BHA in Skincare: Uses and Benefits for Skin

BHA stands for beta hydroxy acid. These are basically cleansers but there also many products that have beta hydroxy acid as a main ingredient.

BHA are very helpful in removing excess oil and acne from skin. They also help in regeneration of new skin cells along with replacement of old cells. They are also very good as exfoliators and help in exfoliation of the top layer of skin.

Purpose: Why it Should be a Part of Your Skincare Regimen

The main and basic purpose of BHA is to help in skin exfoliation and deep cleansing. They can penetrate deep into your skin and help in removal of excess oil, sebum, dirt and dead skin cells from your skin.

BHA can improve the texture of your skin by eliminating dirt and bacteria from your face giving you a clear and blemish-free skin.

Benefits of using BHA on skin

• Improve skin texture
• Give a clear and radiant skin
• Help in reducing skin inflammation
• Makes your skin tone even
• Decreases pores and wrinkles on your face
• Replaces old skin cells with new ones
• Removes dirt and bacteria from face
• Removes oil and dead skin cells
• Good for an acne-prone skin
• Used for protection against sun damage
• Penetrate deeper into skin

Difference b/w AHA and BHA: What each does to Your Skin

AHA

·        stands for alpha hydroxy acid.

·        It is a water- soluble acid and is good for sensitive skin.

·        AHA can not penetrate deeper into the skin.

BHA

·        As already discussed, it is beta hydroxy acid.

·        BHAs are oil-soluble and is good for an acne-prone and oily skin.

·        BHA can penetrate deeper into the skin and thus can deeply exfoliate the skin by removing dead skin cells, dirt, bacteria and oil from the skin.

How to use BHAs: Ultimate Guide

BHAs are good for everyday use. All you need to do is to apply it a few times per week. In this way, your skin will become habitual of it.

 BHA is used to reduce the appearance of wrinkles on your skin. It also reduces fine lines and gives your skin an even tone.

Here are some of the products or ingredients that you can use in your skincare routine as a BHA supplement.

Salicylic acid

• Salicylic acid is the most common form of BHA.
• It helps reduce acne and fine lines from the skin.
• Protects against sun damage
• It also helps to reduce redness and inflammation from your skin.

Citric acid

• Citric acid is good for balancing the skin’s pH levels
• It is specifically used to treat dry and oily skin.
• It helps remove excess oil and dead skin cells from your skin.
• There are also some other ingredients/products you can use:
• Beta hydroxybutanoic acid
• Tropic acid
• Trethocanic acid

Possible side effects of BHAs

The skincare products containing BHA can cause these possible side effects:

• Skin irritation
• Redness on the skin
• Sun burn

How to use BHA safely

•   The best way of starting to use BHA in your skincare routine is to apply a little on your face.
•   Note your skin reaction.
•   If you get a slightly allergy or redness by applying BHA, stop using it.
•   Otherwise, it is good for your skin.
•   Always consult your dermatologist if anything happens to your skin.

Conclusion

BHA are beta hydroxy acids good for oily and acne-prone skin. They help reduce inflammation. They also prevent aging by reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

It should be included in your skincare routine. Note your skin reaction after applying it first time. If you get skin irritation, stop using it on your skin.