Back in the day, the only way to exfoliate your skin at home was with a scrub. While many of them are fine to use in moderation, they can cause micro-tears in the skin. This can be avoided by making the switch to acids and using chemical exfoliants such as AHAs and BHAs instead.
Acid? Chemical? These words might *sound* scary and indicative of super-harsh ingredients…
But, when used correctly, they can be just as effective – sometimes even more so! – than scrubs at deep-cleaning your complexion. The two categories are alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs) and beta-hydroxy acids (BHAs). Here’s how they work, what sets them apart and how they can transform your skin.
Read more: Day Creams Versus Night Creams – What’s The Difference?
AHAs
Derived from fruit such as sugar cane, AHAs are a popular choice for chemical exfoliation. The most popular variants are glycolic and lactic acids and they can be used on all skin types but can be particularly beneficial for those with mature skin or hyperpigmentation. They generally come in the form of a toner or serum.
How it works is that the acid dissolves the bonds that are preventing your skin cells from shedding. As such, it can accelerate skin-cell turnover to promote a more glowing, even complexion. It can help to reduce the appearance of fine lines and pores and also improve skin texture.
BHAs
While AHAs are water-soluble, BHAs are oil-soluble. What this means is that they are able to penetrate even deeper into the pores to dislodge and remove build-up and sebum. The main player in this arena is salicylic acid – an ingredient that can be a game-changer for people struggling with acne.
Not just a good option for treating breakouts, it also provides effective exfoliation when used as part of your regular skincare routine. This means that it can also promote a healthy glow while assisting in skin clarity and smoothness and reducing blemishes, too!
Want to make the switch from scrubs and use these skin-perfecting ingredients instead? Shop products that contain them online or at your nearest Edgars store.
