If you're into skin care, you must have heard of the terms AHA, BHA, LHA or PHA. And if you are still not too familiar with them or wondering how they differ from one another, we got you covered.
The above mentioned are all Hydroxy Acids, AHAs (Alpha Hydroxy Acids), BHAs (Beta Hydroxy Acids), LHAs (Lipo Hydroxy Acids) and PHAs (Poly Hydroxy Acids). Hydroxy acids are exfoliants, often found in skin care products such as toners, serums, cream or anti-aging products. They have the ability to dissolve dead skin cells on the surface of the skin, revealing the new and smooth skin beneath, and simultaneously encouraging new cell generation.
This in turn leads to a series of effects including more radiant skin as new skin cells beneath are brighter resulting in glowing skin. Hydroxy acids in skin care also promote collagen production as once the upper layer epidermis is removed, collagen in the dermis layer is triggered to start working more heavily. Hydroxy acids are also anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory, while another key benefit of hydroxy acids is prevention and treatment of acne, as one key cause of acne is the build up of dead skin cells, or clogged pores from sebum or bacteria.
AHAs can come in many forms, the most common are Glycolic acid and Lactic acid, while BHA is essentially Salicylic acid. The two hydroxy acids are similar in that they act to breakdown the bonds which hold dead skin cells together. AHA is typically recommended for normal to dry skin, while BHA for normal to oily skin. PHAs are similar to AHAs but claimed to more hydrating and gentler on the skin. LHA however, is known to be most gentle among the four but just as effective, partly due to having an active pH of 5.5 which is the same level as the skin. This makes it less irritating and hence more compatible for those with sensitive or acne-prone skin, also suitable in treating skin conditions such as rosacea or rosacea acne.
The Mellow Naturals Clarifying Face Serum contains LHA in the form of Capryloyl Salicylic Acid, click here to find out more about the product.
