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

Lingonberry 5% Acid Toner (AHA)

Smooths texture, brightens dullness, and softens fine lines for a fresh, radiant look.

Sweet Flag & Lavender Clarifier /Plum Essence Cleanser (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