How To AHA & BHA

AHA and BHA acids are the powerhouses of skin-care ingredients. They are designed to stimulate and boost cellular turnover (which slows the aging process) by prompting your skin to produce more natural collagen from the body. They dissolve dead cells to reveal new ones, resulting in immediate and visible results. Both AHAs and BHAs work gently to evenly detach the bonds holding dull and dead skin on the surface. Each one is targeted to achieve a variety of different skin care goals. When incorporating acids in your skin care regime, it’s important to start slowly (1-2x weekly) to compliment and enhance your current regime.  ALWAYS finish your morning routine with a SPF protection (minimum 30) and remember to follow usage instructions as this varies by brand.

Before getting started, let’s quickly review the differences between AHAs and BHSs. 

LET’S TALK ACIDS

Glycolic Acid (AHA)

Skin type: All, except sensitive

What does it do? Your anti-ageing BFF which effectively exfoliates the outermost later of dead skin cells for a renewed, brighter and more youthful complexion.  It is excellent for lightening hyperpigmentation (sun damage, dark spots), plumps and reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, improves skin tone, smoothes skin texture, stimulates cellular turn-over, which improves and enhances collagen production.

Lactic Acid (AHA)

Skin type: Dry, very dry and sensitive

What does it do? Smoothes fine lines, wrinkles and rough skin textures, refines pores, reduces the appearance of hyperpigmentation (sun damage, brown spots), promotes hydration and plumps the skin.

Mandelic Acid (AHA)

Skin type: Sensitive, oily and acne prone

What does it do? It’s the go-to anti-ageing ingredient that accelerates cellular turn-over, softens fine lines and wrinkles and reduces the appearance of hyperpigmentation (resulting from acne), treats acne and blackheads, regulates sebum (oil) production.

Malic Acid (AHA)

Skin type: All, except sensitive

What does it do? Encourages the retention of water in the skin (hydration), dissolves dead skin cells, treats milia and acne (imperfections), reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, smoothes skin texture.

Tartaric Acid (AHA)

Skin type: Dry, very dry

What does it do? Contains antioxidant properties, reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, dissolves dead and flaky skin.

Salicylic Acid (BHA)

Skin type: Oily, combination and acne-prone (breakouts)

What does it do? Anti-inflammatory (rosacea), anti-bacterial, breaks down sebum production (excess oil) and decongests the pores, treats and controls acne, breakouts, blackheads and whiteheads, stimulates cellular turnover and collagen production.

GOOD TO KNOW

It is highly recommended to separate routines when using AHAs and BHAs at the same time, for example: one should be used in the morning and the other one in the evening (on alternate days).  That said, you can use them in the same routine by applying a BHA (i.e. Salicylic Acid) on affected areas (oily, t-zone, acne imperfections) and AHA (i.e. Glycolic Acid) on the balance areas (cheek, forehead, chin, neck, décolleté).  AHA and BHA can be used together with Hyaluronic Acid, Vitamin E, Niacinamide and Snail Mucin.  They can be combined with Retinol and Vitamin C on the same day. However, it’s recommended to use at different times by alternating routines (morning or evening).

POPULAR “NON AHA/BHA” ACIDS

Azelaic Acid 

Skin type: Sensitive, acne

What does it do? It is a naturally occurring acid found in grains (such as barley, wheat and rye) which have amazing anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties.  As such, it’s recommended for rosacea, redness, sensitivity and acne prone skin.  This acid prevents breakouts and cleans the bacteria in the pores, which causes acne and imperfections. It is not an AHA or BHA. 

Retinol

Skin type: All, excluding very sensitive

What does it do? It is a member of the retinoid family of vitamin A (and vitamin A derivatives). Retinoic Acid is available by prescription only, however, Retinol is available OTC in cosmetic products. It is not an AHA, BHA or an acid. Retinol is recommended for non-invasive wrinkle-prevention. When applied topically, it stimulates cellular turnover and collagen production which reduces the appearance of fine lines, evens out tone and unclogs pores. 

TASCH’S “TRIED & TESTED” PRODUCT CHOICES

Active Serum 

Contains: Lactic Acid, Salicylic Acid and Glycolic Acid

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Duo: Derm Renewal Booster and Cream 

Contains: Lactic Acid, Salicylic Acid and Glycolic Acid

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Alpha-Peel (A.H.A)

Contains: Lactic Acid, Tartaric Acid and Glycolic Acid

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Salicylic Clarifying Pads

Contains: Salicylic Acid

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Retinol SRX

Contains: Retinol

Learn more

Please note: also available in MILD and MAX formulations

All skin types need exfoliation for a healthy, glowing look. 

Tasch xxx