Facial Acids – AHA, BHA, and PHA
Perhaps they sound active to you, like glycolic acid or salicylic acid.
Do you know what they are and what they are use for?
Acids are active ingredients widely use in cosmetics for their multiple benefits for the skin, especially their ability to exfoliate, renew, deep cleanse and hydrate.
There are dozens of acids, but they are grouped into three large families:
▪️ The alpha-hydroxy acids (AHA’s) ▪️ The beta-hydroxy acids (BHA’s) ▪️ ..and finally, the poly-hydroxy acids (PHA)
Find out who is who, what differences there are, and when to use each one!
Acids in Cosmetics
Although the word acid may sound a bit aggressive at first – just like chemical peels – they are molecules found in nature and are used in cosmetics because they can eliminate the superficial layers of cells when they are helpful in the skin. Dead, sebum, or impurities leave skin softer, smoother, more precise, and brighter.
This profound general explanation about acids in cosmetics is a standard action, but dozens of cosmetic acids exist. Each has different properties: cell renewal, antioxidants, sebum regulators, firming, and even moisturizing.
But do not worry that it is not necessary to know the properties of each one. In this article, we resolve to focus on( 3 )large groups of organic acids that have characteristics in common: alpha-hydroxy acids (AHA’s), beta-hydroxy acids (BHA), and the lesser-known poly-hydroxy acids (PHA).
Facial Acids – Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHA’s)
AHAs are substances that come from different fruits (sugar cane, citrus, almonds.) and have a similar molecular structure and identical characteristics. Its main power is exfoliation, renewal, and hydration of the skin. That is why they said to be transforming active ingredients, just like the retinoid family.
How do they work? It is essential to know that acid exfoliation does not work by abrasion as it happens with scrubs, which exfoliate the skin by dragging particles on it that “scratch” dead skin. Acids do a chemical peel. They are apply and left to act, “undoing” the unions of dead cells so that they come off more easily.
In addition, the AHA’s are tiny molecules (especially glycolic acid), which can penetrate the epidermis and therefore do a gentle but deep exfoliation and stimulate both cell renewal and the synthesis of collagen and elastin proteins that continue firm and elastic skin.
Each acid has different properties, so using products with formulas that mix them is essential. For example, glycolic acid has greater exfoliating and antiaging power (the smallest molecule), while lactic acid is more moisturizing and softening. Other AHAs, for example, are citric acid (lemon, orange…), tartaric acid (from grapes), or mandelic acid (almonds).
Glycolmix is our chemical peel based on 20% AHA’s: glycolic, lactic, and citric acid; discover its benefits:
▪️ Removes dead cells and impurities, improving texture and luminosity. ▪️ Clarifies superficial spots produced by the sun, unifying skin tone. ▪️ Remove acne marks and scars. ▪️ Softens expression wrinkles, hydrates, and enhances elasticity. ▪️ Increases the effectiveness of cosmetic treatments, as active ingredients penetrate the skin better.
Facial Acids – Beta Hydroxy Acids (BHA’s)
Beta-hydroxy acids are molecules similar to AHAs but are soluble in oil. This allows them to penetrate the pilosebaceous follicle and break down the accumulated fat and dirt (lipophilic action). BHAs do not work so much on the skin’s surface, but inside the pores, so they are a top active ingredient for oily and combination skin!
This group’s most used acid in cosmetics is salicylic acid obtaine from willow bark. It improves the appearance of dilated pores, eliminates blackheads, and prevents them, maintaining a much more balanced, clean, and smooth skin. In addition to having a gentle exfoliating and lipophilic action, it is also sebum-regulating and antibacterial. A perfect combo to treat and prevent acne, comedones, and millions (of white fatty cysts).
Find salicylic acid and other AHA’s and oat, mallow, and chamomile extracts in our AHA/BHA Exfoliator if you have oily skin with enlarged pores, blackheads, or millions.
Facial Acids – Poly-Hydroxy Acids (PHAs)
Skin, as a maintenance treatment. Finally, we have (gluconolactone and lactobionic acid) that also have an exfoliating, antioxidant, and renewing action. Still, unlike AHA’s and BHA’s, they are softer. So they are usually include in daily treatment products supporting skin cell renewal. They are also the least irritating, so they are tolerated even by the most sensitive skin.
Conclusion
When we talk about cosmetic acids, we refer to substances that, in contact with the skin, help to renew it. By stimulating this exfoliation of the horny layer of the skin (the outermost), collagen production is boosted at the same time. In short: they are very beneficial! They improve aging marks but also skin hydration and elasticity.
