Understanding the Key Differences Between AHA, BHA, and PHA in Skincare
Understanding the Key Differences Between AHA, BHA, and PHA in Skincare
In skincare, acids are for exfoliation, texture and complexion. Among the many types of acids, AHA (Alpha Hydroxy Acid), BHA (Beta Hydroxy Acid) and PHA (Poly Hydroxy Acid) are the most common exfoliants in skincare routines. While all three acids remove dead skin cells, each acid works differently and is suited for different skin types and concerns. This article breaks down the differences between AHA, BHA and PHA and how they benefit the skin.
What Is AHA?
Alpha Hydroxy Acids, or AHAs, are water soluble acids derived from natural sources like fruits, milk and sugar. The most common AHAs are glycolic acid, lactic acid and citric acid. These acids are known for exfoliating the skin surface so they are a popular choice in many skincare products like cleansers, toners, serums and face scrubs.
The main benefit of AHA is the removal of dead skin cells from the skin’s surface. This gives smoother, more radiant skin. AHAs also help with uneven pigmentation, fine lines and sun damage by increasing cell turnover. For those with dull, rough or aging skin, AHAs is an option.
But AHAs can make the skin more sensitive to the sun so daily sunscreen is a must when using products with AHA.
What Is BHA?
Beta Hydroxy Acids, or BHAs, are oil soluble acids. The most common BHA used in skincare is salicylic acid. Unlike AHAs, which work on the surface of the skin, BHAs go deeper into the pores because they are oil soluble. This allows them to exfoliate the surface of the skin and inside the pores making them great for oily or acne prone skin.
BHAs have anti-inflammatory properties that can reduce redness and irritation making them perfect for acne, blackheads and other congestion issues. Salicylic acid, the most popular BHA, dissolves excess oil and unclog pores reducing the chance of breakouts.
While BHA is good for acne, it also reduces inflammation making it great for rosacea or sensitive skin. But as with AHA, BHA also makes the skin more sensitive to UV rays so sun protection is necessary.
What Is PHA?
Poly Hydroxy Acids, or PHAs, are a newer breed of exfoliating acids that are similar to AHAs but gentler and less likely to irritate the skin. PHAs like gluconolactone and lactobionic acid are larger molecules than AHAs so they don’t penetrate the skin as deep. This means PHAs have a slower exfoliating action making them more suitable for sensitive skin.
One of the main advantages of PHAs is they are more hydrating than AHAs and BHAs. They have humectant properties meaning they draw moisture into the skin, adding hydration while exfoliating. This makes them a great option for those with dry or sensitive skin who want the benefits of exfoliation without the irritation that comes with more aggressive acids.
Like AHAs, PHAs also promote skin cell turnover which helps with signs of aging like fine lines and hyperpigmentation. They also have antioxidant properties which can help protect the skin from oxidative stress caused by free radicals.
AHA, BHA, and PHA: Which One Should You Choose?
When choosing which acid to add to your skincare routine, you need to consider your skin type and concerns.
- Dry or Sensitive Skin: If you have dry or sensitive skin, PHAs are the way to go. Their gentler exfoliation makes them perfect for those who want to improve skin texture without irritation. PHAs are more hydrating than AHAs and BHAs too so great for those with skin that gets dry or irritated from harsher exfoliants.
- Oily or Acne-Prone Skin: For oily or acne-prone skin, BHAs like salicylic acid are amazing. Since BHAs can penetrate deep into the pores, they unclog them, preventing blackheads, whiteheads and acne from forming. They also balance oil production making them good for oily skin.
- Dull or Sun-Damaged Skin: AHAs are for those who want to address dullness, hyperpigmentation and early signs of aging. AHAs remove the dead skin cells on the surface, giving you smoother, even skin tone. They also promote collagen production which helps improve skin elasticity over time.
Complementary Products for Glowing Skin
When looking for products to add to your exfoliating routine, some skincare formulations can actually enhance the benefits of acids. For example, using a Alpha Arbutin face polisher can brighten the skin and reduce dark spots. Alpha arbutin is known for its skin lightening properties which can work with the exfoliating properties of AHAs, BHAs or PHAs.
If you prefer a more intense exfoliation routine, a body polisher can be a great addition to your skincare. These products are meant to exfoliate the entire body, remove dead skin cells and leave the skin feeling smooth and refreshed. Using a body polisher with AHA or BHA body treatments will give you an even tone all over the body.
For hyperpigmentation or uneven skin tone concerns, manjistha cream is a traditional Ayurvedic treatment that can be used as a brightening agent. Known for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, manjistha can work with chemical exfoliants to give you even tone and reduce discoloration.
Conclusion
AHA, BHA and PHA are exfoliants that can make a big difference to your skin. AHA is great for dry or sun damaged skin, BHA for acne prone or oily skin and PHA for sensitive or dry skin. Knowing the differences between them you can choose the one that’s right for your skin whether it’s for a clearer complexion, brighter skin or more hydrated, smoother skin. By incorporating these into your skincare routine along with other products like Alpha Arbutin scrub face polishers, body polishers or manjistha cream you can have a complete skincare regime.
