What do AHA and BHA mean?

What are your skin concerns? Ageing and wrinkles? Dullness? Acne? Uneven tone and texture? Clogged pores and blackheads?

Whatever your skin issues are, there is an ingredient that can helps solve them: AHA/BHA!

What are AHA and BHA? 

AHA stands for alpha hydroxy acid, and BHA stands for beta hydroxy acid. Yes - they're acids - but don’t worry, they're very gentle, and different products have varying levels of AHA or BHA in them, so you can pick and choose the right formulation that works for you! 

Many skin issues stem from having dead skin cells accumulate on our skin. These dead skin cells can clog your pores, leading to blemishes of all sorts, and uneven skin tone and texture.

In a nutshell, AHA and BHA dissolve the cellular linkages between dead skin cells, allowing them to be shed more easily. 

So what's the difference between the two?

AHA is better for those with dry skin, and helps with advanced signs of ageing and wrinkles.  

BHA is better for those with oily/combination skin, or those who struggle with blackheads and acne. BHA also targets wrinkles and signs of premature ageing, too. It has soothing properties, so some people with sensitive skin can use it too!

How to use AHA/BHA:

Use products containing AHA/BHA after cleansing and toning (unless the cleanser or toner is the product that contains AHA/BHA, of course).

We recommend:

1. Oil-based cleanser

All Clean Balm by Heimish

 

2. Foam or Gel Cleanser

Low pH Good Morning Gel Cleanser by COSRX

3. AHA/BHA Toner

AHA, BHA, PHA 30 Days Miracle Toner by Some By Mi

Aloe BHA Skin Toner by Benton

4. Moisturiser

Advanced Snail 92 All In One Cream by COSRX

It's important to note that you should not use AHA/BHA products on eyelids or along the lower lash line. A misting toner that touches the eyelids is totally fine, but creams or ampoules containing acids shouldn't be applied directly onto thin and delicate skin areas.

We highly recommend introducing any product gradually, but especially so when it comes to acids of any kind. Start with a lower concentration product first, then work up to higher concentration products as needed.  Always remember to patch test, then if no irritation occurs, move on to using it on your face once/twice weekly and slowly increase to every other day or until you're satisfied! 

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