WHAT VITAMIN C AND AN AHA OR BHA CAN DO FOR YOUR SKIN?

Our skin is constantly evolving and changing as we age and grow. Thankfully, now we know more than ever before about the science behind our skin and what we can do to boost its health. If you have not already, make sure to check out our blogposts on the 28-days skin cycle, the habits for healthy skin, and the top foods to eat for a clear complexion. A few of the ingredients you may have noticed popping up on skincare products include vitamin c, AHA, and BHA. These terms appear quite abstract, but in this post, we will break down what they are and how they work. Keep reading to learn what vitamin c, and an AHA and BHA can do for your skin.

Vitamin C in skincare
Vitamin C promotes collagen production. As we know, collagen is responsible for keeping our skin taught and youthful looking. An increase of collagen can thicken the dermis, diminish lines, and improve your elasticity. In addition, vitamin C is an antioxidant that helps protect your skin from free radicals caused by UV exposure. Another benefit is that since Vitamin C inhibits melanin production in the skin, it can help lighten pigmentation. By regularly applying vitamin C you can expect to lighten brown spots and even up skin discolouration caused by sun exposure. If you want a quick guide on buying products with vitamin C, click here.

What is an AHA?
AHA stands for alpha hydroxy acid. This is a water-soluble acid made from sugary fruits. The acid helps peep away the surface of your skin to boost cell turnover. By removing the upper most layer of dead skin cells, new and youthful looking skin cells will take their place. This will result in a more even and fresher looking complexion.

How do you use AHA?
AHA is best used for dry skin and surface level skin concerns. These can include acne scars, discolouration from the sun and similar. You can purchase products that contain varying concentrations of AHA to achieve a mild chemical peel and radiant appearance.

Warning: if you have damaged or particularly sensitive skin, be careful when applying AHA. Consult with skin specialist.

What is BHA?
BHA stands for beta hydroxy acid. Unlike AHAs, BHAs are oil soluble acids, this means it can penetrate deeper into the dermis. There they can remove dead skin cells and remove excess sebum.

How do you use BHA?
BHAs are primarily used to target acne and sun damage. The product goes deep into your hair follicles and dries out excess oils and dead skin cells. For this reason, BHAs are best suited for combination to oily skin. If you have more sensitive skin, you can use a lower concentration. BHAs can also be effectively to reduce rosacea-related redness.

If you are looking for general skin relief or anti-aging benefits, AHA is the better option for you. BHA is better to target acne and oily skin. For both chemical exfoliating acids, it is also important to avoid combining them with vitamin c. While all three ingredients have individual benefits for your skin, vitamin c in combination with these acids may cause irritation.

If unsure, book an appointment with our skin specialist to get specific and advice targeted for your skin and goals.