AHA and BHA fruit acids are both shorthand for chemical exfoliants commonly used in skin care. AHA stands for Alpha Hydroxy Acid and BHA stands for Beta Hydroxy Acid. Both types of acids work by gently exfoliating the top layer of the skin, removing dead skin cells and stimulating new, healthy cells to the surface.
AHAs are water-soluble acids and are mainly used for superficial peels. Glycolic acid, lactic acid, and malic acid are all examples of AHAs used in skin care products. These acids are effective in reducing fine lines and wrinkles, improving skin texture and reducing hyperpigmentation.
BHAs, on the other hand, are oil-based acids and are mainly used for pore cleansing. Salicylic acid is a common BHA and is often used for acne-prone skin types. BHAs are effective in reducing acne, blackheads and improving skin texture.
Different types of fruit acids
Glycolic acid
Glycolic acid is an AHA recommended by many dermatologists and skin care experts for its proven effectiveness in improving skin texture and reducing the signs of aging. Glycolic acid has a smaller molecular size than other AHAs, meaning it can penetrate deeper into the skin and therefore be more potent. It can help reduce fine lines and wrinkles, improve skin firmness and elasticity, and boost collagen production.
In addition to these anti-aging benefits, glycolic acid may also help reduce hyperpigmentation. It works by exfoliating the top layer of the skin and speeding up cell turnover, reducing the production of melanin. This can help reduce dark spots and sun damage on the skin.
Glycolic acid is also an effective remedy for acne. Glycolic acid works by gently exfoliating the top layer of the skin, unclogging pores and removing dead skin cells. This can help prevent acne and reduce the severity of existing acne.
A glycolic acid peel can also help reduce acne scars and improve the overall texture of the skin. The peel stimulates new skin cells to come to the surface, which can help fade scars and even out skin tone.
While glycolic acid can be very effective in improving skin texture, it is important to use it with caution. Glycolic acid can make skin more sensitive to the sun, so it’s important to always wear a sunscreen with a high SPF and avoid sun exposure. It is also important to start gently with a low concentration of glycolic acid and build up gradually to avoid irritation. More about glycolic acid
Malic Acid
Malic acid is another commonly used AHA in skin care products. It is extracted from various fruits, including apples, pears, and cherries. Like other AHAs, malic acid has an exfoliating effect on the skin. It helps remove dead skin cells resulting in smoother and brighter skin.
In addition, malic acid is known for its moisturizing properties. It can hydrate and nourish the skin, helping to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. The skin looks healthier and younger.
Another important property of malic acid is its ability to reduce hyperpigmentation. Hyperpigmentation occurs when the skin produces too much melanin, resulting in dark spots or discolorations. Malic acid can reduce melanin production, making the skin more even and radiant.
Lactic acid
Lactic acid is a so-called alpha hydroxy acid, abbreviated as AHA. It is a mild exfoliating acid extracted from milk and used in skin care products for its many benefits to the skin. One of the most important properties of lactic acid is its moisturizing effect. It can retain moisture in the skin and thereby improve hydration. This is especially beneficial for people with dry skin, as it can help reduce dryness lines and flaking.
Lactic acid also has proven anti-aging benefits. It can help reduce fine lines and wrinkles by stimulating cell turnover. Due to the exfoliating effect of lactic acid, the top layer of the skin is gently removed, allowing new skin cells to surface. These new cells are healthier and more youthful looking.
In addition, lactic acid can help reduce hyperpigmentation. The acid exfoliates the skin and can thus reduce pigmentation and even out the skin complexion. This is especially beneficial for those with age spots, melasma, or other forms of hyperpigmentation.
Mandelic acid
Mandelic acid is yet another type of AHA used in skin care. It is extracted from bitter almonds and is known for its exfoliating properties. Mandelic acid can help reduce fine lines and wrinkles, improve skin texture and reduce hyperpigmentation.
What sets mandelic acid apart from other AHAs is that it also has anti-inflammatory properties and is therefore suitable for sensitive skin. It can help reduce redness and irritation while still being effective at exfoliating the skin.
