What are AHAs & BHAs? 

AHA stands for Alpha Hydroxy Acid. It starts out as a simple sugar and is usually fermented from pineapple or sugarcane. It is used as a super exfoliant. BHA stands for Beta Hydroxy Acid it is used to help reduce oil and dead skin cells.

AHA is a chemical exfoliant that dissolves dead skin cells to smooth the outermost layer of skin. AHAs are water-soluble and can penetrate deep into the pores where they can eliminate acne-causing bacteria.

The most common AHA is glycolic acid, which is derived from sugar cane. AHAs are found naturally in such foods as citrus fruits and sugar beets.

BHA is also a chemical exfoliant with pore-unclogging properties that helps clear acne and blackheads caused by clogged pores.

Benefits of AHA for Skin

The skin is the largest organ of our body and it's the first thing that people notice about us. It’s also one of the easiest organs to take care of, just by applying some basic cleansing and moisturizing techniques. When it comes to skin care, using a good exfoliant can make all the difference in how your skin looks.

AHA supplements are an all-natural way to get the chemical exfoliation results you want, but may not be able to achieve with your current skincare regimen.

Alpha Hydroxy Acid is commonly found in beauty products, cosmetics, and health supplements. While it has been known to treat skin conditions such as acne, it offers other benefits to the body and skin that many people are not aware of. It is an effective exfoliant due to its ability to remove dead skin cells, revealing newer, healthier ones.

The Alpha Hydroxy Acid which is found in certain fruits and vegetables can help your skin by removing dead skin cells from your face that is just sitting on top of your skin instead of getting absorbed into your body. Since this dead skin can build up over time, a good AHA exfoliant can help clear out the dead skin build-up which helps give you clearer, smoother skin. This can help with even pigmentation or acne problems.

Because of their popularity in the past decade, AHAs have become quite the buzzword in skincare (thanks in part to celebs such as Kim Kardashian).

Lactic acid is one type of AHA, which is found naturally in milk and other plant-derived foods. They work by gently exfoliating the upper layers of skin and increasing cell turnover, which improves the appearance of the skin and makes it feel smoother.

These acids are known for their ability to help improve skin pH, cleanse pores, fight signs of ageing and reduce inflammation, which can improve skin clarity.

How to Choose AHA Products?

The well-known Glycolic Acid, also known as AHA or Alpha Hydroxy Acid, is a natural fruit acid that has been extracted from various fruits and plants. It is used in many skincare products to cleanse dead skin cells, exfoliate and rejuvenate them. This acid is also used in the synthesis of collagen. 

Collagen is the protein that not only maintains the skin's structure but also holds in moisture. It is necessary to replenish this element every day for the smooth and supple look of the skin.

Mars by GHC’s Anti-Acne Gel contains glycolic acid, niacinamide, salicylic acid, zinc PCA and aloe vera. Glycolic acid in our anti-acne gel makes the skin look fresher and younger by helping to even out the complexion. These acids are also used for fighting acne.

Activated AHA helps to fight wrinkles, spots and blemishes by stimulating collagen production, unclogging pores and healing scars.

It is very important to choose the right kinds of products that contain AHA in them. If you do not choose the right kind of product, there are chances that it might harm your skin and you might end up with side effects.

You need to select the right ingredients and products for your skin type and to use them at the right time. Everyone has a different type of skin. Wrinkles, acne, scars and pigmentation can be treated with care, patience and above all the right ingredients. The best thing is to choose aha products that do not have any harmful side effects on your skin.

How to Use AHA on Skin?

AHA is an active ingredient in skincare products to remove dead skin cells and thereby eliminate acne and blemishes, wrinkles and fine lines, pigmentation marks and scars left behind by acne. It is a naturally occurring exfoliant, found in many fruits.

According to researchers, it can take two to three months before you start getting results from AHAs. It is important to be patient while the products work to relieve acne or related issues over time. You need to use the products consistently to see a visible difference.

However, if you have never used AHAs before, you may experience minor side effects like burning, itching, blisters or eczema.

Take Away

AHAs and BHAs, otherwise known as alpha/beta hydroxy acids are naturally-occurring acids that promote good skin health and visibly refine the skin and reduce the appearance of wrinkles.