{"id":12654,"date":"2022-06-30T13:50:55","date_gmt":"2022-06-30T13:50:55","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.foreo.com\/mysa\/?p=12654"},"modified":"2022-06-30T13:50:55","modified_gmt":"2022-06-30T13:50:55","slug":"acids-in-skincare-how-to-use-them","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.foreo.com\/mysa\/acids-in-skincare-how-to-use-them\/","title":{"rendered":"Acids in Skincare: Everything You Need to Know About AHAs, BHAs, and PHAs"},"content":{"rendered":"

Born from the idea that beautiful skin can be achieved by anyone, regardless of their budget, this guide to acids in skincare is perfect for beauty enthusiasts of all levels of experience.<\/p>\n

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Whether you’re a complete novice when it comes to acids, or you’re already incorporating them into your routine, we’ve got everything you need to know about AHAs, BHAs, and PHAs. So, what are these mysterious ingredients<\/strong>, and why should you be using them? Keep reading to find out!<\/p>\n

What are acids?<\/h2>\n

Acid is primarily used for skin cleansing and exfoliating<\/strong>. There are two types of dietary acids in the beauty industry: Alpha hydroxy acid (AHAs) and BHA. Both groups release fluid binding to the surface and reveal a smoother surface when applied<\/strong>. Often thousands of these cells will disappear at once after being removed.<\/p>\n

Depending upon how strong the acid is, the results of the peel can be very superficial (like a daily cleanser) to quite deep (think of dermabrasion). Chemical peels are categorized as superficial, medium, or deep<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

AHAs<\/h2>\n

AHAs or Alpha Hydroxy Acids are a group of natural acids found in foods<\/strong>. The most common AHAs are glycolic acid and lactic acid. AHAs can be found in a variety of cosmetic products, including facial cleansers, toners, moisturizers, and serums. Each AHA has unique benefits, so it\u2019s important to select the right AHA for your specific skin type and concerns<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

Benefits of using AHAs<\/h3>\n

AHAs are often used to improve the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles<\/a>, and other signs of aging. They can also help to diminish the appearance of acne scars<\/a> and hyperpigmentation. In addition, AHAs can help to increase collagen production, resulting in firmer, more youthful-looking skin<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

BHAs<\/h2>\n

BHA or Beta Hydroxy Acid is a group of synthetic acids<\/strong>. BHAs are found in a variety of cosmetic products, including facial cleansers, toners, moisturizers, and serums.<\/p>\n

Benefits of using BHAs<\/h3>\n

While AHAs are used for anti-aging, BHAs are primarily used to treat different skin conditions, like acne<\/a>. BHAs can help to unclog pores, reduce inflammation, and prevent the formation of acne. In addition, BHAs can help to fade the appearance of acne scars. Also, BHAs are famous for their anti-inflammatory and antibacterial effects<\/strong> that penetrate deeper into your skin<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

PHAs<\/h2>\n

AHAs and BHAs are the most common acids used in skincare. However, there are PHAs, as well. Namely, PHAs or polyhydroxy acids<\/strong> are known as the “second generation of AHAs”. PHAs are different from AHAs since they are larger molecules and don’t penetrate as deep into the skin. Thus, they cause less irritation but still provide the same benefits as AHAs<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

Benefits of using PHAs<\/h3>\n

PHAs have all the benefits of AHAs, but they are less irritating<\/strong>. PHAs can help to improve the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and other signs of aging<\/a>. They can also help to diminish the appearance of acne scars and hyperpigmentation<\/strong>. In addition, PHAs can help to increase collagen production<\/a>, resulting in firmer, more youthful-looking skin.<\/p>\n

Acids in skincare and how to choose the right one<\/h2>\n

Glycolic acid<\/h3>\n

Glycolic acid is the smallest and most commonly used AHA. It\u2019s derived from sugar cane, and it has the ability to penetrate deep into the skin. Glycolic acid can be found in a variety of products, including face wash, toners, moisturizers, and serums. The great thing about glycolic acid is that it is a great alternative for pregnant women<\/a> who can’t use retinol<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

Glycolic acid is known for:<\/strong><\/p>\n

    \n
  • Exfoliating dead skin cells<\/li>\n
  • Evening skin tone<\/li>\n
  • Minimizing pores<\/strong><\/li>\n
  • Fighting acne<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

    Lactic acid<\/h3>\n

    Lactic acid is derived from milk, and it\u2019s the second most commonly used AHA. It\u2019s larger in size than glycolic acid<\/strong>, so it doesn\u2019t penetrate as deeply into the skin. Lactic acid can be found in a variety of products, including face wash, toners, moisturizers, and serums. It’s suitable for every skin type<\/strong> and it can be used daily.<\/p>\n

    Lactic acid is known for:<\/strong><\/p>\n

      \n
    • Gentle exfoliation<\/li>\n
    • Hydration<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

      Salicylic acid<\/a><\/h3>\n

      If you bought acne treatment over the counter, you may know salicylic acid, the most famous BHA, is the most commonly used ingredient to reduce breakouts<\/strong>. Salicylic acid penetrates and dissolves the oil which clogs the pores but exfoliates away the dead skin cells. Besides avoiding irritation, it works effectively without irritation<\/strong> because it also has anti-inflammatory qualities. Salicylic acid is a great choice if you have acne-prone skin<\/strong>, but it can also be used to treat psoriasis<\/a> and dandruff.<\/p>\n

      Salicylic acid is known for:<\/strong><\/p>\n

        \n
      • Fighting acne<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
        \n

        Best Natural and Active Ingredients For Fighting Acne<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n