Looking for products that can help you achieve healthy, radiant, exfoliating skin? Here’s your quick guide to facial acids (mainly AHA’s and BHA’s) and a quick rundown on what they can do for your skin.
WHAT ARE FACIAL ACIDS?
Facial acids are basically exfoliants. They interact with the top layers of the skin to gently lift up and remove dead skin cells, dirt and surface oils which make your skin look dull and lusterless. Facial acids do this by breaking apart the bonds that hold the skin cells together. This helps the skin to regenerate itself resulting in brighter, smoother and clearer skin.
Facial acids are derived from sources commonly found in nature such as fruit, fruit extracts, almonds and dairy products.
The two most commonly used facial acids in skincare are AHA’s and BHA’s.
Read on to learn more about each of these two amazing skincare ingredients
WHAT ARE AHAs?
AHA or Alpha Hydroxy Acids are derived mainly from fruit sources.
They are water soluble and are gentle on the skin. They help improve the texture of your skin. AHA’s also encourage cell turnover.
The most commonly used AHA’s are Glycolic Acid (derived from sugarcane or pineapple extracts), Lactic acid (found in milk and tomato juice) as well as Citric Acid (found in citric acid). Some other AHA’s which you might spot in skincare ingredient lists are Mandelic acid (derived from bitter almonds), Malic acid (found in apples) and Tartaric acid (found in grapes).
WHAT ARE BHAs?
BHA or Beta Hydroxy Acids are found in acidic fruit sources such as strawberries and raspberries.
The most commonly used BHA in skincare products is Salicylic acid. If you have oily and acne or blemish prone skin then this is the skincare ingredient that can best help you achieve your skincare goals.
Beta Hydroxy Acids are oil soluble hence they are able to penetrate deeper into the skin. BHA’s not only exfoliate the top layer of dead skin cells - they are also able to target oil producing sebaceous glands, clearing them and helping prevent black heads and acne.
WHAT ARE THE KEY SKINCARE BENEFITS OF USING AHA/BHA PRODUCTS?
Facial acids are primarily exfoliants. This key action on their part has multiple benefits for the skin. Listed below are some of them.
- They help brighten the skin
- Also help promote collagen production
- Reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles
- Help treat and prevent acne
- Also help improve product absorption by the skin
WHAT IS THE BEST WAY TO INCORPORATE AHA/BHA PRODUCTS INTO YOUR SKINCARE ROUTINE?
AHA’s and BHA’s are found in several categories of skincare products due to their skin improving properties. Creams, serums, toners, face washes and even some categories of makeup use these facial acids in their formulations.
Here are two products from Vya Naturals which help you introduce AHA/BHA into your skincare regime.
VYA NATURALS AHA/BHA TONER ( 2% GLYCOLIC ACID; 1% SALICYLIC ACID)
As explained above Glycolic acid is an Alpha Hydroxy Acid mainly derived from sugarcane while Salicylic acid is a Beta Hydroxy Acid naturally found in strawberries.
- Glycolic acid has smaller molecular size and is helpful in removing dead skin cells accumulated on the skin surface thereby revealing brighter glowing skin. This ingredient is gentle compared to more abrasive physical exfoliants.
- Salicylic acid has anti bacterial and anti inflammatory properties. It controls the growth of bacteria that contribute towards acne and other skin blemishes.
If you have oily and blemish prone skin:
One can use Vya Naturals AHA/BHA toner after cleansing and before applying serum or moisturizer. Try using this once a day, especially as part of your evening skin care routine.
If you have normal to dry skin:
Once can use Vya Naturals AHA/BHA toner as a gentle yet effective exfoliant twice a week. Hot and humid weather causes excess oil production even for what is normally dry skin and this can cause your skin to look dull and in need of some surface exfoliation. Apply a small amount of product on a cotton pad and lightly sweep across your nose, chin, neck and any other areas which are prone to get oily.
VYA NATURALS AHA/BHA FACEWASH (1% GLYCOLIC ACID; 1% LACTIC ACID; 1% SALICYLIC ACID)
Glycolic acid is an Alpha Hydroxy Acid mainly derived from sugarcane. Lactic acid is derivable from milk while Salicylic acid is a Beta Hydroxy Acid naturally found in strawberries.
- Glycolic acid has smaller molecular size and is helpful in removing dead skin cells accumulated on the skin surface thereby revealing brighter glowing skin. It is gentle compared to more abrasive physical exfoliants.
- Lactic acid is even more gentle on the skin than is Glycolic acid. It has moisturizing properties which are not commonly found in other exfoliants. This makes it an excellent choice for sensitive or dry skin types since it demonstrates hydrating and plumping benefits.
- Salicylic acid has anti bacterial and anti inflammatory properties. It controls the growth of bacteria that contribute towards acne and other skin blemishes.
How To Use:
Take a small amount of AHA/BHA face wash and massage it gently onto moistened skin as part of your cleansing routine. Follow the thirty second rule so that the active ingredients stay in contact with your skin before being rinsed off.
Vya Naturals AHA/BHA Face Wash can also be used as step 2 of your double cleanse routine.
CAN AHA/BHA PRODUCTS BE USED BY ALL SKIN TYPES?
Since AHA’s and BHA’s are by nature exfoliants it is always best to incorporate them gradually into your skincare routine. Your skin type and skin concern also play a big role in ascertaining the right product to use.
Vya Naturals AHA/BHA TONER has been formulated as a blend of 2% Glycolic acid (AHA) and 1% Salicylic acid (BHA). It also contains Niacinamide (insert hyper link to Niacinamide blog) an essential micronutrient needed for healthy skin. It can be used by all skin types.
Vya Naturals AHA/BHA FACE WASH has been formulated as a blend of 1% Glycolic acid (AHA), 1% Lactic acid (AHA) and 1% Salicylic acid (BHA). It can be used by all skin types.
All Vya Naturals products are free from parabens, sulphates, mineral oil, formaldehyde releasers, phthalates, drying alcohols, premix bases or petroleum and many other potentially harmful chemicals.
DISCLAIMER:
Content of this website is not a substitution for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. We do NOT replace any relationship that exists, or should exist, between you and a medical doctor or other healthcare professional. Results given in testimonials/reviews are from real people who have used Vya Naturals products, but identical or similar results are not guaranteed. Individual results may vary depending on skin type, sensitivity, lifestyle, age, skincare products combinations, skincare history, as well as how the products are applied and stored.