If you want healthy-looking, radiant skin, a liquid exfoliant should be in your skincare regime. Using acid (I know it sounds scary – trust me it’s actually very gentle!) to get rid of dead skins cell is much healthier to your skin than those abrasive scrubs we have become used to. Knowing exactly what these exfoliating acids are, how they differ, and exactly what their benefits are can help you attain the skin you have only dreamt of.
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What is a liquid exfoliant?
A liquid exfoliant is a treatment containing specific acids that increase cell turnover and dissolve dead skin tissue leaving skin smoother and more radiant. There are five types of acids that typically appear in these exfoliators: glycolic, salicylic, lactic, phytic, and mandelic. According to board-certified dermatologist Kavita Mariwalla, using a liquid exfoliant can help the skin-care products that follow to penetrate more effectively, as they can dissolve the connection between skin cells.
What are AHAs and BHAs – and what’s the difference between them?
Alpha Hydroxy Acid (AHA) work by breaking down the glue holding your skin cells together, urging along the skin’s natural shedding process. BHAs penetrate deeper into the skin, but the effects of AHAs are primarily felt on the skin’s surface. If you have surface-level skin concerns like red marks from past acne, this constant sloughing off of dead, dull skin cells is helpful for hyperpigmentation and you’ll soon see the smoother, younger-looking skin.
Beta Hydroxy Acid (BHA) is best for acne-prone skin and those with deeper skin concerns since BHA penetrates further into the skin. While AHAs love water, BHAs love oil. They can bypass the oil that clogs pores and dissolve the mix of sebum and dead skin that leads to acne, as well as stabilize the lining of the pore (which contributes to acne). BHAs clear up blackheads, whiteheads, and have anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties.
Is it possible to use both AHAs and BHAs?
Yes! They have separate benefits, AHAs are more about sloughing dead skin cells, while BHAs are for pore cleaning, inflammation reduction and spot prevention. Some products, like Glossier’s Solution, are formulated with both.
What ingredients should I be looking out for?
As mentioned earlier, there are five types of acids that typically appear in these exfoliators:
- Glycolic – The strongest AHA because its molecules are very small
- Salicylic – Great for warding off acne and bringing down inflammation
- Lactic – Naturally produced by muscle tissues, has moisture-retaining properties, making it an ideal choice for those with dry skin
- Mandelic & Phytic – The most gentle of the five and best suited for sensitive skin
AHAs: Top picks
REN Ready Steady Glow Daily AHA Tonic
Effectively resurfacing yet sufficiently gentle to use daily, promises a bright, even glow. Azelaic acid is also included to boost and brighten your complexion, contributing to that enviable glow.
BHAs: Top Picks
Paula’s Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant
Ideal for blemish-prone, oily or combination types. Combined with its anti-inflammatory properties, this helps to reduce blemishes and blackheads for a more clarified complexion.
Glow Recipe Watermelon Glow PHA + BHA Pore-Tight Toner
A dream come true for visible pores this toner helps to decongest and tone for a practically poreless-looking complexion. Including an antibacterial blend of tea tree and centella asiatica to calm and clarify your skin.
AHA/BHA: Top Picks
Glossier Solution Exfoliating Skin Perfector
A gentle way to slough away dead skin to reveal a fresh, smooth complexion. Daily use helps improve the appearance of blemishes, visible redness, and enlarged pores.
What is the best way to introduce AHAs and BHAs in my skincare routine?
As for how to use both at the same time – apply the exfoliants after cleansing and toning, starting with whichever has the thinnest texture; for example, apply a liquid texture before a gel or lotion. You don’t need to wait for one to absorb before applying the next, and you can immediately follow with the rest of your skincare routine. AHAs and BHAs work well with other skin-perfecting ingredients such as niacinamide and retinol, but they should be introduced slowly from 2-3 times a week to daily depending on the specific product and your skin type.
How often should they be used?
It is not necessary to apply an AHA and BHA exfoliant at the same time twice per day. Most people don’t need that level of exfoliation but experiment to see which combination and frequency of application work best for you.
Once your skin is used to acid-based products, two to three times a week should be enough, although it all depends on the strength of the formula, (some AHA products, like REN’s Ready Steady Glow tonic, are light enough for daily use).
Ultimately, there’s no single best way to use AHA and BHA exfoliants; it’s all about experimenting to find out what works best for you and then adjusting based on the changing needs of your skin. What counts is that you keep on using a leave-on chemical exfoliant to achieve them glorious results.
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