Exfoliating Acids: Trendy K-Beauty Secret For Flawless Skin

Using Korean brands of exfoliating acids

Exfoliating acids are considered the holy grail in the Korean beauty industry. They have become one of the best K-beauty products to add to your skincare routine.

Even though we know we should use AHA and BHA, we still don't know which one to buy or if we need both.

AHA and BHA are becoming more popular than ever before. So, if you still doubt what is best for the skin, what results you can expect, and if it's a wise idea to use both of them, keep reading.

In this blog post, we will show everything you need about these miracle workers' acids.

What Are Exfoliating Acids?

Using exfoliating acids is one of the best ways to achieve and promote a smoother complexion. There are different kinds of acids, and each one targets another skin issue like acne, dark spots, wrinkles, and fine lines.

The two most common types of exfoliating acids are AHAs and BHAs. Both of them remove dead skin cells, promote a brighter, clear complexion. Dead skin cells make it difficult for other skincare products to be absorbed, and they also clog pores.

K-beauty experts agree that using exfoliating acids in skincare routines can improve pore size, skin texture, and hydration.

AHA: What Is It?

AHAs are natural acids found in fruits, sour milk, and sugar cane. One of the most well-known is glycolic acid. Glycolic acid is beloved by K-beauty products as it's terrific for skincare.

Another prevalent AHA is lactic acid which is widely used for improving hyperpigmentation, sun-damaged skin, fine lines, wrinkles, dark spots, and lifeless skin.

AHAs work by removing dead skin cells. When these cells are removed, newer and healthy skin emerge, making you look more youthful. Always use AHAs with sunscreen as it makes the skin more sensitive to sun damage.

You can try ROHTO MENTHOLATUM Hada Labo Koi-Gokujyun UV White Gel, a highly protective J-beauty formula for protection against the sun.

 ROHTO MENTHOLATUM Hada Labo Koi-Gokujyun UV White Gel

Use AHAs for:

  • Treat age spots, melasma, and scars.
  • Reduce pore size
  • Improve fine lines and surface wrinkles
  • Refine uneven skin tone

You can try COSRX AHA 7 Whitehead Power Liquid. A glycolic acid-powered exfoliant formulated to eliminate whiteheads and clarify uneven skin for a vivid, fresh look. It's safe for all skin types, but it's always wiser to avoid using it every day if you have dehydrated and sensitive skin.

COSRX AHA 7 Whitehead Power Liquid

BHA: What Is It?

BHAs are also naturally occurring acids. Salicylic acid is one of the most recognized BHA, and it's found in willow bark and sweet birch.

These acids also help remove dead skin cells. Unlike Alpha Hydroxy Acids, Beta Hydroxy Acids can get deeper into the pores to eliminate excess sebum. They're mainly used for treating acne and sun damage.

These acids are ideal for controlling excess oils and unclog pores. BHAs work better for those people with a combination of oily skin. You can also use these acids to relieve sensitive skin as they help to reduce rosacea.

One of Keoji's favorites is COSRX BHA Blackhead Power Liquid, formulated with 4% Betaine Salicylate that removes impurities from deep within pores. It supports the healing of blemishes for a healthier, brighter appearance.

COSRX BHA Blackhead Power Liquid

Can AHAs And BHAs Be Used Together?

According to K-beauty experts, it's possible to use AHAs and BHAs to boost collagen production to make the skin more youthful.

There are some products such as COSRX AHA/BHA Clarifying Treatment Toner that contain both acids.

 COSRX AHA/BHA Clarifying Treatment Toner

The COSRX AHA/BHA Clarifying Treatment Toner is a leading Korean skincare toner that hydrates, exfoliates, and tones the skin while removing impurities.

Please note that it's not recommended to apply AHAs and BHAs on top of one another, leading to excess dryness, inflammation, redness, and irritation.

It's possible to use one acid exfoliator in your morning skincare routine and the other at night. Or alternate days between AHAs and BHAs.

Ultimately, if you've combination skin, use an AHA on the dry areas and a BHA in the oily parts.

Remember, use AHAs if you want to relieve dry skin and premature ageing signs and BHAs if you want to control excess sebum and remove acne and blemishes.

You can try SOME BY MI AHA, BHA, PHA 30 Days Miracle Toner if you need a fast, effective solution to remove acne, improve dry and sensitive skin, and unclog pores.

 SOME BY MI AHA, BHA, PHA 30 Days Miracle Toner

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