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AHA: Alpha Hydroxy Acid
Definition: AHAs are water-soluble acids derived from natural substances like sugar, milk, or fruit. They work primarily on the skin’s surface to dissolve dead skin cells.
Common Types of AHA:
- Glycolic Acid (from sugarcane)
- Lactic Acid (from milk)
- Mandelic Acid (from bitter almonds)
Function: AHAs exfoliate the skin's outer layer, promoting cell turnover and revealing a brighter, smoother complexion.
Perfect For:
- Dull, uneven skin tone
- Fine lines and wrinkles
- Dry or dehydrated skin
Hero Product:
Beauty of Joseon - Green Plum Refreshing Toner (AHA + BHA)
- Why We Love It: Formulated with natural AHAs from green plums, this toner gently exfoliates and refreshes the skin, making it ideal for first-time acid users.
BHA: Beta Hydroxy Acid
Definition: BHAs are oil-soluble acids that can penetrate deep into pores, making them highly effective for treating acne and blackheads.
Common Types of BHA:
- Salicylic Acid (from willow bark)
Function: BHAs work by dissolving excess oil and unclogging pores, reducing inflammation, and preventing future breakouts.
Perfect For:
- Oily or acne-prone skin
- Enlarged pores
- Blackheads and whiteheads
Hero Product:
COSRX - Salicylic Acid Daily Gentle Cleanser
- Why We Love It: This daily-use cleanser combines the benefits of BHA with a gentle formula, making it suitable for regular use without irritation.
Key Differences Between AHA and BHA
| Feature |
AHA |
BHA |
| Solubility |
Water-soluble |
Oil-soluble |
| Targeted Skin Concerns |
Fine lines, uneven texture, dryness |
Acne, blackheads, oily skin |
| Level of Penetration |
Surface-level exfoliation |
Works within the pores |
The Benefits of AHA and BHA
AHA Benefits:
- Brightens Skin: Removes dull, dead skin cells for a radiant glow.
- Reduces Fine Lines: Encourages collagen production for smoother skin.
- Improves Texture: Helps fade dark spots and smooth rough patches.
BHA Benefits:
- Fights Acne: Clears breakouts and prevents future ones.
- Unclogs Pores: Dissolves oil and debris trapped inside.
- Reduces Redness: Anti-inflammatory properties soothe irritated skin.
AHAs are water-soluble exfoliants that remove dead skin cells on the surface, brightening and smoothing dry or aging skin.
BHAs are oil-soluble acids that penetrate pores, clearing oil and debris to treat acne, blackheads, and enlarged pores.
Key Difference: AHAs work on the surface for hydration and anti-aging, while BHAs work deep in pores for acne and oil control.
Top AHA Benefit: AHAs brighten skin, reduce fine lines, and improve texture by promoting cell turnover.
Top BHA Benefit: BHAs unclog pores, fight acne, and reduce inflammation, making them ideal for oily or acne-prone skin.
How to Incorporate AHA and BHA into Your Routine
- Start Slowly: Begin with 1-2 times a week to avoid over-exfoliation.
- Cleanse First: Use a gentle cleanser to prep your skin.
- Apply AHA or BHA: Depending on your needs, choose a product suited for your skin concerns.
- Follow with Hydration: Use a moisturizer to restore your skin barrier.
- Never Skip Sunscreen: Both AHAs and BHAs increase sun sensitivity.
Top AHA Products to Try
1. Beauty of Joseon - Green Plum Refreshing Toner
- Key Ingredients: Green plum extract, AHAs, BHAs
- Why It’s Great: Perfect for beginners, this toner gently exfoliates and brightens the skin while keeping it hydrated. A staple for achieving a smooth and radiant complexion.
2. SOME BY MI - AHA, BHA, PHA 30 Days Miracle Toner
- Key Ingredients: AHAs for surface exfoliation, BHAs for deep pore cleansing, and PHAs for gentle hydration.
- Why It’s Great: Known for its impressive results in just 30 days, this toner is ideal for tackling uneven texture, blemishes, and blackheads while being suitable for sensitive skin.
3. Mizon - AHA 8% Peeling Serum
- Key Ingredients: Glycolic acid (AHA) and hyaluronic acid
- Why It’s Great: This lightweight serum provides effective exfoliation while maintaining moisture, making it ideal for those seeking a gentle yet powerful way to improve skin texture and tone.