Mandelic acid is suitable for all skin types, but is especially helpful for sensitive and acne-prone skin. However, it can still be irritating to some people, so it’s important to test the product on a small area of ​​skin before applying to the entire face. It is also important to always follow the product’s instructions and seek the advice of a dermatologist before using it.
Salicylic acid
Natural salicylic acid is extracted from the bark of the willow tree. It is a so-called beta hydroxy acid (BHA) that is often used in skin care products for its exfoliating properties. Salicylic acid works by removing the dead skin cells on the skin and cleaning the pores, making the skin look smoother and healthier.
Salicylic acid peels are chemical peels that use salicylic acid as an active ingredient. During a salicylic acid peel, a solution with a certain concentration of salicylic acid is applied to the skin and left on the skin for a certain amount of time before being rinsed off. The concentration of the salicylic acid solution may vary depending on the desired results and skin sensitivity.
Salicylic acid peels are commonly used to treat various skin conditions, such as acne, pimples, and blackheads. It can also be used to improve skin texture and reduce fine lines and wrinkles. Unlike some other chemical peels, salicylic acid is suitable for most skin types, including sensitive skin.
However, it is important to note that salicylic acid peels are not suitable for everyone. People with an aspirin allergy should use salicylic acid with caution and avoid it if necessary. Even if you are pregnant or breastfeeding
In general, AHAs are suitable for all skin types and BHAs are suitable for oily and acne-prone skin.
Which fruit acids
Fruit acid peels are a type of superficial peel made from natural fruit acids such as glycolic acid, lactic acid and malic acid. These acids work by gently exfoliating the top layer of the skin, removing dead skin cells and stimulating new, healthy cells to the surface.
Fruit acid peels are generally suitable for all skin types, but some people may be sensitive to the acids and should be careful when using them. Below you will find an overview of the different skin types and which fruit acid peels are best for each type.
Dry skin
If you suffer from dry skin, it’s important to choose the right kind of exfoliant to prevent irritation and further dryness. Fruit acids, such as lactic acid and malic acid, are generally mild and gentle enough for dry skin. These acids exfoliate in a gentle way, while also having moisturizing properties to nourish the skin.
Lactic acid, for example, is an excellent option for people with dry skin, as it is able to exfoliate the skin without irritating or drying it out. It also helps to hydrate and improve skin by stimulating collagen production. Malic acid is another good choice for people with dry skin, as it gently exfoliates the skin while moisturizing and brightening the skin.
Oily skin
If you have oily skin, it is best to use fruit acids that have more exfoliating properties, such as glycolic acid, salicylic acid and lactic acid. These fruit acids help remove excess sebum and dead skin cells, leaving the skin brighter and smoother. However, it is important to be careful not to exfoliate the skin too often, as excessive use of fruit acids can irritate and dry out the skin. It is therefore advisable to start with a low concentration and build up the use slowly.
Sensitive skin
People with sensitive skin can benefit from fruit acid peels, but it is important to be careful and choose the right kind of peel. In general, it is recommended to opt for a mild fruit acid peel, such as a peel based on malic acid. Malic acid has a smaller molecular size and can therefore penetrate the skin more easily without causing too much irritation.
It is also important to slowly accustom the skin to peels. Start with a low concentration and build up slowly over time. Doing this allows the skin to get used to the fruit acids and prevents irritation. It is recommended to use a peeling no more than once a week and to always use a moisturizing cream after using the peeling. More about sensitive skin
Acne-prone skin
A fruit acid peel based on salicylic acid is a popular choice for people with acne-prone skin. Salicylic acid has unique properties that help reduce acne and improve skin texture. It works by unclogging pores, reducing the buildup of sebum and bacteria. In addition, salicylic acid also has an exfoliating effect, which means that it removes dead skin cells and improves skin texture. More about acne
A fruit acid peel based on salicylic acid can be used in different concentrations, depending on the severity of the acne and the sensitivity of the skin. It is important to let the skin get used to the peeling slowly and not to use it too often to avoid irritation.
In other words
Fruit acid peels are a safe and effective way to renew and rejuvenate the skin. It is important to know which fruit acid peeling best suits your skin type to get the best results and prevent irritation. Always consult a dermatologist before undergoing a fruit acid peel to ensure it is right for your skin.