Your guide to using AHA, BHA and PHA in your daily skin care routine –
by Dermatologist Dr. Sonam
What are AHA, BHA, and PHA?
AHA, BHA, and PHA are types of exfoliants that work to remove dead skin cells and promote skin cell turnover. Each of these ingredients has a slightly different structure and works in a different way :
- Alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs ): AHAs are water-soluble acids that work to exfoliate the skin’s surface. Some common types of AHAs include glycolic acid, lactic acid, and mandelic acid. AHAs are often used in anti-aging products to improve the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and sun damage.
- Beta-hydroxy acids (BHAs) : BHAs are oil-soluble acids that work to exfoliate inside the pores. Salicylic acid is the most common type of BHA, and it’s often used in acne-fighting products to unclog pores and reduce the appearance of blemishes.
- Polyhydroxy acids (PHAs) : PHAs are a newer type of exfoliant that work similarly to AHAs but are gentler on the skin. Some common types of PHAs include lactobionic acid and gluconolactone. PHAs can be a good choice for people with sensitive skin or those who are new to using chemical exfoliants.
How do AHA, BHA, and PHA work? - AHA, BHA, and PHA all work by breaking down the bonds between dead skin cells, allowing them to be sloughed away more easily. By removing these dead skin cells, these ingredients help to reveal brighter, smoother, and more even-toned skin.
- AHAs work on the surface of the skin to dissolve the glue that holds dead skin cells together. BHAs work deeper in the pores to dissolve the oil and sebum that can clog them. PHAs work similarly to AHAs but have a larger molecular size, which makes them gentler and less likely to cause irritation.
What are the Benefits of AHA, BHA, and PHA ?
There are many benefits to using AHA, BHA, and PHA in your skincare routine : - Improved texture : By exfoliating away dead skin cells, these ingredients help to improve the texture of your skin, leaving it smoother and more even.
- Reduced appearance of fine lines and wrinkles : By promoting skin cell turnover, these ingredients can help to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, giving you a more youthful complexion.
- Brighter skin : By removing dull, dead skin cells, these ingredients can help to reveal brighter, more radiant skin.
- Reduced blemishes : BHAs can be particularly effective at reducing the appearance of blemishes and blackheads by unclogging pores.
- Reduced hyperpigmentation : AHAs can help to reduce the appearance of dark spots and hyperpigmentation by promoting skin cell turnover.
How to use AHA, BHA, and PHA ? - If you’re new to using AHA, BHA, and PHA, it’s important to start slowly and gradually build up your usage. These ingredients can be drying and irritating if overused, so it’s important to follow the instructions on the product packaging and avoid using them too frequently.
- The simplest way to get started without any unanswered questions in your mind – is to first have a consultation with your dermatologist . Skin care experts can understand your skin needs , and existing skin type and offer the best available options.
To consult one of the experts at Skin world , Thane – call 9766618945 or simply fill up the pop up after you refresh the page.