What is a bha how does it work on the skin

Depending on the concentration, a related product may remove dead skin cells from the surface of the skin, or it may remove the whole outermost layer. Both are highly effective methods of deep exfoliation. The differences lie in their uses. AHAs are water-soluble acids made from sugary fruits.

They help peel away the surface of your skin so that new, more evenly pigmented skin cells may generate and take their place. On the other hand, BHAs are oil-soluble. You may need to gradually work up to daily use to avoid irritating your skin. BHAs, on the other hand, are primarily used for acne and sun damage. These products go deep into your hair follicles to dry out excess oils and dead skin cells to unclog your pores.

Because of these effects, BHAs are most suitable for combination to oily skin. Lower concentrations may be used to help calm sensitive skin. You may also have more success with BHAs if you wanted to reduce rosacea-related redness. If you want to tackle acne, look to BHAs. All AHAs yield significant exfoliation. Still, the effects and uses can slightly vary between types of acids.

Your selected AHA should have a maximum concentration between 10 and 15 percent. Apply new products every other day until your skin gets used to them. This will also reduce the risk of side effects, such as irritation. No matter which AHA you choose, the strong exfoliating effects make your skin more sensitive to the sun. Wear sunscreen every morning to prevent burns, age spots, and increased skin cancer risks.

Glycolic acid is the most common type of AHA. Glycolic acid provides significant exfoliation. Bottom line, if your skin requires a little more TLC think stubborn pores, deep-set wrinkles, or rough bumps , you could do well with a combo.

Key Ingredients. Lactic acid is an alpha hydroxy acid that works to exfoliate the skin. Its molecule is slightly larger than glycolic acid, meaning it works a bit more gently and doesn't penetrate the skin's outermost layer as easily. When it comes to AHA products, this peel from Dr. Dennis Gross is basically the holy grail. It does everything from clearing pores to stimulating collagen production and it reduces the appearance of fine lines, all in an easy, two-step peel process.

This super lightweight, leave-on formula uses BHA to help shed away any dead skin cells and tighten up enlarged pores. Fend off breakouts with this clarifying and cooling gel mask. For stubborn blackheads, we like this BHA-infused liquid post-toning—it effectively gets rid of excess sebum to reduce blackhead production and unclogs pores. A practical approach to chemical peels: a review of fundamentals and step-by-step algorithmic protocol for treatment.

J Clin Aesthet Dermatol. Arif T. Salicylic acid as a peeling agent: a comprehensive review. Clin Cosmet Investig Dermatol. Thank you [email] for signing up. Please enter a valid email address. Your Privacy Rights. To change or withdraw your consent choices for Byrdie. At any time, you can update your settings through the "EU Privacy" link at the bottom of any page.

These choices will be signaled globally to our partners and will not affect browsing data. We and our partners process data to: Actively scan device characteristics for identification. I Accept Show Purposes. Skin Oily. By Audrey Noble. Audrey Noble. Leave-on exfoliants gently and quickly remove dead skin cells, so that the softer, younger-looking skin underneath is revealed. Our BHA products go one step further, helping to reduce blemishes, blackheads and enlarged pores.

They also improve hydration and contain ingredients such as antioxidants to help visibly repair and help prevent signs of ageing. If you have dry skin an AHA exfoliant could be a better option for you, read all about exfoliation for dry skin to find out more. BHA is an abbreviation for beta hydroxy acid, also known as salicylic acid.

BHA is not corrosive or abrasive and actually has soothing properties. Its naturally anti-inflammatory nature makes it much kinder on your skin than gritty scrubs and most types of cleansing brushes. A leave-on BHA exfoliant works on the upper layers of the skin, lifting dead skin cells away from the layer of healthy, radiant skin hidden underneath. Although BHAs like AHAs have benefits for all skin types hydrating, making fine lines and wrinkles less visible and improving firmness, skin tone and texture , they are particularly suitable for people with normal to oily skin, congested or enlarged pores, acne-prone skin and signs of skin ageing.

A BHA can even help if you suffer from flesh-coloured bumps known as milia. Because a BHA exfoliant helps with so many different skin problems, you'll find one in almost all of our collections, including our Resist line anti-ageing , our Clear line for acne-prone skin and our Calm line which helps to counteract redness.

BHA exfoliants can make a huge difference to how your skin looks and feels. They are powerful enough to deal with skin problems such as milia yet soothing enough for sensitive, rosacea-prone skin.

The pH value of a BHA exfoliant is very important. Salicylic acid works best at a pH value of between 3 and 4. Products outside this range will be less effective or may not work at all. The word exfoliation is usually associated with facial or body scrubs.

Most scrubs, however, are too abrasive and can damage the skin.