For healthy-looking and glowing skin, exfoliation, particularly with AHAs and BHAs, on a weekly basis is highly important. For your skin to naturally replenish itself, it needs an added boost of exfoliation to efficiently get rid of the dead cells and gunk from your skin.
Physical exfoliation of rubbing your skin with grainy and gritty scrubs is an old and rather harmful way
that can give your skin tears and breakouts. A better solution to exfoliate your skin is to use chemical
exfoliants in the form of AHAs and BHAs.
What Are AHAs?
AHAs, or alpha hydroxy acids, are often called fruit acids as they come mostly from sugar cane and plants. They are water-soluble acids that work on your skin’s surface. They enhance cell turnover, stimulate collagen, and diminish hyperpigmentation.
The most common AHA used in skincare products is Glycolic Acid. Others include malic acid, lactic acid
and citric acid.
AHAs are more commonly recommended for dry to normal skin types.
What Are BHAs?
BHAs are Beta hydroxy acids that are oil-soluble. This property distinguishes them from AHAs and allow
them to penetrate the lipid layer of skin to provide a deep and thorough exfoliating effect.
We are all a fan of Salicylic acid when it comes to fighting acne and preventing breakouts. This popular
exfoliant is a BHA that can unclog your pores, dissolve the sebum and reduce inflammation and redness.
BHAs are mostly suitable for oily, combination and acne-prone skin types.
Read also: Chemical Peels + Dry Skin
How to Choose between AHAs and BHAs?
While both can benefit your skin in numerous way, which acid will work best for you depend on your
skin concern and skin type.
If you’re dealing with acne marks, bumps, or enlarged pores, BHAs offer a strong exfoliating effect. You can also use AHAs and BHAs in a combination for acne-prone and oily
skin. BHAs will make sure they get to the deepest layer to dissolve the trapped impurities and stimulate
collagen production. At our west Toronto Spa, downtown, our dermatologist can recommend you the
right combination for your skin concern.
If you have normal or dry skin and you are fighting the signs of ageing, photo damage and
hyperpigmentation, you can do well with consistent use of AHAs.
You can also look for products with a mix of both AHAs and BHAs for more balanced use.
However, experts always recommend starting chemical exfoliants slowly to see how your skin reacts. Depending upon the response, slowly work your way up till you include it in your skincare routine regularly.
Even with normal skin and no visible damage, you can still benefit from chemical exfoliants. Consider including them as part of your preventive skincare routine. This healthy habit can be adopted earlier in life. Doing so helps prevent the future appearance of age spots, deep wrinkles, and fine lines.
You can visit us at our Toronto facial spa for acne to receive our advanced west Toronto HydraFacial
with effective and controlled use of these chemical exfoliants to rejuvenate and nourish your skin.
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