Best BHA Products for Every Skin Type
1. COSRX - Salicylic Acid Daily Gentle Cleanser
- Who It’s For: Oily and acne-prone skin
- Why It’s Great: This daily cleanser uses salicylic acid to deeply cleanse pores and remove impurities, leaving your skin refreshed and balanced without over-drying.
2. COSRX - BHA Blackhead Power Liquid
- Who It’s For: Those struggling with persistent blackheads and whiteheads
- Why It’s Great: A more potent option for targeting blackheads and refining pores, this liquid exfoliant leaves the skin smooth and clear with regular use.
3. Benton - Aloe BHA Skin Toner
- Key Ingredients: Aloe vera and BHA (salicylic acid)
- Why It’s Great: This hydrating toner soothes irritation while exfoliating and cleaning pores. It’s gentle enough for daily use, making it perfect for sensitive skin types.
Combining AHA and BHA for Maximum Results
Using both AHAs and BHAs can provide comprehensive benefits, but it's essential to use them correctly to avoid over-exfoliation. Many products combine these ingredients for a balanced approach:
SOME BY MI - AHA, BHA, PHA 30 Days Miracle Toner
- Key Ingredients: AHAs for surface exfoliation, BHAs for pore cleansing, PHAs for hydration
- Why It’s Great: Perfect for sensitive skin, this toner offers visible results in as little as 30 days.
Tips for Maximizing Results
- Patch Test First: Always test new products on a small area of skin to avoid adverse reactions.
- Don’t Mix with Retinol: Using retinol alongside AHA or BHA can irritate your skin.
- Hydrate and Repair: Pair exfoliants with hydrating serums and ceramide-rich moisturizers.
FAQs About AHA and BHA
Q: Can I use AHA and BHA together?
A: Yes, but alternate their use or choose a product that combines them in a balanced formula.
Q: How often should I use AHA and BHA?
A: Start with 1-2 times per week and gradually increase frequency based on your skin's tolerance.
Q: Do they work for sensitive skin?
A: Yes, opt for gentler formulations like mandelic acid (AHA) or PHAs combined with BHAs.
Must-Have Products for AHA and BHA
Ready to transform your skincare routine? Check out these highly-rated products:
Why Glow Yeosin Loves These Products:
At Glow Yeosin, we carefully curate products that align with our philosophy of gentle, effective, and skin-loving formulations. Here’s why these standout products have earned our trust and admiration:
Beauty of Joseon - Green Plum Refreshing Toner
This toner encapsulates the elegance of Korean skincare with its natural AHAs from green plums and BHAs. Its gentle exfoliation brightens and smooths the skin, making it an ideal starting point for beginners. We love how it balances tradition and innovation, delivering results without harshness.
SOME BY MI - AHA, BHA, PHA 30 Days Miracle Toner
Known for its transformative results in just 30 days, this toner is a multitasking marvel. Combining three exfoliating acids—AHA, BHA, and PHA—it addresses multiple skin concerns from texture to blemishes. Glow Yeosin loves its inclusivity for all skin types, including sensitive skin, and its commitment to visible results.
COSRX - Salicylic Acid Daily Gentle Cleanser
A cult-favorite in K-beauty, this cleanser delivers deep pore cleansing while remaining gentle enough for daily use. It’s perfect for those with acne-prone or oily skin, and we admire how COSRX has crafted a product that’s both effective and soothing, keeping irritation at bay.
COSRX - BHA Blackhead Power Liquid
This power-packed liquid is our go-to for tackling stubborn blackheads and refining pores. With its potent BHA concentration, it delivers impressive results without over-drying the skin. We adore how it simplifies complex skincare concerns with a straightforward, effective formula.
At Glow Yeosin, we’re passionate about products that elevate your skincare routine, and these carefully chosen items represent the best of Korean beauty. They’re proof that thoughtful formulations and consistent use can transform your skin effortlessly.
Glow Yeosin
Glow Yeosin is your go-to destination for authentic Korean skincare. We curate the best K-beauty brands, focusing on clean, effective products for all skin types. We are More than a store, we’re a community sharing tips, reviews, and guides to help you achieve radiant, healthy skin. Join us on your journey to glowing confidence!
