acid, Citric Acid.<\/p>\nBest for: They\u2019re ideal for dry, sun damaged skin as they\u2019re so moisturising.<\/p>\n
<\/span>Recommended AHA products:<\/strong><\/span><\/h4>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>The Nue Co The Pill<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>![\"the](\"https:\/\/wowbeauty.co\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/2-1013x1200.jpg\" "\\"the")
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<\/span>Key Benefits of AHA and BHA Exfoliants<\/span><\/h4>\n\n- Remove dead skin cells<\/li>\n
- Decrease inflammation<\/li>\n
- Decrease the appearance of large pores and surface wrinkles<\/li>\n
- Evens out skin tone and improves overall skin texture<\/li>\n
- Can help to unclog pores to prevent acne<\/li>\n
- They both impact collagen and procollagen production to show an improvement in the appearance of photoaged skin.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
<\/span>Popular products combining AHA and BHA include:<\/strong><\/span><\/h4>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>Jane Scrivner Skinfoliate<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div><\/span><\/div>Buy here<\/span><\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div>Strivectin Daily Reveal Exfoliating Pads<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div><\/span><\/div>Buy here<\/span><\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div>Paula’s Choice Skin Perfecting 25% AHA + 2% BHA Exfoliant Peel<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div><\/span><\/div>Buy here<\/span><\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>So, let\u2019s get on to the differences and which one could work better for your skin type. Neither is better \u2013 but they work slightly differently so can suit different needs.<\/p>\n
<\/span>AHA Exfoliants: Ideal for Dry or Sun-Damaged Skin<\/span><\/h3>\nAHA stands for alpha hydroxy acid.<\/p>\n
AHA\u2019s are water soluble and made from sugary fruits. They work on the skin\u2019s surface to hydrate and smooth<\/a> and are a slightly more aggressive type of exfoliant. They are proven to be effective in reducing visible signs of sun damage, including wrinkles and improving skin tone. They help regulate cell turnover for healthy, dewy skin.<\/p>\n\u201cAHAs exert their effect on the skin-surface and help regulate the skin-moisture balance.\u00a0 They are particularly suitable for sun-damaged or dry skin<\/em>,\u201d says the experts at skin care and supplements brand RINGANA.<\/p>\nCommon AHAs: Glycolic Acid<\/a>, Lactic Acid<\/a>, Mandelic Acid, Citric Acid.<\/p>\nBest for: They\u2019re ideal for dry, sun damaged skin as they\u2019re so moisturising.<\/p>\n
<\/span>Recommended AHA products:<\/strong><\/span><\/h4>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>The Nue Co The Pill<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div><\/span><\/div>
<\/span>Popular products combining AHA and BHA include:<\/strong><\/span><\/h4>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>Jane Scrivner Skinfoliate<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div><\/span><\/div>Buy here<\/span><\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div>Strivectin Daily Reveal Exfoliating Pads<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div><\/span><\/div>Buy here<\/span><\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div>Paula’s Choice Skin Perfecting 25% AHA + 2% BHA Exfoliant Peel<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div><\/span><\/div>Buy here<\/span><\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>So, let\u2019s get on to the differences and which one could work better for your skin type. Neither is better \u2013 but they work slightly differently so can suit different needs.<\/p>\n
<\/span>AHA Exfoliants: Ideal for Dry or Sun-Damaged Skin<\/span><\/h3>\nAHA stands for alpha hydroxy acid.<\/p>\n
AHA\u2019s are water soluble and made from sugary fruits. They work on the skin\u2019s surface to hydrate and smooth<\/a> and are a slightly more aggressive type of exfoliant. They are proven to be effective in reducing visible signs of sun damage, including wrinkles and improving skin tone. They help regulate cell turnover for healthy, dewy skin.<\/p>\n\u201cAHAs exert their effect on the skin-surface and help regulate the skin-moisture balance.\u00a0 They are particularly suitable for sun-damaged or dry skin<\/em>,\u201d says the experts at skin care and supplements brand RINGANA.<\/p>\nCommon AHAs: Glycolic Acid<\/a>, Lactic Acid<\/a>, Mandelic Acid, Citric Acid.<\/p>\nBest for: They\u2019re ideal for dry, sun damaged skin as they\u2019re so moisturising.<\/p>\n
<\/span>Recommended AHA products:<\/strong><\/span><\/h4>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>The Nue Co The Pill<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div><\/span><\/div>
Jane Scrivner Skinfoliate<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div> Strivectin Daily Reveal Exfoliating Pads<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div> Paula’s Choice Skin Perfecting 25% AHA + 2% BHA Exfoliant Peel<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div> So, let\u2019s get on to the differences and which one could work better for your skin type. Neither is better \u2013 but they work slightly differently so can suit different needs.<\/p>\n AHA stands for alpha hydroxy acid.<\/p>\n AHA\u2019s are water soluble and made from sugary fruits. They work on the skin\u2019s surface to hydrate and smooth<\/a> and are a slightly more aggressive type of exfoliant. They are proven to be effective in reducing visible signs of sun damage, including wrinkles and improving skin tone. They help regulate cell turnover for healthy, dewy skin.<\/p>\n \u201cAHAs exert their effect on the skin-surface and help regulate the skin-moisture balance.\u00a0 They are particularly suitable for sun-damaged or dry skin<\/em>,\u201d says the experts at skin care and supplements brand RINGANA.<\/p>\n Common AHAs: Glycolic Acid<\/a>, Lactic Acid<\/a>, Mandelic Acid, Citric Acid.<\/p>\n Best for: They\u2019re ideal for dry, sun damaged skin as they\u2019re so moisturising.<\/p>\n The Nue Co The Pill<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div><\/span><\/div><\/span><\/div><\/span><\/div><\/span>AHA Exfoliants: Ideal for Dry or Sun-Damaged Skin<\/span><\/h3>\n
<\/span>Recommended AHA products:<\/strong><\/span><\/h4>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>
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