Aha, bha, and pha, what's the difference in skincare products?

Try checking the composition label printed on your skin care products. Does it contain AHA, BHA, or PHA? Skin care products that work to exfoliate or remove dead skin cells usually contain one of these substances.

So, what are the differences between the three and how do you combine these ingredients so that they can work optimally on the skin, especially if used as a product? skincare ?

Difference AHA, BHA, and PHA

One of the most active ingredients used in skin care products is acid. The term "acid" may still be synonymous with dangerous or destructive chemicals. In fact, this is not always the case.

When used in the right concentration, acids can actually be a powerful "cure" for a variety of skin problems. In the world skin care , acids are divided into AHA, BHA, and another one that is rarely mentioned, namely PHA. Here are the differences between the three.

1. Alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA)

Alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA) or alpha hydroxy acid is a type of water-soluble acid obtained from processing plants and animals. The AHA content in skin care can be found in the form of:

• citric acid (derived from citrus),
• glycolic acid (derived from sugar cane),
• hydroxycaproic AC ID (came from royal jelly),
• hydroxycaprylic acid (of animal origin),
• lactic acid (derived from carbohydrates),
• malic AC ID (derived from fruit), and
• tartaric AC ID (comes from grapes).

AHA has many functions for beauty and skin health, from treating acne, removing acne scars, removing dead skin cells, to brightening uneven skin tone.

This natural compound is also proven to be effective in shrinking pores, restoring skin elasticity and elasticity, to warding off the effects of premature aging such as wrinkles and fine lines.

AHAs and all their derivatives are compounds that are proven to be safe for the skin. However, given their irritating nature, you are advised to use skin care products that contain AHA concentrations of less than 10 percent.

Of the seven types of AHAs commonly used, glycolic acid and lactic acid is the most popular because it is rarely irritating. This is why there are so many products skin care on the market containing both of these ingredients.

2. Beta-hydroxy acid (BHA)

Beta-hydroxy acid (BHA) or beta hydroxy acid is a fat-soluble acid that is usually obtained from willow bark, cinnamon, or wintergreen leaves. Salicylic acid as the only source of BHA is often marketed as an acne remedy.

The difference between AHA and BHA is that BHA contains moisturizers. Therefore, facial care products that contain BHA are recommended for treating oily skin problems because they are drying.

However, in addition to drying out pimples, salicylic acid also works to clean dead skin and reduces the production of natural oils (sebum), thereby reducing the formation of blackheads (blackhead) and white blackheads (whiteheads).

BHA is also recommended for people who have rosacea skin disease because it can reduce facial redness and make the face look smoother. However, not all skin with rosacea reacts well to exfoliating products.

If you want to treat acne, look for skin care products that contain a BHA concentration of around 0.5-5 percent. Make sure not to exceed this range because the higher the BHA concentration, the greater the risk of skin irritation.

3. Polyhydroxy acid (PHA)

Polyhydroxy acid (PHA) is a compound derived from AHA which functions to exfoliate dead skin cells and even out skin tone. Unlike AHA and BHA, PHA tends not to irritate the skin or make it sensitive to sunlight.

PHA helps exfoliate the outer layer of skin without drying out the skin. Thanks to these properties, PHA is suitable for skin that is sensitive to AHA and BHA. PHA can also provide antioxidant intake to increase collagen in facial skin, thereby reducing the aging process.

Some of the types of PHA that you can find are gluconolactone , galactose, and lactobionic acids . Among the three, gluconolactone is the most common type of PHA found in skin care products.

Tips for using AHA, BHA, and PHA

AHA, BHA, and PHA actually have a similar function. The three of them can support each other's functions. However, given the same function as an exfoliator, you need to pay attention to a few things before using all three.

Here are the things you need to pay attention to when using AHA, BHA, and PHA.

1. Recognize the other names for the active ingredient

AHA and BHA are often listed on the packaging label under other names. Another form of AHA is usually glycolic acid, lactic acid, malic acid, mandelic acid, to citric acid . While other forms of BHA are salicylic acid .

2. Recognize its function

AHA is more suitable for those of you who experience skin problems related to aging such as dark spots and wrinkles, while BHA is more recommended for those of you who have sensitive skin and are prone to acne.

3. Pay attention to the use of the product simultaneously

Some people argue that using BHA and AHA together can give better results, but this is not always necessary. Even if you want to use both at the same time, it's best to do it at different times.

For example, use AHA during the day and BHA at night. Every few days, replace it with a PHA. If you have more than one skin problem and want to use multiple products, start with the lowest concentration.

4. Consider using other products

Both AHA and BHA will work more effectively if your face is clean, that is, after washing your face and using toner products. Wait about 3-5 minutes or until the skin is completely dry to maximize exfoliation.

After that, other cosmetic products such as moisturizers, serums, eye creams, sunscreen , or foundation may be used. If you want to use topical prescription products such as renova, retinoids, etc., use BHA or AHA first.

Do not take PHA together with vitamin C and retinol. PHA and vitamin C can eliminate each other's function, while the mixture of PHA and retinol can cause irritation.

AHA, BHA, and PHA are chemical exfoliators for the skin. These ingredients work by exfoliating dead skin cells, leaving the skin looking brighter. Always use all three as recommended for best results.

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