Skincare has witnessed numerous trends in recent times, thanks to the extensive merits offered by natural fruit, leaf, flower, seed and nut derivatives, for enriching skin texture. Also Read: 5 Amazing Nut Oils That Will Guarantee Revitalised Skin

One such beauty fad that is currently gaining prominence is the use of chemical exfoliants distilled from refined plant matter, in everyday skincare regimes.

However, these particular cosmetic ingredients are not entirely new, for they have been incorporated into medicated creams, high-end peel processes and professional dermatological procedures in the past few decades.

Nevertheless, in such instances, they are used at high doses and only occasionally, to treat severe skin-related ailments such as chronic acne, extreme rashes and allergic reactions.

Today, chemical exfoliants are being added to ordinary personal care products like cleansers, toners, moisturisers, serums and scrubs, at comparatively lower concentrations, for the plethora of merits they supply, to acquire flawless and luminous skin. Read on, to know more.

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What Are Chemical Exfoliants?

Chemical exfoliants, as the name suggests, are specific phyto-elements i.e. plant-based acids, that perform the rather vital role of exfoliation. This basically means the removal of dead and wounded skin cells from the surface, to facilitate the formation of a renewed layer of tissue, as well as to stimulate collagen secretion and improve blood circulation to skin cells.

This simple procedure, when performed on a routine basis using mild constituents, delivers immense advantages for skin wellness, including ridding the face of blackheads, and whiteheads, controlling oily sebum amounts, mending infections, alleviating acne, besides instilling younger-looking skin.

Types Of Chemical Exfoliants:

There are primarily two categories of chemical exfoliants:

AHA or Alpha Hydroxy Acids

AHA is usually procured from raw fruit, dairy or nut extracts, but can also be produced in industries. It is water-soluble.

Common examples include glycolic acid, citric acid, lactic acid, tartaric acid, mandelic acid and malic acid.

BHA or Beta Hydroxy Acids

BHA is mostly obtained from the residues of bushes, shrubs, such as willow tree bark and wintergreen leaves. However, at times, it is synthetically manufactured as well. It easily dissolves in oil.

Salicylic acid is the most popular kind of BHA.

Since people have distinct skin types based on intrinsic bodily hormonal states and sebum/oil levels, namely dry, oily, combination or mature, it is recommended to consult with a skincare expert before using products containing AHA or BHA, to avoid any harsh side effects.

Astonishing Benefits Of AHA And BHA For Skin Health:

Rectify Uneven Complexion

AHA and BHA possess the ability to penetrate into the deeper layers of skin and clear out any damaged or dead tissues. This remarkably fades out dark patches, age spots, pimple scars, suntans and any form of hyperpigmentation, to reveal beautiful skin sans blemishes.

Remedy Skin Conditions

Bestowed with anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and antifungal traits, AHA and BHA work wonders in healing a host of skin woes, such as eczema, psoriasis, and rosacea among others. This effectively reduces irritation, redness and swelling on the surface, thereby conferring a calming sensation to aggravated skin. Also Read: Eczema: Soothe Your Skin With These Amazing Natural Remedies

Minimize Signs Of Ageing

The generous quantities of organic components in AHA and BHA visibly diminish the appearance of wrinkles, fine lines and sagging portions of the skin, thus significantly reversing the age clock. This contributes to restoring skin elasticity and plumping up the surface, for a youthful, radiant glow.

Remove Grime From Pores

The gentle yet firm cleansing quality of AHA and BHA ensures complete unclogging of dirt, excess oil, pollutants etc. from the pores on the skin. This, in turn, prevents an outburst of acne, averts ingrown hairs and eliminates large pores, thereby purifying the skin’s surface.

Moisturise Dry Areas

AHA and BHA are imbued with ample compounds that function as excellent moisturisers for all skin types. They infuse intense hydration to dry, flaky regions, efficiently eradicating roughness and pacifying peeling tissues, thereby transforming dull, lifeless skin to attain a bright, smooth, soft texture.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Do Aha And Bha Do To The Skin?

AHAs like glycolic acid and lactic acid are water-soluble and work on the skin's surface.

They exfoliate dead skin cells, promote skin renewal, and improve texture and tone.

AHAs help with:

Dull and lifeless skin

Fades away fine lines and wrinkles

Uneven skin tone

Eases Hyperpigmentation

BHAs like salicylic acid are oil-soluble and penetrate deeper into pores.

They help unclog pores, reduce acne, and control excess sebum.

BHAs are ideal for:

Oily skin

Treats acne and blackheads

Can I Use AHA BHA Every Day?

No, not for everyone. The frequency depends on your skin type and the product's concentration:

Beginners should use AHA/BHA 2–3 times a week to avoid irritation.

If your skin is used to it, gentle formulations can be used daily.

Overuse may result in dryness, redness, or sensitivity.

Pro tip: Always follow with sunscreen during the day, as AHA/BHA increases sun sensitivity.

Is AHA BHA better than salicylic acid?

It depends on your skin concern:

If you need exfoliation and brighter skin: AHA/BHA combinations are better as they target multiple issues (e.g., surface dullness and clogged pores).

If your primary skin issue is acne or oily skin: Salicylic acid (a type of BHA) offers more effective and targeted healing.

AHAs and BHAs complement each other, and some products include both for a balanced effect.

Can AHA And BHA Lighten Skin?

Yes, they can help lighten skin over time:

AHAs reduce hyperpigmentation by exfoliating the surface layer of dead skin, revealing fresher, brighter skin underneath.

BHAs help fade post-acne marks by unclogging pores and reducing inflammation.

(This article is reviewed by Preeti Sharma, Wellness Expert)

Author Profile:

M Sowmya Binu:

With over 15 years of expertise and a Postgraduate degree in Nutrition, M Sowmya Binu is a seasoned professional in the field of nutrition. Specializing in tailoring personalized diet plans, she underscores the significance of a balanced approach to health, emphasizing the integration of medication with dietary intake for holistic wellness. Passionate about equipping individuals with the knowledge to make informed decisions, Sowmya adeptly develops insightful content encompassing a wide array of topics including food, nutrition, supplements, and overall health.

References:

Dual Effects of Alpha-Hydroxy Acids on the Skin

Sheau-Chung Tang 1,2, Jen-Hung Yang 1,3,*

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6017965/

Exploring the Efficacy of AHA-BHA Infused Nanofiber Skin Masks as a Topical Treatment for Acne Vulgaris

November 2023

DOI:10.20944/preprints202311.0115.v1

https://www.researchgate.net/publication/375186734_Exploring_the_Efficacy_of_AHA-BHA_Infused_Nanofiber_Skin_Masks_as_a_Topical_Treatment_for_Acne_