Beta Hydroxy Acids

Beta Hydroxy Acids

What is a Beta Hydroxy Acid?  It is more commonly known as a BHA, which stands for beta hydroxy acid.

BHAs are oil-soluble.  Unlike AHAs, BHAs can get deeper into the pores to remove dead skin cells and excess sebum.

BHA’s are primarily used for acne and sun damage.  These products go deep into your hair follicles to dry out excess oils and dead skin cells to unclog your pores.

Because of these effects, BHAs are most suitable for combination to oily skin.  Lower concentrations may be used to help calm sensitive skin.  You may also have more success with BHAs if you wanted to reduce rosacea-related redness.

How to use BHAs

BHA’s are also designed for daily use, but you may need to apply a few times per week at first until your skin gets accustomed to them.

Although BHA’s don’t make your skin as sensitive to the sun compared to AHA’s, you should still wear sunscreen every single day.

This will help prevent further sun damage.

Salicylic acid

Salicylic acid is the most common BHA.  Concentrations can range between 0.5 and 5 percent, depending on the product at hand. It’s well-known as an acne treatment, but it can also help calm down general redness and inflammation.

Citric acid

While primarily classified as an AHA, some formulations of citric acid are BHAs, too.  Rather than even out your skin’s pH levels, this type of citric acid is primarily used to dry out excess sebum and clean out dead skin cells deep in your pores.

BHA products – Beta Hydroxy Acids

BHA’s are primarily an exfoliator, so be careful as if you overdo it they can cause dryness and irritation.   It is found in LA Skincare’s squeaky clean cleanser, along with lactic acid, an AHA.

Confused?

A BHA may better suited if you want to calm down inflammation and get rid of acne.

If you still aren’t sure which to choose, talk to your LA Skincare specialist.   They can answer any questions you have and recommend specific ingredients or products to try.