Chemical Exfoliants: AHAs vs. BHAs in Skincare

Let’s talk about Chemical Exfoliants!  

Exfoliating is essential for removing dead skin cell buildup on the surface of the skin.  Chemical exfoliants use naturally derived enzymes and acids to exfoliate the skin at a deeper level.  There are different types of chemical exfoliants to choose from, but using one for your skin type can help address concerns like clogged pores, dullness, or signs of aging!

Chemical exfoliants usually contain either AHAs, BHAs, or a combination of both! But how do they work and what type is best for your skin type?  Keep reading below to get the lowdown. 

What are AHAs and BHAs?

AHAs is short for alpha-hydroxy acids.  It’s derived from sugar cane, milk, fruit, or nuts, and the most common types used in skincare are: 

• Citric acid (from oranges, lemons)
• Glycolic acid (from sugar cane)
• Lactic acid (from milk)
• Tartaric acid (from grapes)
• Malic acid (from apples and pears)

What do they do?

AHAs penetrate the upper layer of your skin and help loosen or dissolve old, dead skin cells. They also promote cell regeneration, meaning your skin repairs itself faster and more effectively.  AHAs can help address hyper-pigmentation, improve appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, stimulate collagen production, and brighten your complexion.

Who should use them?

• Dry Skin
• Sun-damaged skin (glycolic acid)
• Sensitive skin (lactic acid only)

Who shouldn’t use them? 

• Are using prescription medication for acne
• Have sensitive skin
• Have recently had a microdermabrasion treatment

How to use them? 

• Start with a small amount and low frequency (2x/week)
• Monitor how your skin responds
• After a few weeks, you can increase the frequency 
• Be careful not to over-exfoliate, as it can irritate the skin
• Always wear sunscreen during the day

My Picks:  I love using exfoliating masks with AHAs. Here’s a few of my favorites that help make my skin glow:

• Biossance “Squalane + Glycolic Renewal Facial“
• REN “Glycol Lactic Radiance Renewal Mask“
• Juice Beauty “Green Apple Peel Full Strength Exfoliating Mask“

BHA is short for beta-hydroxy acids. It’s oil-soluble, which means it can penetrate deeper into the skin, helping unclog pores and treat blackheads.  The BHA most widely used BHA in skincare is:

• salicylic acid (from willow tree bark) 

What does it do? 

• Unclogs pores
• Hydrate skin
• Diminish fine lines and wrinkles
• Improve dull, uneven skin tone

Who should use it? 

• Normal to Oily skin
• Acne-prone skin
• Skin with blackheads and whiteheads

How to use it? 

• Test any product that contains a BHA on a small area of skin 
• If skin feels irritated, stop using it
• Wear sunscreen
• Don’t over-do it! Applying too much product may cause your skin to produce more oil and lead to more breakouts

My Picks: I love using a spot treatment when I get hormonal breakouts or an exfoliating pad that contains salicylic acid. My favorites are: 

• Tata Harper “Clarifying Spot Solution” (my favorite spot treatment)
• M-61 “powerglow peel” (a 1-minute, 1-step exfoliating glow peel with both salicylic acid and glycolic acid)

If you have a favorite AHA or BHA product you love, feel free to comment and share below! 

Enjoy this post? Check on my post on my favorite masks! 

Face Masks to Exfoliate, Hydrate, Clarify and Glow