AHAs Or BHAs – What Do You Need To Use?

The prime difference between Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHAs) and Beta Hydroxy Acids (BHAs) is the lipid solubility, i.e. their ability to dissolve in oil. While AHAs are soluble in water, BHAs are able to dissolve fully in oil. Hence, BHAs are able to cleanse and penetrate the skin pores more effectively.

Women battling with the problems of oily and acne prone skin should use BHAs while those looking for protection against sun damage should use AHA based skin care products!

Alpha Hydroxy Acids
AHAs react with the upper layer of the epidermis and weaken the binding of lipids that hold the dead skin cells together. As a result, the outer skin dissolves and dead skin cells are scraped off revealing fresh new cells from underneath. Because of its excellent exfoliation properties, AHAs also diminish the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines, correct pigmentation marks and improve the skins texture. It also helps to accelerate the production of collagen and elastin fibers within the skin cells improving the overall quality of the skin.

Concentration & Application
While buying AHA based skin care products, look for products that have AHAs mentioned as the second or third ingredient of the product. This ensures that the product contains only 5-8 per cent concentration of the same. Also, while applying alpha hydroxy skin care products, make sure you give them enough time to get absorbed within the skin before anything else. That's how AHA products work most effectively.

Forms of AHAs
Some of the most popular forms of alpha hydroxy acids are glycolic acid, lactic acid, malic acid, citric acid and tartaric acid. Of these, glycolic acid and lactic acid are able to penetrate through the skin most effectively.

Side Effects of AHAs
However, alpha hydroxy acids are not without side effects. Often women complain about mild skin irritation and increased sensitivity towards sunlight. Women with darker skin tones may also experience a higher risk of scarring pigment changes. Therefore, it is extremely important to wear a sunscreen of at least SPF 15 while using any alpha hydroxy acid skin care products. Slather sunscreen on all exposed parts of your body before venturing out. Make sure the sunscreen provides protection against the UVA as well as the UVB rays of the sun.

Beta Hydroxy Acids
The most popular form of beta hydroxy acid of Salicylic Acid. Just like AHAs, BHAs also act as efficient exfoliants that penetrate through the skin pores and slough off dead skin cells to promote the growth of new cells. With regular use, BHAs also reduce the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines and correct pigmentation issues caused by sun damage. In fact, BHAs are less irritating than AHAs.

Concentration & Application
The ideal concentration of beta hydroxy acids in skin care products is about 1-2 percent. This is because BHAs work best at lower concentrations. So look for products that have it listed towards the middle or end of the ingredients list. As for application, BHAs need to be absorbed well into the skin for them to work effectively. Therefore instead of using AHA based cleansers, look for toners, gels and lotions that contain AHAs.

Forms of BHAs
The most common form of BHAs are salicylic acid. It is very effective against acne inflammations and breakouts and help improve skin quality.

Side Effects of BHAs
Beta hydroxy acids protect and heals sun damaged skin. However, it can also increase tskin susceptibility to photoaging, i.e. damage caused by the sun. Therefore sunscreens should be an integral companion of BHA based skin care products.

Product Suggestions:

iS Clinical Active Serum – This is a superb serum that controls acne and prevents the occurrence of pimples, whiteheads and blackheads and also prevents premature skin aging. It repairs damaged skin by scraping off dead skin cells and stimulating collagen production within the skin cells. The serum contains 8% glycolic, 2% salicylic, 2% lactic and 0.5% kojic acids that makes the skin smooth and enhances the skin tone.

Obagi Nu Derm Exfoderm Forte – It is a great exfoliating lotion that contains alpha-hydroxy acids in a special base that heal damaged skin, enhance the skin tone and leave the skin smooth and supple. The alpha hydroxy acids exfoliate dead skin cells from the skin surface and accelerate the absorption of ingredients of other skin care products.