AHA vs BHA: What’s the Difference and Which One Is Right for Your Skin?

1. AHAs work on the skin’s surface to smooth and brighten.
2. BHAs go deep into pores to unclog and reduce breakouts.
3. AHAs are ideal for dry, dull, or uneven skin.
4. BHAs suit oily, acne-prone, and sensitive skin types.
5. Always start with a low concentration to avoid skin irritation.

AHA refers to alpha hydroxy acids. These are water soluble acids mainly made from fruits or milk. They delicately exfoliate the skin's surface, aiding in the removal of dead cells to provide fresh, smoother skin underneath.

AHAs are popular for those seeking brighter skin or needing help with uneven complexion or fine lines. They are effective on dry or sun damaged skin and are commonly included in toners, peels, and exfoliating serums.

Now that you know what is alpha hydroxy acids, let’s explore the key benefits they offer for your skin.

Using alpha hydroxy acids regularly can improve your skin’s overall texture and tone. Below are some of the benefits:

1. Helps fade dark spots and hyperpigmentation
2. Smooths rough skin and fine lines
3. Boosts collagen production over time
4. Improves how your skin absorbs other products
5. Brightens dull, tired-looking skin

There are different kinds of alpha hydroxy acids. Some are gentler, while others are stronger exfoliants. Here are the most common types:

1. Glycolic acid AHA is made from sugarcane, and it’s the most effective and commonly used AHA.
2. Lactic acid is milk based exfoliant; it’s gentle on skin and recommended for people with sensitive skin types.
3. Citric acid comes from citrus fruits and is used for maintaining the skin's pH balance.
4. Mandelic acid, sourced from almonds, is milder and well suited for those with sensitive skin or new to exfoliants.

If you’re unsure how to use AHA, just begin by applying a low percentage AHA product once a week. Apply it after cleansing but before your moisturizer. Observe for a week how your skin reacts after using alpha hydroxy acid.

Avoid layering AHAs with strong retinoids or vitamin C at the same time. And don’t forget sunscreen in the morning, AHAs can make your skin more sensitive to the sun.

BHA stands for beta hydroxy acid. To understand what is a bha, it’s important to know that it’s oil soluble. This means they can go deeper into pores, making them ideal for oily and acne prone skin. BHAs are considered a great option for treating blackheads, whiteheads, and even small breakouts.

In the above section, you got a clearer picture of what is beta hydroxy acid. They are excellent for deep cleaning the skin and preventing clogged pores. Here are some benefits:

1. Unclogs pores and prevents breakouts
2. Reduces oiliness and shine
3. Calms redness and inflammation
4. Improves skin texture over time
5. Helps with rough patches and bumpy skin

BHAs are often used in bha cleanser, spot treatments, and toners designed for oily or combination skin.

Salicylic acid, a powerful BHA sourced from willow bark, helps clear pores, calm irritation, and treat acne effectively.

Other varieties such as tropic acid or trethocanic acid exist but are rarely used in cosmetics.

Start with a low BHA concentration and apply it once or twice a week. Apply your bha exfoliant after cleansing. Products containing salicylic acid for skin may also be used as spot treatments on problem areas.

When learning how to use BHA, it is important to monitor skin response and avoid combining BHAs with strong active ingredients unless advised by a skincare professional.

The table below explains what is the difference between AHA and BHA, helping you compare their key features.

Feature	AHA (Alpha Hydroxy Acid)	BHA (Beta Hydroxy Acid)
Solubility	Water soluble	Oil soluble
Works On	Skin’s outer layer	Deep inside the pores
Best For	Dry, dull, or aging skin	Oily, acne prone, or sensitive skin
Common Type	Glycolic acid	Salicylic acid
Main Benefits	Smoother skin, brighter tone, even texture	Clears pores, reduces acne, and controls oil

This totally depends on your skin. Some people combine them to treat multiple skin concerns at once, like dryness and breakouts. However, this can cause skin irritation if excessively used. Many skincare formulations now include both acids in a balanced concentration, such as an AHA and BHA serum or AHA BHA exfoliator. You can try these once or twice a week.

Selecting between AHA vs BHA depends on skin type and concern.

Choose AHA if:

1. Your skin is dry, dull, or flaky
2. You have signs of aging, like fine lines or uneven tone
3. You want brighter, smoother skin Choose BHA if:
4. You have an oily skin type
5. You deal with blackheads, clogged pores, or breakouts
6. You need a gentle exfoliant that goes deeper

Not sure? Try an AHA and BHA product that offers both benefits in one formula, such as a serum or gentle exfoliator.

After understanding what are aha and bha, it’s crucial to remember that exfoliating acids can be highly beneficial if used properly; they can also harm your skin if applied excessively. Avoid these common mistakes:

1. Using it too often: Start by using it 2 times a week. Use daily only if recommended by the skincare professional.
2. Never skip SPF: Both AHAs and BHAs increase sensitivity to sunlight.
3. Mixing too many actives: Don’t layer acids with retinol or strong vitamin C without expert guidance.
4. Not moisturizing: Acids can strip moisture. Always hydrate your skin afterward.
5. Applying to broken skin: Avoid if you have cuts, peeling, or sunburn.