AHA vs BHA
What Are AHAs?
AHA = Alpha Hydroxy Acid
(Examples: Glycolic Acid, Lactic Acid, Mandelic Acid)
AHAs are water-soluble, meaning they work on the skin’s surface to remove dead cells and promote smoothness and glow.
Benefits:
• Smooths texture
• Brightens dullness
• Softens fine lines
• Fades dark spots
• Improves tone
Best For:
• Dry skin
• Dull skin
• Texture
• Pigmentation
• Mature skin
Glycolic (found in peel toners) is the most common.
What Are BHAs?
BHA = Beta Hydroxy Acid
(Example: Salicylic Acid)
BHAs are oil-soluble, meaning they travel into pores, breaking down excess oil and debris.
Benefits:
• Clears clogged pores
• Reduces blackheads + whiteheads
• Controls oil
• Calms redness
• Smooths congestion
Best For:
• Oily skin
• Acne-prone skin
• Congestion
• Blackheads
• Large-looking pores
Should You Use AHAs or BHAs?
Choose AHA if you want:
- smoother texture
- brighter tone
- better glow
- fine line softening
Choose BHA if you want:
- fewer blackheads
- less oil
- reduced congestion
- clearer pores
Can You Use AHAs and BHAs Together?
Yes — when your skin barrier is healthy.
Combining them can give:
- deeper exfoliation
- smoother texture
- clearer pores
- brighter tone
BUT beginners should start with one and slowly rotate.
How to Use Them Together (Safely)
Routine Example:
- Monday: AHA
- Wednesday: BHA
- Friday: AHA or BHA
Alternate days = best results, minimal irritation.
When to Use AHAs
Use AHAs when you want to:
- brighten
- smooth
- reduce pigmentation
- soften lines
Perfect before events for glow.
When to Use BHAs
Use BHAs when you want to:
- clear blackheads
- reduce oiliness
- smooth congestion
- calm breakouts
Who Should Avoid Daily Use
Anyone with:
- active barrier damage
- peeling
- stinging
- rosacea flares
Slow and steady wins.
Best Time of Day
AHAs + BHAs are PM products.
They increase sun sensitivity.
ALWAYS follow with SPF in the morning.
Common Myths
Myth: Scrubs are better than acids.
Truth: Scrubs can micro-scratch; acids are smoother + safer.
Myth: AHAs cause thinning.
Truth: They thicken the dermis and improve collagen.
Myth: BHAs dry everyone out.
Truth: BHAs are actually soothing in the right dose.
Pro Tips
- AHAs pair well with Niacinamide to calm redness.
- Avoid layering retinol + AHAs/BHAs on the same night (unless advanced).
- Moisturize after acids to support the barrier.
Recommended Glóavia Products
Glycolic Acid Exfoliating Toner (AHA)
Smooths texture, brightens dullness, and softens fine lines for a fresh, radiant look.
Purifying Toner / Clarifying Gel (BHA-focused system)
Helps unclog pores, reduce congestion, and support clearer, more balanced skin.
Use together (rotated) for:
✅ smoother tone
✅ clearer pores
✅ brighter complexion
✅ reduced congestion
Bottom Line
- AHAs = surface glow + smoothness
- BHAs = pore clearing + congestion control
Most people benefit from rotating both.
