AHA - BHA ASİTLERİ NELERDİR ?

AHA

Alpha Hydroxy Acid, or AHA, is mainly derived from plant sources. That's why AHA is often called fruit acid. There are six types of AHAs derived from natural sources such as fruits, sugarcane, and milk.

These:

Glycolic Acid: Has the smallest molecules of all AHAs. It is usually derived from sugar cane, but can also be produced synthetically.

Lactic Acid: Mainly derived from dairy products, but can also be obtained from fruits and fermented vegetables.

Citric Acid: Occurs naturally in citrus fruits. This AHA is a powerful antioxidant and also a natural preservative.

Tartaric Acid: Found in immature grapes. Tartaric acid is the substance that gives wines a unique taste.

Malic Acid: Mostly found in apples and cherries, but also found in other fruits. It is commonly used for candies, tablets and soft drinks.

Mandelic Acid: This AHA is derived from bitter almonds and is used to treat infections as it has antibacterial properties.

AHA is water soluble and helps exfoliate the top layer of your skin. Therefore, after using AHA products, you will notice that your skin has become satin smooth.

BHA

Beta Hydroxy Acid or BHA is a fat soluble hydroxy acid. It is also known as salicylic acid. While AHA works on your skin's surface, BHA can penetrate the layers of your skin and cleanse it from the inside. This is why salicylic acid is used in acne formulations as it calms the skin and reduces inflammation.

Salicylic acid

Salicylic acid is the most common BHA. Concentrations can range from 0.5 to 5 percent, depending on the product at hand. It's well-known as an acne treatment, but it can also help calm general redness and inflammation.

Citric acid

Although primarily classified as AHAs, some formulations of citric acid are also BHAs. Rather than balancing your skin's pH levels, this type of citric acid is mainly used to dry out excess sebum and remove dead skin cells deep within your pores.

 Benefits of AHA

Since AHA is a water-soluble hydroxy acid, it is super moisturizing for your skin and is best for those with dry skin.

It works on the top layer of your skin and helps loosen the bonds between the dead superficial layer and the skin underneath.

Thanks to its moisturizing properties, AHA can plump your skin, improve its firmness and texture, and reduce fine lines and wrinkles.

Ideal for those who experience extreme sun damage and are worried about advanced signs of aging.

AHA increases collagen production and plays an important role in anti-aging treatments.

Benefits of BHA

Since BHA is oil-soluble, it is perfect for those with oily and acne-prone skin.

It not only works on the skin surface, but also penetrates the skin pores, removes oil and sebum, and reduces acne inflammation. Therefore, BHA is mostly used in acne medications.

Like AHA, BHA helps in reducing the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles and age spots. Improves skin firmness and tone.

BHA helps in balancing excess oil production. If you have comedones and severe acne, you can ask your dermatologist to prescribe BHA formulations to manage your symptoms.