Hydroxy Acids: AHAs and BHAs

Hydroxy Acids

Alpha Hydroxy Acid (AHA)

• A group of natural acids found in fruits and other foods
• Common AHAs: glycolic acid, lactic acid, malic acid, tartaric acid, and citric acid
• Benefits:
  • Exfoliate the skin, removing dead skin cells and promoting cell turnover
  • Improve skin texture and tone, reducing fine lines and wrinkles
  • Enhance skin firmness and elasticity
  • Help to reduce acne and hyperpigmentation

Beta Hydroxy Acid (BHA)

• Salicylic acid is the only BHA used in skincare
• Derived from willow bark, wintergreen leaves, and sweet birch bark
• Benefits:
  • Exfoliate the skin, unclog pores, and reduce acne
  • Anti-inflammatory properties, reducing redness and swelling
  • Help to reduce blackheads and whiteheads
  • Can penetrate deeper into pores than AHAs, making it effective for blackhead removal

Gamma Hydroxy Acid

• Less commonly used in skincare compared to AHAs and BHAs
• Found in small amounts in some fruits and fermented foods
• Benefits:
  • May have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties
  • May help to improve skin elasticity and firmness
  • Limited research available, more studies needed to determine full benefits

Salicylic Acid

• A BHA, derived from willow bark, wintergreen leaves, and sweet birch bark
• Benefits:
  • Exfoliate the skin, unclog pores, and reduce acne
  • Anti-inflammatory properties, reducing redness and swelling
  • Help to reduce blackheads and whiteheads
  • Can penetrate deeper into pores than AHAs, making it effective for blackhead removal

Glycolic Acid

• An AHA, derived from sugarcane, pineapple, and other fruits
• Benefits:
  • Exfoliate the skin, removing dead skin cells and promoting cell turnover
  • Improve skin texture and tone, reducing fine lines and wrinkles
  • Enhance skin firmness and elasticity
  • Help to reduce acne and hyperpigmentation
  • Can be used to treat keratosis pilaris, a skin condition characterized by rough, dry skin

Hydroxy Acids

Alpha Hydroxy Acid (AHA)

• Found naturally in fruits and other foods
• Examples: glycolic acid, lactic acid, malic acid, tartaric acid, and citric acid
• Benefits:
  • Exfoliates skin, removing dead skin cells and promoting cell turnover
  • Improves skin texture and tone, reducing fine lines and wrinkles
  • Enhances skin firmness and elasticity
  • Helps reduce acne and hyperpigmentation

Beta Hydroxy Acid (BHA)

• Salicylic acid is the only BHA used in skincare
• Derived from willow bark, wintergreen leaves, and sweet birch bark
• Benefits:
  • Exfoliates skin, unclogs pores, and reduces acne
  • Has anti-inflammatory properties, reducing redness and swelling
  • Helps reduce blackheads and whiteheads
  • Can penetrate deeper into pores than AHAs, making it effective for blackhead removal

Gamma Hydroxy Acid

• Less commonly used in skincare compared to AHAs and BHAs
• Found in small amounts in some fruits and fermented foods
• Benefits:
  • May have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties
  • May help improve skin elasticity and firmness
  • Limited research available, more studies needed to determine full benefits

Salicylic Acid

• A BHA derived from willow bark, wintergreen leaves, and sweet birch bark
• Benefits:
  • Exfoliates skin, unclogs pores, and reduces acne
  • Has anti-inflammatory properties, reducing redness and swelling
  • Helps reduce blackheads and whiteheads
  • Can penetrate deeper into pores than AHAs, making it effective for blackhead removal

Glycolic Acid

• An AHA derived from sugarcane, pineapple, and other fruits
• Benefits:
  • Exfoliates skin, removing dead skin cells and promoting cell turnover
  • Improves skin texture and tone, reducing fine lines and wrinkles
  • Enhances skin firmness and elasticity
  • Helps reduce acne and hyperpigmentation
  • Can be used to treat keratosis pilaris, a skin condition characterized by rough, dry skin