All About AHAs/BHAs

If you’re not familiar with Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHAs) or Beta Hydroxy Acids (BHAs), keep reading – incorporating a product with these ingredients could be a game changer for your skin. Essentially, they are different types of acids that exfoliate your skin. Exfoliation is key for skin maintenance as you get older – our cells naturally turnover but this process slows as we get older. It explains why we lose our youthful glow with age since our skin cells are not able to turnover as quickly on their own. AHAs and BHAs usually go hand in hand but they are not the same – AHAs are glycolic or lactic acids and are water-soluble, which BHAs are salicylic acid and are oil-soluble. Together, they create a supercharged product that helps speed up cell turnover and helps maintain a softer, smoother skin texture.

Why You Should Use AHAs and BHAs

AHAs and BHAs are two key ingredients for your skin as you get older – not only do they exfoliate your skin, they also can fade dark spots and minimize wrinkles. Typically, they need to be present in a certain percent before they become more potent. Before using a product with AHAs/BHAs, be sure to check the percentage of concentration. Using a product with AHAs or BHAs is a great way to improve your skin at home before resorting to more professional methods (lasers, peels, more intense facials).

AHAs work to exfoliate the skin

Some people find these acids to be more harsh than others, so be sure to test out a small patch of skin before going all on. I personally love AHAs because I feel like it creates a better canvas for my other skincare products. You know that feeling you have after a deep, cleansing facial? It feels like all of the product is actually sinking into your skin and you’re getting the most out of it, rather than just sitting on the surface of your face. Regular exfoliation is key, and AHAs are a great way to do that.

BHAs are common in acne products.

If you’re familiar with salicylic acid, you’ll know it’s a popular ingredient in skincare products that treat acne. Typically BHAs are used to treat oily skin to keep your pores clean and bacteria free.

My favorite products with AHAs/BHAs 

+ Glossier Solution

I’ve raved about this product before and it’s one of my favorites in the Glossier line. I just finished my bottle and repurchased it – which is something I do very rarely. I found this formula to be gentle enough (10% blend of AHAs/BHAs) to use every day and my skin honestly feels so clean and smooth after I use it. If you’re interested in trying, here’s 10% off your first order.

+ Farmacy Honeymoon Glow

A nighttime serum that helps exfoliate skin while you sleep! This is slightly stronger at a 14% AHA/BHA blend. Do not use more than one product with AHAs/BHAs! You do not need to layer them. I keep this in my suitcase and use it during the week when I am traveling for work. This one also smells amazing!

+ Drunk Elephant T.L.C Framboos

I wasn’t sure if I liked this when I first started using it as I did have some very minor irritation, but after a couple weeks my skin became more used to the formula and I feel like I am absolutely glowing when I wake up. I’m obsessed with everything Drunk Elephant and this night serum is no exception! I will use this one every other night as that seems to be the frequency my skin agrees with the most.

+ REN Ready Steady Glow Daily AHA Tonic

I started using this recently and love this as a gentle exfoliating daily toner. I also love that REN is a clean beauty brand.

Something to keep in mind when you are using a product with AHAs/BHAs – the chemicals can make your skin more sensitive to the sun than usual, so be sure to wear sunscreen during the day when using them (which you should be doing anyway, duh!). Your skin may also be very sensitive to the acids, especially if you’ve never used them before. I would recommend using a product once a week and working your way up to every day. I never had any skin sensitivity with my products, and typically use them every other day or every day. I’ve noticed a definite difference in my skin tone and texture, especially when I go a few days without product. Always follow up with a hydrating serum, moisturizer, or facial oil after using a product with AHAs/BHAs. Once you find the right one, your skin will be absolutely glowing! xx

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