Once and for all: this is the difference between AHA and BHA in skincare

AHA & BHA Skincare - a little background knowledge of AHA and BHA is always a good idea. So, today we're focusing on these two fruit acids, each with a different effect on the skin. So, what exactly is the difference between AHA and BHA? And which type of fruit acid will benefit your skin? Read on!

AHAs and BHAs are both fruit acids that dissolve the "glue" that holds dead skin cells together, causing them to slough off. AHA stands for alpha hydroxy acids, such as glycolic acid and lactic acid. BHA stands for beta hydroxy acid (salicylic acid). BHA or AHA in skincare is usually used in the form of an exfoliant. Your skin sheds approximately a million dead skin cells every day. However, various factors can disrupt or slow this shedding process, leaving skin dry and dull and clogging pores. To keep your skin glowing and smooth and prevent clogged, enlarged pores, you can use products with AHAs and/or BHAs.

AHAs are water-soluble fruit acids. Using an AHA acid loosens dead skin cells, revealing new, fresh skin cells. It also stimulates cell renewal in the deeper layers of the skin and improves moisture balance. For these reasons, AHAs also have an anti-aging effect! The most well-known AHAs are glycolic acid, lactic acid, malic acid, citric acid, pyruvic acid, and tartaric acid. Because AHA exfoliants are water-soluble and work primarily on the skin's surface, they are particularly suitable for normal to dry skin showing signs of sun damage. It has been scientifically proven that AHAs visibly reduce signs of sun damage and wrinkles.

Unlike AHAs, BHAs are not water-soluble, but oil-soluble. They work both on the skin's surface and deep within the pores. Because they are oil-soluble, BHAs are ideal for combination or oily skin prone to breakouts, bumps, and clogged or enlarged pores. BHA can penetrate sebum and oil to cleanse the pore from within; this pore-unclogging property is a key characteristic of a BHA. But BHAs offer benefits for all skin types. A product containing BHA can hydrate, reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, and improve the texture, firmness, and tone of your skin. The most common BHA is salicylic acid, an ingredient found in many of our favorite skincare products in our webshop .

Both AHAs and BHAs have the following benefits:

• They reduce the visibility of fine lines and wrinkles
• They make the skin look and feel firmer
• They make dull skin shine again (hello healthy glow)
• They hydrate the skin
• They soften rough skin and bumps
• They also have unique properties, making AHAs and BHAs suitable for different skin types

Now that you've had a little masterclass on AHAs and BHAs, and know the difference, you might be thinking: give me one of those products! If you're definitely interested in adding an AHA or BHA product to your routine, be sure to check out the Olivida webshop. We've selected the very best products with high concentrations of AHA and BHA that can truly benefit your skin. Because we only use professional salon products, you'll see a real difference after using the right product. And that's what we're aiming for: a visible and tangible improvement in your skin condition. So you can literally and figuratively feel better about yourself. You can search by ingredient or product type. For example, click on 'salicylic acid' in the menu and you'll be taken directly to the product page. If you'd like to search specifically for an exfoliant or peel, click here .

Check out some skincare products with glycolic acid below. Open the chat for personalized advice, or take the SkinQuiz .

Browse some BHA skincare products with salicylic acid below. Open the chat for personalized advice, or take the SkinQuiz.

Unsure about what your skin needs? A product with AHAs, BHAs, or perhaps something completely different? You can easily request a free skin consultation via chat or skin quiz! Our skin specialist, Lisa, will examine your skin and immediately recommend suitable skincare or haircare products. We'll identify your skin type and, if necessary, specify your skin concerns. Because we tell you exactly what your skin needs, it's easy to select the right products for your skin. We also sell a wide selection of individual products, and we recently added mini and travel sizes to our range so you can try a product at your leisure. Have a question about a specific product or your skin type? Don't hesitate to start the chat; we're happy to help!

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