Our skin is like a window to the outside world; it is exposed to environmental factors and, over time, begins to show signs of aging. To slow this process and renew our skin, peels become an indispensable part of our skin care routines. In recent years in particular, chemical exfoliants such as AHA and BHA have become popular in skin care. So what are AHA and BHA peels, and how can they renew your skin?
What Are AHA and BHA? Their Differences and Use by Skin Type
AHA (Alpha Hydroxy Acid) and BHA (Beta Hydroxy Acid), used in skin care, are excellent peeling acids for renewing your skin, cleansing pores and smoothing the skin surface. Both acids gently remove dead skin cells, but they work differently on the skin, and their benefits can vary by skin type.
What Is AHA?
AHA (Alpha Hydroxy Acid) is a water-soluble acid, generally derived from fruits. It gently clears dead cells from the top layer of the skin, brightening the skin and giving it a smoother look. It is recommended for dry and mature skin. It also has moisturizing properties, so it gives excellent results on skin that suffers moisture loss.
By clearing dead cells from the skin surface, it lets new cells emerge. With regular use, it helps the skin look more vibrant, radiant and fresh. It also reduces the appearance of hyperpigmentation, sun spots and fine wrinkles. The most commonly used types of AHA include glycolic acid and lactic acid.
- Glycolic Acid: It is derived from sugar cane and, thanks to its small molecular structure, penetrates the skin surface easily. This acid is effective at reducing fine lines and wrinkles.
- Lactic Acid: It is derived from milk and is known for its moisturizing properties. It is considered a gentler option for sensitive skin.
BHA, on the other hand, is an oil-soluble acid that penetrates deep into the skin and dissolves the oil and dirt that build up inside pores. BHAs are very effective, especially for acne-prone and oily skin. By balancing excess oil production, it keeps the skin matte. The most common form of BHA is salicylic acid.
Salicylic acid goes beneath the skin surface to clear blockages in pores and keep excess oil under control. This helps prevent blackheads and breakouts. Thanks to its anti-inflammatory properties, it soothes redness and inflamed acne.
- Salicylic Acid: It is an aspirin derivative and has anti-inflammatory properties. This makes it effective at soothing redness and breakouts.
Get Rid of Dead Cells with AHA and BHA Peels
If your skin has started to look dull and lifeless over time, one of the biggest reasons is the buildup of dead skin cells. Regular cleansing is very important for maintaining skin health, but it may not be enough on its own. This is where AHA and BHA peels come in! These two powerful types of acid gently clear dead cells that build up on the skin surface, leaving your skin fresh and vibrant. The skin constantly renews itself, but during this renewal process dead cells can accumulate on the surface. This buildup can make the skin look dull and lifeless, clog pores and lead to breakouts. The main benefits of getting rid of dead cells are as follows:
- Skin Renewal: Peeling speeds up the renewal of skin cells, revealing fresh, vibrant skin.
- Brighter Skin: Clearing dead cells helps the skin regain its natural radiance.
- Effective Hydration: Because your skin absorbs moisturizing products better after a peel, it looks softer and plumper.
- Cleansed Pores: BHA peels deep-clean pores, preventing blackheads and acne.
Using AHA and BHA on Sensitive Skin
Caring for sensitive skin can sometimes be challenging. Choosing the wrong product or over-exfoliating can irritate the skin and cause redness. However, when used correctly, acids such as AHA and BHA can work wonders even for sensitive skin. So how should these acids be used on sensitive skin, and what should you watch out for?
Start with Low Concentrations: The most important point when using AHA and BHA on sensitive skin is to start with low-concentration products. Products containing 5-10% lactic acid for AHA and 1-2% salicylic acid for BHA are suitable to start with.
Add Them to Your Routine Gradually: When you start using acids, applying them 1-2 times a week is enough to build your skin's tolerance. As your skin gets used to them, you can gradually increase the frequency, but it is important to keep use balanced and avoid overdoing it.
Support with a Moisturizer: Sensitive skin may have a weak moisture barrier. Because using AHA and BHA can dry out the skin, it is essential to follow with a soothing, moisturizing product. Products containing moisturizing ingredients such as ceramide and hyaluronic acid will comfort your skin.
Do Not Neglect Sun Protection: Using AHA and BHA can make your skin more sensitive to the sun's harmful UV rays. For this reason, you must use a broad-spectrum sunscreen (at least SPF 30) in the morning. Sun protection is critical for preventing irritation and dark spots on the skin.
Avoid Overuse: Overusing acid-based peels on sensitive skin can weaken the skin barrier and cause irritation. For this reason, applying them 2-3 times a week, depending on your skin's condition, will be enough.
AHA and BHA Product Recommendations for Sensitive Skin
- Products Containing Lactic Acid (AHA): Peeling products containing low-concentration lactic acid gently exfoliate the skin while providing hydration.
- Products Containing Salicylic Acid (BHA): Lightweight, soothing salicylic acid products are an ideal choice, especially for sensitive and acne-prone skin.
Care After AHA and BHA Peels: How Do You Protect Your Skin?
