This is an introduction to the world of alpha hydroxy acids, also know as AHAs, natural occurring acids that can be found in fruits. In this post you will find out what AHAs are and how they are different from BHA (beta hydroxy acid).

There are a lot of good articles on this subject but maybe after reading them (for instance one of them is on Fabulously40) you might be under the impression that AHAs are exclusively better for dry, sun-damaged skin and BHA for oily skin, as I originally thought. 

Keep in mind that this doesn’t mean that an oily skinner can’t benefit from their purifying action on the skin. I would say that BHA products are indeed better treatment products when it comes to zits and oily skin however AHAs products (and especially when mixed with fruit enzymes) make ideal exfoliators and what skin types wouldn’t benefit from that!

The benefits of AHAs on oily skin

AHAs exfoliate dead skin cell buildup from the surface of the skin which in turns leads to:

unclogged pored

a brighter skin

even skin tone

improved skin texture

lightened  pigmentation

reduced scars/ pores

Of course they have this effect on every skin type but sometimes, in the light of an oily skinner some little improvements here and there are more than welcomed.

Types of AHAs

The most common AHAs are:

1. Glycolic acid- derived from sugar cane

2. Lactic acid – from milk

3. Citric acid- from citric fruits

4. Malic acid -from apples

5. Tartaric acid- from fermented grapes

The difference between Ahas and BHAs:

Unlike AHAs there’s only one BHA (beta hydroxyl acid) and that is salycilic acid. The main difference between them is that AHAs are water soluble while BHAs are oil soluble, meaning that they can better penetrate pores filled with sebum and exfoliate dead skin cells.

Are all acids created equally?

That is a very good question that you should be asking. Over the counter products contain under 5% glycolic acid, making them safe for almost anyone; cosmeceuticals contain between 8 and 14% but at this concentration the results come in time. However you can have instant results by using 20% to 30% glycolic acid in chemical peels applied by a specialist. You can read more about what different concentrations of acid may offer you with this very good article The Skincare Benefits of Alpha Hydroxy Acids 

My overall conclusion is that AHAs really make a difference to oily skin, I have been using an exfoliating masque that really fits the above description, it’s my one and only Cellnique Advanved Bio Renewal Masque (I haven’ t read any bad review for this product and there are lots of them! it must mean something).

What about you? Are you using an AHA product for your skin?