Everything You Need To Know About AHA/BHA In Your Skincare

AHA and BHA have been gaining traction in the world of skincare for doing wonders on your skin through exfoliation. Big name brands have been jumping on the bandwagon, including some of your favorite K-beauty brands! If you still don’t know what all the big hoo-ha is about AHA/BHA and why you should start using them, this is an introductory guide for you!

Alpha Hydroxy Acid (AHA)

AHA acids are commonly derived from natural substances such as sugar cane, almonds, and even grapes. There are bonds that hold our skin cells together, including the dull and dead skin that appears on the surface. AHAs work to break down or melt the “glue” between our skin cells to allow for the skin’s natural shedding process. You won’t actually get to see your skin exfoliating, but you’ll soon be able to see and feel how smooth your skin has become. The effects of AHAs can primarily be felt on the skin’s top layer, which means they are ideal for surface-level skin concerns like acne marks, pigmentation, and uneven skin texture. With prolonged use, you can even prevent those pesky spots from appearing!

The molecules that make up AHA love water and are water-soluble acids, making it suitable for those with dry skin by improving the moisture content. AHAs are also good for sun-damaged skin and aging skin that needs rejuvenation.

Beta Hydroxy Acid (BHA)

BHAs are better catered to oilier skin types as they are oil loving acids, so people with acne-prone skin, listen up! They effectively treat blackheads and whiteheads, leaving your skin clearer and one step closer to your skin goals. If you’re worried about your sensitive skin, they have anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties that’ll help calm any redness. They can get through clogged pores by dissolving any sebum and dead skin that often leads to spots. This is to say that while AHAs focus on exfoliating the surface layer of the skin, BHAs penetrate deeper.

If you have rosacea and are still looking for that one miracle product to help you feel more comfortable in your own skin, give BHAs a try! You’ll be able to see less redness and smoother, more even skin with breakouts being a once-in-a-blue-moon occasion. However, you may still need to take caution when using BHAs, as your skin might not be able to tolerate exfoliating depending on the severity of your rosacea.

Combining AHA And BHA For The Ultimate Match

Can’t decide which one to use? Just use both! It’s basically a one-two punch for treating dry skin, sun damage, and fine lines, as well as acne and clogged pores. There are a couple of Korean brands out there that incorporate acids into their formulas, and we’ve featured three of them from the images above (Cosrx, Mizon, and Some By Mi). Of course, if you have targeted skin concerns, you can always opt for either AHA or BHA. Just remember to use sunscreen after using these acids, as your skin will be photosensitive, but besides that, get excited for better skin!

amlee5 is known to friends as the “crazy K-pop fangirl,” though she swears she left the “crazy” part years ago.