Peels containing AHA and BHA are a great way to renew and refresh your skin. However, if you do not take proper care after a peel, your skin can become sensitive, dry or irritated. Caring for your skin correctly after a peel lets you enjoy the full benefits of the peel and gives your skin a healthier look. Here are the steps to pay attention to in post-peel skin care after AHA and BHA peels:
1. Soothe Your Skin
After a peel, your skin may be more sensitive and red, especially in the first few hours. To soothe this and give your skin relief, it is important to use gentle, calming products.
- Soothing Toners: Alcohol-free toners with anti-inflammatory properties can reduce redness on the skin. Products containing aloe vera, rose water or green tea can be preferred.
- Cool Compress: If you feel excessive sensitivity on your skin after a peel, you can gently apply a cool compress to your skin for relief.
2. Intensive Hydration
After a peel, the skin can lose moisture and feel dry because it has been cleared of the dead cells on its top layer. For this reason, it is very important to moisturize your skin intensively after a peel.
- Lightweight, Moisturizing Creams: Choose products that do not feel heavy on your skin but provide deep moisture. Moisturizing ingredients such as hyaluronic acid, ceramide and glycerin hydrate your skin while helping the barrier renew itself.
- Avoid Oil-Based Products: Your skin may be more sensitive after a peel, so using heavy oil-based products can clog pores and cause irritation.
3. Use Sunscreen
A peel makes your skin more sensitive to the sun, because AHA and BHA exfoliate the top layer of the skin and reveal new skin cells. This new skin is more vulnerable to the sun's harmful UV rays. For this reason, you must use a high-SPF sunscreen after a peel.
- At Least SPF 30: Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen (offering protection against UVA and UVB rays) with at least SPF 30.
- Regular Application: Reapply your sunscreen every 2-3 hours during the day, especially if you are spending time outdoors.
4. Avoid Heavy Active Ingredients
Because the skin is already going through an intense purifying process after a peel, using more active ingredients can irritate it. Being gentle with your skin, it is a good idea to stay away from the following ingredients for a while:
- Retinol: It is a powerful ingredient that speeds up skin renewal, but it can cause irritation on sensitive skin after a peel.
- Vitamin C Serums: This antioxidant ingredient, which is great for the skin, can cause burning or irritation after a peel.
- Other Acids: Using additional acid-based products after AHA or BHA can damage the skin barrier.
5. Take Care of Your Night Care
Night is the most important time when the skin renews and recovers itself. For this reason, strengthening your night care after a peel contributes to skin renewal.
- Make Use of Soothing Serums: To strengthen the skin barrier after a peel, you can use serums formulated with soothing ingredients and containing components such as hyaluronic acid or niacinamide.
- Night Cream: Night creams that provide more intensive hydration and repair the skin barrier give your skin the support it needs.
6. Strengthen the Skin Barrier
After a peel, your skin barrier becomes sensitive and more vulnerable to external factors. For this reason, strengthening the barrier is an important step in preventing irritation.
- Products Containing Ceramides: Products that strengthen the skin barrier and contain ceramide repair the skin's natural protective layer after a peel, making it more resistant to external factors.
- Niacinamide: This versatile ingredient speeds up the skin's renewal process, reduces sensitivity and protects the barrier. A serum containing niacinamide can help strengthen the skin barrier and achieve a healthier-looking complexion.
How Are AHA and BHA Used in Acne Treatment?
AHA and BHA are powerful acids that are effective in acne treatment and, with regular use, balance the skin's oil levels, cleanse pores and lighten acne marks. Using them at a dose suited to your skin and on a regular basis brings visible improvements on acne-prone skin.
1. Cleansing Step: You can start your care routine by cleansing your skin with a cleanser containing AHA or BHA. Especially if you have acne-prone skin and want to clear your skin of oil and dirt, you can use cleansers containing salicylic acid. Cleansers containing AHA gently exfoliate the skin surface and create a smooth texture. Because cleansers containing AHA are generally gentler, they can be preferred in the morning. Cleansers containing salicylic acid can be added to the night routine.
- Peel Application: You can get a deeper cleanse by applying a peel containing AHA or BHA to your skin once a week. A peel removes dead cells from your skin, cleansing pores and preventing acne. AHA peels are preferred to lighten surface acne marks and fine wrinkles. BHA peels clear oil and dirt from pores, soothe active breakouts and prevent new ones. Apply products containing AHA or BHA as a peel 1-2 times a week. If your skin is sensitive, be sure to choose gentle products.
3. Using Toners and Serums: In acne treatment, BHA toners help cleanse pores and balance oil production. AHA serums speed up the skin's renewal process and help reduce the marks left after acne.
- AHA Toners: Toners containing glycolic acid or lactic acid exfoliate your skin and give it a smooth look.
- BHA Toners: Toners containing salicylic acidreduce acne formation by keeping pores clean.
4. Moisturizing: Because using AHA and BHA can dry out the skin, the moisturizer step should not be skipped. Oil-free, lightweight moisturizers provide your skin with the moisture it needs and protect it without triggering breakouts. Choose water-based, lightweight, non-comedogenic (non-pore-clogging) moisturizers.
5. Using Sunscreen: AHA and BHA exfoliate the top layer of the skin, making it more sensitive to the sun. For this reason, using a high-SPF sunscreen is a must, especially in your daytime routine. The sun's harmful UV rays can make acne marks more noticeable. Use a high-SPF sunscreen to protect your skin after a peel.
