Because of these effects, BHAs are most suitable for combination to oily skin. Lower concentrations may be used to help calm sensitive skin. You may also have more success with BHAs if you wanted to reduce rosacea-related redness.
BHAs can help soothe inflammation in those with sensitive skin or rosacea, Green added. You'll just need to use them less frequently — a few times a week to start — and pick products with a lower concentration of active ingredients.
BHA is oil soluble, meaning it works both on skin's surface and within pores to quickly shed clogging buildup. It's also naturally calming and gentle enough for skin that's sensitive, prone to redness or rosacea.
Since both AHAs and BHAs are exfoliants, they can be very irritating to the skin if combined. If a person wants to use both AHA and BHA products for different skin problems, they should consult a doctor. Excessive skin irritation may worsen skin conditions and appearance.
For people with sensitive skin, you'll likely find that 2-3 times a week using a product like this is more than enough. People with a more hardy skin type can even get away with using a BHA every day.
Salicylic acid is the most common BHA. Concentrations can range between 0.5 and 5 percent, depending on the product at hand. It's well-known as an acne treatment, but it can also help calm down general redness and inflammation.
If your issues are deeper, like cystic acne or just acne in general, you'll want to use either BHA or an AHA/BHA combination, as it will likely be able to better penetrate the issue. For an issue like dry skin, however, AHA is your best bet.
Risks of AHAs and BHAs
Skin care products with either ingredient may irritate your skin, bring on redness, or make you more likely to get a sunburn for up to a week after you stop using them. It's a good idea to talk to a dermatologist before you try an over-the-counter product with AHAs or BHAs.
BHAs are best for oily and acne-prone skin types. You can use both by buying products with both ingredients, or by alternating products. Below are 10 AHA/BHA products worth checking out, and where you can find them.
"Do not overuse an alpha-hydroxy-acid product," confirms Bolder. “Once every other day is plenty, unless you are on a programme with an expert that says otherwise.” However, it is often safe to use BHA daily.
Yes, it is safe to use niacinamide and BHA together. Both formulas are effective yet gentle and contain additional calming and restoring antioxidants. Some people with extra-sensitive skin may find that alternating them by using one in the morning and one at night works best.
BHA Exfoliants? Alpha-hydroxy acids (AHA) are water-soluble chemical exfoliants, aiding in removing dead skin cells. Beta-hydroxy acids (BHA) are oil-soluble chemical exfoliants, meaning they can penetrate the skin through sebaceous glands.
Because BHA is oil-soluble, it exfoliates not only on the surface of skin, but also inside the pore lining. That kind of exfoliation can trigger a mass exodus of inflammatory substances and oil that, under certain conditions, can create more breakouts.
Salicylic acid is a beta-hydroxy acid (BHA), a type of acid that is derived from natural sources such as willow tree bark, wintergreen leaves or sweet birch bark. Although it is the best-known BHA, there are several other, less common BHAs that exert a similar effect on the skin: Betaine salicylate.
Can you use BHA and vitamin C together? Yes, you can, but only if you use each ingredient properly in your routine.
It's normal for your skin to purge when you use a product with a chemical exfoliator, such as AHA's and BHA's. Sometimes, your anti-acne treatment with benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid can also cause skin purging.
Although BHAs (like AHAs) have benefits for all skin types (hydrating, making fine lines and wrinkles less visible and improving firmness, skin tone and texture), they are particularly suitable for people with normal to oily skin, congested or enlarged pores, acne-prone skin and signs of skin ageing.
FDA has considered evidence that suggests that topically applied cosmetic products containing alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) as ingredients may increase the sensitivity of skin to the sun while the products are used and for up to a week after use is stopped, and that this increased skin sensitivity to the sun may increase ...
If it's too strong for your skin, or if you apply it too often, any acid can cause barrier damage. Skin looks and feels tight, raw and inflamed, and it's vulnerable to irritants and bacterial invaders. Without that protective barrier, you're also more likely to get sun damage, premature aging and discolourations.
Hyaluronic acid doesn't function like an AHA or BHA in that it does not strip your skin — it's actually highly nourishing and hydrating, so having “acid” in the name is a bit misleading. Hyaluronic acid is great for applying after any exfoliating acids.
To fight the good fight against acne, you may also use salicylic acid, a beta hydroxy acid (BHA) that increases skin cell turnover, to keep pores clear. But on its own, each can dry out the skin, so together they should be combined with caution.
The main BHA exfoliants you'll see in skincare products are: Salicylic acid: The most common BHA, and also the strongest. However, it is not as irritating as glycolic acid (the strongest AHA) because of its large molecule size and anti-inflammatory nature.
Glycolic acid is an effective exfoliant, meaning it can remove dead skin cells. It's well suited to reducing hyperpigmentation, fine lines, and uneven skin tone. If you have acne-prone skin, salicylic acid is usually a better option. It can get rid of excess sebum and prevent or treat acne.