AHAs & BHAs | For Glowing, Clear & Even Skin

If there's one thing that's transformed my skin this year it's introducing BHAs and AHAs. I thought I'd do a little guide to them explaining what they are, what they do, which skin types they're good for and some of my favourites!

What are AHAs and BHAs?

AHA stands for 'Alpha Hydroxy Acid'. These are generally derived from milk and sugar so look out for 'Glycolic Acid' and 'Lactic Acid' listed in the ingredients. These are essentially acidic exfoliants which help to break down dead skin cells. You'll want to find products that contain around 5% of the AHA if you're looking for something to use once a week or more.

BHA stands for 'Beta Hydroxy Acid'. When looking at product ingredients, this time you're after 'Salicylic Acid'. BHAs are also chemical exfoliants but these can penetrate more deeply into your pores than AHAs. For a BHA you only need products containing around 1-2% Salicylic Acid.

Which skin concerns do they help with?

AHAs are great for reducing overall dullness in the skin and making it look youthful and glowing. There's also a good amount of evidence to suggest they help with existing fine lines and wrinkles as well as with preventing them in the future. They're also hugely helpful when it comes to reducing hyper-pigmentation and fading old blemish marks, especially if you used to suffer from acne.

BHAs are great for oily and blemish-prone skin with a lot of active breakouts. However it does also help to improve the texture of the skin and reduce hyper-pigmentation.

What are the cons of using AHAs and BHAs?

As BHAs are designed to break down oils, they aren't great for dry skin as they can be too harsh.

Both AHAs and BHAs have the potential to irritate, so may not be suitable for sensitive skin types. Try something fairly mild like the Pixi Glow Tonic once a week to begin with and gauge how your skin responds.

Both AHAs and BHAs leave your skin more susceptible to sun damage, so it is recommended you apply sun protection after use. You can also try using them before bed instead of in the morning. If you find yourself especially prone to burning regardless, it may be best to avoid use during the summer months altogether. 

AHA Products I Rate

REN Glycolactic Radiance Renewal Mask | £32

This is one of my all-time favourite products! Whilst the packaging isn't luxurious, it is really hygienic and functional. It has a marmalade-like consistency and smells very fruity. You simply smooth a thin layer across your skin, leave it for 10 minutes then rinse. For me the results are immediate and impressive; my skin looks more glowing, vibrant and healthy as soon as the mask is rinsed off. I do this once a week.

Ingredients Include: Bergamot, Lactic Acid (Wheat), Blackcurrant, Grape Seed Oil, Cranberry Seed Oil, Mandarin Oil 

Pixi Glow Tonic | £18

This is an acid toner to be used after cleansing. Again, it's orange in colour and has a fruity scent. The instructions advise it can be used twice daily but it really depends on your and your skin. I use it in the morning around 4 times a week. The results are not as dramatic as with the REN face mask; this is more like a little 'top up' in between applications of the REN. It provides an immediate glow boost and over time I feel it's helped fade some of my old blemish scars.

Ingredients Include: Aloe Leaf Juice, Witch Hazel Extract, Glycolic Acid, Fructose

Soap & Glory Scrub Your Nose In It* | £9

This is an AHA that also contains a physical exfoliant. The name is quite misleading as it isn't that 'scrubby', I promise! It comes out like a turquoise gritty toothpaste-like texture and I simply apply it to my t-zone in gently, circular motions, leave for 2 minutes then rinse. It's quite a tingly treatment and is slightly fragranced. My t-zone looks and feels brighter and less oily, also my pores look genuinely more refined. This is one of the few treatments that actually helps my pores look smaller so it's a firm favourite. This is a once a week thing for me.

Ingredients Include: Kaolin, Stearic Acid, Palmitic Acid, Lauric Acid, Orange Flower Extract

First Aid Beauty Facial Radiance Pads | £12 (for 28)

These are little pads already soaked in Lactic and Glycolic Acids. I love these as they're so handy for travelling. They essentially do a very similar job to the Pixi Glow Tonic and again the instructions advise these are suitable for daily use, though personally I don't. Again, I see an immediate improvement in the look of my skin in terms of it looking a lot fresher, as well as long-term improvements in the appearance of old scars. These don't really have a fragrance, so if that's something that concerns you then go for these over the Pixi.

Ingredients Include: Cucumber Fruit Water, Lactic Acid, Glycolic Acid, Lemon Peel Extract

Nip + Fab Glycolic Fix Exfoliating Facial Pads | £12.99 (for 60)

I thought I'd mention these as a cheaper alternative to the First Aid Beauty (FAB) Pads. These are extremely similar to the  ones, though these also contain hyaluronic acid. The actual product works extremely similarly, however the reason I choose the FAB over these is that these contain harsh alcohols. It's a real shame as I feel these work virtually just as well both in the short and long term, but I don't want to dry out my dehydrated skin.

Ingredients Include: Glycolic Acid, Witch Hazel Water, Benzyl Alcohol, Lactic Acid

BHA Products I Rate

Una Brennan Salicylic Acid Clay Mask | £9.99

This is my #1 Salicylic Acid product and it's a treatment you apply and leave on for 5 minutes before rinsing. It does have a bit of a strong smell and it definitely feels tingly on the skin but the results for me are well worth it! Immediately afterwards, my skin looks brighter and by the following day any active breakouts are hugely improved and clear up by the day after that. When using this product make sure you cleanse afterwards; it goes deep into your pores so you may find it breaks you out even more if you don't cleanse your skin properly following use!

Ingredients Include: Kaolin, Shea Butter, Honey, Sweet Orange Peel Oil, Salicylic Acid

Within my routine I use BHAs when my skin is breaking out and then AHAs when my skin is clear but looking a little dull and lifeless. My skin type is combination but dehydrated at the same time, so depending on yours you may be better suited to using one or the other exclusively.

Have you tried AHAs or BHAs on your skin? What are your favourite products?

 

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