A lot of people today are switching out the usual harsh face scrubs for gentle chemical exfoliant-based face washes that have either AHA, BHA, or PHA in them. The reason for this switch is because these solutions are far less harsh on your skin compared to the scrubs. People nowadays are looking for more gentle skincare routine options.
From Scrubs to Science
For a while now, exfoliation meant that you had to scrub your face with beads, shells, or microplastics to remove dead skin. The feeling after was satisfying, but a lot of people didn’t realize that it was damaging their skin barrier, leading to irritation. Today, exfoliation is all about balance; that’s where AHAs (Alpha Hydroxy Acids), BHAs (Beta Hydroxy Acids), and PHAs (Poly Hydroxy Acids) come in. These chemical exfoliants deliver smooth, glowing skin without damaging your skin barrier.
All About AHAs
AHAs are water-soluble acids that you get from fruits like sugarcane and citrus fruits. How they work is that they dissolve the dead skin cells, which will help you get a brighter and more even complexion. The two popular AHAs you’d see in toners are glycolic acid and lactic acid. They help with dullness, uneven texture, and pigmentation. They gently reignite your skin, showing a fresh, soft layer of skin that looks radiant.
All About BHAs
Most BHA solutions go deeper into the skin, especially salicylic acid. BHA solutions are oil-soluble, meaning they enter pores to clear all the dirt, sebum, and blackheads. This solution is perfect for people with oily or acne-prone skin. Today, brands are going ahead with making low-dose BHA solutions that help them get the results they want without overdrying or giving them flaky skin.
All About PHAs
If you have really sensitive skin and you react to strong solutions, then PHAs might be the play for you. They work the same as AHAs, but with larger molecules, meaning the exfoliation process is gentler and slower. They also help hydrate your skin while exfoliating, making it perfect for people with dry or sensitive skin.
How to Add Them to Your Skincare Routine
Don’t jump into anything too quick. Start slow by adding an AHA, BHA, or PHA product to your routine once or twice a week. Always use a moisturizer and sunscreen because exfoliants make your skin slightly more sensitive to the sun. If you’re still confused about where to start and how to start, then try options from brands like Cetaphil, which is a great exfoliating cleanser that’s very gentle to the skin. It helps bring that glow and brings back that soft skin. After using either AHA, BHA, or PHA products, you’d notice a change over time, you’ll notice a smoother texture, clear pores, and glowing skin.
Today, skincare enthusiasts are going by the phrase “smarter, not harsher.” Using these solutions helps you get that glowing aesthetic. It’s time to stop using scrubs and go for more solutions that are easier on the face.
