Skin Care

Your Guide to AHAs & BHAs

The skincare acids that refine and renew for a healthier complexion.

AHA, BHA—you’ve likely seen these acronyms everywhere, from skincare blogs to product labels. While the word “acid” might sound intimidating, these ingredients are actually gentle, powerful exfoliants that can transform your skin. But before you dive in, it’s important to understand the key differences between alpha-hydroxy acids and beta-hydroxy acids to find the right one for your specific skin concerns.

With so many exfoliants available, how do you know which one is best for your skin?

In this post, we’ll explain the differences between AHAs and BHAs, their unique benefits, and help you find the perfect exfoliant for your skin type!

What are AHAs?

Alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) are water-soluble acids, including glycolic, lactic, and mandelic acids. They are particularly suitable for dry or sun-damaged skin. AHAs promote moisture retention and improve the overall radiance of the skin.

If you want a fresh, luminous complexion, incorporating AHAs into your skincare routine could be the ideal solution!

What are BHAs?

Beta hydroxy acids (BHAs) are oil-soluble acids, the most common of which are salicylic acid and lipohydroxy acid (LHA). If you tend to suffer from acne, blackheads, or enlarged pores, incorporating BHAs into your skincare routine can promote clearer, healthier skin.

Why use both?

Incorporating both AHAs and BHAs into your skincare routine can help you achieve perfectly balanced skin.

AHAs exfoliate the surface of the skin, improving its texture and radiance, while BHAs penetrate deeper to unclog pores and fight acne.

This combined approach addresses multiple skin concerns: AHAs promote hydration and radiance, while BHAs regulate sebum production and prevent breakouts.

You can tailor your skincare routine to your specific needs.

Whether you choose to focus on one type or incorporate both, these exfoliants can significantly improve the texture, clarity, and overall health of your skin.

Embrace the power of these acids and watch your complexion transform into a true work of art—glowing and radiant!

Shop our products containing AHAs/BHAs in stores and online at Etiket.ca.

Want a fresh, glowing, youthful complexion? Exfoliation is key!
Skin Care

What do Hydroxy Acids do for your skin?

Who doesn't want skin that looks fresh, rejuvenated and glowing? The question is, how and what products do you use. In this blog post, we tackle everything you need to know about exfoliation!

Who doesn’t want skin that looks fresh, rejuvenated and glowing? The question is, how and what products do you use. Hydroxy Acids exfoliate which means they remove dead skin cells and improve skin cell turnover. That means fresh, glowing skin that better reflects light.

Our skin naturally exfoliates of course but as we age and as the result of environmental factors including unprotected sun exposure, the natural shedding process of the skin may slow down or even stop. That will leave us with dull, dry or even flaky skin. We may see enlarged pores, loss of firmness, uneven skin tone and yes, even more wrinkles.

Hydroxy Acids – either AHA (alpha hydroxy acid – glycolic and lactic acids) or BHA (beta hydroxy acid – beta hydroxy or salicylic acid) are one way to help gently exfoliate the skin.

AHA: These work on the skin’s surface and are water soluble and we recommend for those with normal to dry or sun damaged skin because of their ability to work with natural moisturizing factors within the skin.

BHA: These work on the skin’s surface and inside the pores, are oil soluble and we recommend for normal to oily skin that is more prone to enlarged pores, acne and blemishes. BHA also has natural skin calming properties so it is gentle enough for people who experience redness or even rosacea.

Benefits:

  • Helps to soften lines and wrinkles
  • Will penetrate pores and exfoliate the pores
  • Stimulates collagen to increase elasticity and firmness
  • Helps to improve overall texture of the skin
  • Used correctly, will help with skin hydration

We are often asked which is better or can I combine them. We suggest to use the one that is appropriate to your skin type and testing to see what works better for you. Everyone’s skin is different and will react differently to different products and ingredient strengths. Using both an AHA and BHA exfoliant at the same time may be too much. Alternate or use morning or night always after cleansing and toning. Start slowly and see how your skin reacts – we all have a tendency to want to go too quickly and that more is better. NOT TRUE! You may also want to look at different options, for example, using a BHA on oily areas and an AHA on the dryer ones. There are also products that have a combination of these two acids. It is important to not over-exfoliate and to always use a sunscreen as use of these products may make the skin more sun sensitive

AHA/ BHA CREAM from SKINMEDICA


If you are not sure which products are right for you, or when to use them, make sure you are asking a trained skin therapist who knows the products that you are using and also understands your skin and skin care goals.

Keep your complexion exfoliated and glowing with these AHA/BHA products!

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Inscrivez-vous à l'infolettre d'Etiket et obtenez 10% sur votre premier achat sur Etiket.ca.