When we think about the word “acid”, something quite abrasive and potentially damaging might spring to mind, such as sulfuric acid, which is highly corrosive and dangerous to human skin. There are, however, acids which are millions of times milder, which can be a hugely beneficial addition to your skincare routine. Many of these acids fall under two categories; AHAs and BHAs, also known as alpha- and beta-hydroxy acids.
AHAs and BHAs help to exfoliate the skin, but do so in different ways, and while you could be forgiven for thinking that you need to choose between the two and only use one type of acid, AHAs and BHAs actually make the perfect pairing and work together to make your skin glow. One AHA you’ve probably heard of is glycolic acid, whilst salicylic acid – another hugely popular skincare ingredient – is a BHA.
As we mentioned above, it is indeed safe to use AHAs and BHAs together. They target different actions so they have different benefits. In essence, BHAs disrupt the connections between dead cells whilst AHAs cause dead cells to detach and slough away. With this in mind, we’ve curated a collection of products which contain both BHAs and AHAs to help you to give your skin a boost:
Murad AHA/BHA Exfoliating Cleanser
Offering all the benefits of exfoliation in the convenience of a cleanser, this multi-tasking, cleansing exfoliant is an ideal addition to your cleansing regimen. Chemical and physical exfoliation helps clear dull, dry skin from the surface for a fresher appearance and to improve penetration of treatment ingredients that follow. Exfoliating also helps open hydration pathways, as sodium PCA optimises skin’s ability to attract and hold moisture. As the name suggests, it contains both AHAs and BHAs from salicylic, lactic and glycolic acids
SkinCeuticals Blemish + Age Defence Serum
There are many products out there which deal with oily, blemish prone skin and many more for ageing skin, but not that many deal with both. This high potency serum targets imperfections whilst improving the appearance of fine lines and uneven skin tone and is suitable for oily, blemish-prone, or ageing skin. It contains glycolic and salicylic acids, but also contains a much rarer AHA in the form of octadecenedioic acid, which has the ability to lighten the skin, fading dark spots and hyperpigmentation.
Murad AHA/BHA/Retinoid Daily Clarifying Peel
This daily clarifying peel from Murad contains a trio of powerhouse ingredients which will powerfully, yet gently, resurface your skin. In there, you’ll find glycolic acid, an AHA that removes dull surface cells to smooth and clarify, salicylic acid, a BHA which exfoliates to minimise the look of pores as well as retinoid, which resurfaces and helps improve surface cell turnover to refine and smooth skin’s texture.
Dermalogica Breakout Clearing Liquid Peel
This product from Dermalogica is a powerful peel formulated for breakout-prone skin. With 10% AHAs and 2% BHAs, it exfoliates deep under the skin to remove dead skin cells and excess oil. It helps to banish rough texture, breakouts, and hyperpigmentation, and leaves you with clearer, brighter skin. It’s perfect for use on teen skin, helping to get rid of pimples and leaving your skin soothed and smooth.
Medik8 Surface Radiance Cleanse
Cleansing products which contain both AHAs and BHAs are notorious for giving your skin a thorough, deep cleansing and this one from Medik8 is no different. This refreshing cleanser includes an exfoliating AHA/BHA complex of mandelic, lactic and salicylic acid as well as glycerin for a pore refining, deep cleanse. It’s further infused with mangosteen and raspberry extracts to provide natural antioxidant protection and increase skin barrier function.
Last updated on 02/02/2023.