What is the AHA / BHA and how to use it?
Korean beauty may not be easy if you are a beginner. Among all the steps that must be followed, the possible active ingredients that you can choose from, and the variety of products that are on the market can leave us somewhat stunned.
But we are here to help you. Today we will explain what AHA / BHA is and how you should use it to renew and make your skin shine.
Let’s start with the basics: both AHA and BHA are chemical exfoliants . The difference between a physical scrub and a chemical scrub differ in the way they remove dead skin cells. A physical scrub removes dead cells from the last layer of the skin, using grainy ingredients, while a chemical scrub works below the surface of the skin, attacking dead cells and renewing the skin in depth thanks to its active ingredients. Learn more aha bha
Using chemical exfoliants is important since it will be easier for you to hydrate your skin if the products you use are absorbed by new cells, and not dead cells.
AHA
The hydroxide alpha acid , known as AHA English (Alpha Hydroxy Acid) is a water soluble exfoliant that helps treat dry skin, and rough dull. It exfoliates the skin by dissolving the material that binds dead cells, thus freeing up space for new and renewed cells. In addition to this, AHA also has moisturizing properties that help keep your skin protected and hydrated.
The results will be that you will have smoother, brighter and more even skin, with a greater production of collagen (the best friend to prevent and fight wrinkles).
To find it as an active ingredient, search for it as glycolic acid, lactic acid, or mandelic acid.
BHA
Beta Hydroxy Acid, or BHA (Beta Hydroxy Acid) is an exfoliator known as the pore care expert. It is extremely effective for oily and acne-prone skin, as unlike AHA, it is oil soluble.
By penetrating deep into the skin, it cleanses pores of any accumulated dirt – from the outside in. To find it as an active ingredient, look for it as salicylic acid.
With both acids, the results you will obtain will be cleaner, smoother, brighter and more even skin, with a greater production of collagen (the best friend to prevent and fight wrinkles).
How to introduce AHA / BHA into your beauty routine
To apply AHA / BHA correctly, the steps in your routine should go as follows:
- Cleaners (oil and soap)
- Toners
- AHA / BHA
- Essence
- Serum
- Face masks
Since they are chemical exfoliants, they can cause your skin to become photosensitive, which means you need to take even more care of it from harmful ultraviolet rays. Therefore, we recommend two things:
Use AHA / BHA at night to avoid sensitizing your skin in the morning
Apply and reapply generous amounts of sunscreen the next morning
If you want to apply AHA / BHA in the morning, then sunscreen is a must-see step.
Add AHA / BHA products to your beauty routine
To start testing products that have AHA / BHA, we recommend starting with the following:
COSRX AHA / BHA Clarifying Treatment Toner
This toner is one of the best sellers of the COSRX brand. Exfoliates, cleanses and cares for the skin, while hydrating and rejuvenating it while eliminating blackheads and sunspots. It’s like bottled magic.
COSRX BHA Blackhead Power Liquid
This is a liquid exfoliator that removes blackheads and blemishes while improving the tone and appearance of the skin.
COSRX Natural BHA Skin Returning Emulsion
An emulsion containing BHA and gotu kola that hydrates and balances excess sebum, making it perfect for sensitive acne-prone skin.
