Whether you're new to the world of skin care and exfoliation, or want to learn more about BHA, AHA, and the differences between products labeled with those terms, we've got you covered. We caught up with dermatologists and skin health experts to learn more about BHA in skin care, which skin types work best, and antiaging beauty goals.
Continue reading Dr. Anna Chacon, MD, board-certified dermatologist and author of My Psoriasis Group and Dr. Reid McLellan , MD, MMSc., Founder and CEO of Cortina, Associate Professor at Harvard Medical School. Director of the Proactive Dermatology Group.
CONTINUE READING. This is why you need to exfoliate frequently for smoother skin
First, what are BHAs?
BHA, Maclellan explains, "is a chemical exfoliant for the skin." BHA, commonly known as beta hydroxy acid or salicylic acid, "penetrates the top layer of skin and removes dead skin cells to reveal healthy, glowing skin," she adds. BHA is oil soluble, meaning it can penetrate the pores.
It differs from AHAs, Chacon notes, in that AHAs are "water soluble," while BHAs are "oil soluble." Ultimately, this means that AHAs "work on the surface of the skin, while BHAs work both on the surface and in the pores," notes Chacon. He adds that both are "common ingredients in beauty and skin care products and chemical peels that help remove dead skin cells from the top layers of the skin."
Who will benefit the most from the BHA?
If you struggle with acne, Maclellan recommends "looking for products with BHA," because they "deepen pores." In general, BHAs are best for "combination with oily skin," especially those "acne-prone or with clogged pores."
The most popular type of BHA is salicylic acid, which you'll find in many anti-acne products. In addition to treating acne, BHA can balance overall skin texture, even out skin tone, and reduce skin inflammation, says McLellan. Because BHA "isn't a moisturizer like AHA," she warns, it can "dry out your skin" if you're not careful (a dermatologist can tell you exactly how much to use).
Chacon agrees, adding that BHA is effectively used "to treat acne and sun damage." When it comes to anti-aging benefits, while BHAs are good for all skin types (Chakko says they "hydrate, reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, improve firmness, skin tone and texture"), she says they're "especially useful." for people". People with normal to oily skin, clogged or enlarged pores, acne-prone skin and "anyone showing signs of aging".
Pro tip: Don't over exfoliate.
We understand that getting rid of dead skin can be very satisfying, but Maclellan advises against exfoliating or using too much BHA because "the skin's barrier can be damaged if you use too many chemical exfoliators like BHA, which can dry out the skin." Instead, she recommends using BHA "once a week at night to be effective without damaging the skin."
These products can also inadvertently "make you more sensitive to the sun, so it's really important to wear sunscreen in general, but especially after using products with BHA," McLellan continues (your dermatologist can tell you more). Chacon agrees, concluding that "the most important element of daily skin care is sun protection." No matter what other products you use, your skin "won't look good if you don't protect it first," she says. (Written!)