Blackheads should use AHA or BHA?

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AHA and BHA are two active ingredients that are mentioned a lot when it comes to chemical exfoliation methods. Therefore, when learning about ways to treat blackheads, users often consider choosing products that contain AHA and BHA ingredients. So when you have blackheads, should you use AHA or BHA?

1. Definition of Blackhead

Blackheads, also known as open pore clogging, is a skin problem that many people face, especially in hot and humid tropical climates. Blackheads appear when the pores become clogged with oil or sebum and dead skin cells, then these oils or sebum when exposed to the air will oxidize and turn black. mistakenly thought it was due to dirt clinging to it.
Blackheads often appear on the face, back, chest ... especially in the face, blackheads often appear in oily areas such as the T-zone, especially in the nose area. Blackheads appear can be due to one of the following reasons:
Hormonal disorders: androgen hormone is too active; Excess oil due to the habit of taking care of the skin with oils that are difficult to absorb, applying too many layers of skin care products makes the skin sticky and clogs pores. The excess of sebum along with dead skin cells when exposed to the air will be an oxidizing agent that turns acne spots on the skin into black; Menstrual disorders ; The sebum composition of the skin is changed; Bad lifestyle such as smoking habit, sleeping late...

2. What are AHAs and BHAs?

Our skin has an automatic mechanism to shed dead cells every day, but for many reasons, this mechanism can be weakened and slowed down leading to clogged pores, dull skin and dry skin. acne, especially blackheads. Therefore, removing dead cells is a useful measure to help improve the condition of blackheads on the skin.
Exfoliation is usually applied in 2 ways: physical exfoliation and chemical exfoliation. Physical exfoliation is the use of products containing coarse particles to rub on the surface of the skin, removing dead cells on the surface, so the skin is prone to scratches and irritation. On the other hand, chemical exfoliation helps to clean the skin more gently and thoroughly, often applied to sensitive skin or skin with acne problems. Among the ingredients that have chemical exfoliating effects, two outstanding active ingredients are AHA (Alpha Hydroxy Acid) and BHA (Beta Hydroxy Acid), which is considered the perfect solution in removing dead cells. present dead cells.

AHA and BHA both belong to the group of acids derived from nature, which help to remove dead cells, minimize acne, assist in the removal of acne dark spots, significantly improve wrinkles and smooth the skin.
Both AHAs and BHAs work on the common principle that they affect the top surface structure of the stratum corneum, breaking them down, thereby helping to remove dead cells, promoting new cell production. However, these two components have quite a few differences.
2.1. AHA In origin, AHA is a water-based acid found in fruit or milk (Lactic acid, Glycolic acid, Malic acid, Citric acid). AHAs are very water soluble, so they are the best choice for dry, aging, dull or uneven skin tone. AHA works on the surface of the skin, has the effect of protecting and enhancing the growth of the epidermis, helping to improve the quality of elastin and collagen fibers, making the skin younger many times stronger. AHAs also increase the ability to moisturize by helping cells absorb water quickly, so people with dry and aging skin problems will feel soft and smooth skin after 1-2 weeks of using AHAs. . The most suitable concentration of AHA for the skin is from 5-10%, the pH is from 3-4.
2.2. BHA In origin, BHA is an oil-based acid, the most commonly used product is Salicylic Acid extracted from willow bark. BHA is oil-soluble, so it is often more suitable for oily skin, skin with large pores, acne or acne scars, and sensitive skin. Thanks to its oil-based properties, BHA will penetrate through the pores, thereby removing clogged sebum (the main cause of acne), while controlling excess oil. BHA works quite gently on the skin, even sensitive, easily irritated skin. In addition, BHA is also anti-inflammatory, effectively reduces swelling, helps to improve acne and dark spots left by acne, the improvement can be seen clearly after 3-6 weeks of using BHA. The appropriate concentration of BHA for the skin is 1-2% and the pH is 3-4. Note, when using AHA or BHA, you must use sunscreen because the acid component often makes the skin more sensitive in the sun.

3. Should blackheads use AHA or BHA?

To treat blackheads, one of the methods is regular exfoliation, patients can use substances such as glycolic acid (an AHA), salicylic acid (BHA) or chemical exfoliants. another to dissolve impurities and dead skin in the upper layer of the skin. Do pick up products that contain AHA or BHA ingredients that can both be used to treat blackheads.
As mentioned above, blackheads appear when a pore is clogged with oil or sebum and dead skin cells, so in addition to removing dead skin, BHAs also have oil-soluble (other) properties. with water-soluble AHA) so it will be more suitable for people with oily skin, skin with large pores, skin with acne problems, especially blackheads, acne, acne ...
Also For AHAs, water-soluble chemical exfoliants are more suitable when treating blackheads for dry skin, aging skin, dull skin.
In short, both AHAs or BHAs are effective in treating blackheads, so depending on skin and usage needs, users can actively choose for themselves active ingredients and suitable concentrations. fit.
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