AHAs vs BHAs: What's the difference & which is more effective?

A look at which chemical exfoliant you should use on skin in perimenopause or menopause.

By Womaness Editors     2-Minute Read

Alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) and beta hydroxy acids (BHAs) are both types of exfoliating acids commonly used in skincare products to improve skin texture and appearance. The main difference between AHAs and BHAs lies in their chemical structure and how they work on the skin.

What are AHAs?

AHAs, such as glycolic acid and lactic acid, are water-soluble acids that work on the skin's surface to remove dead skin cells, improve skin tone, and promote cell turnover. They are effective for treating sun damage, fine lines, and uneven skin tone.

What are BHAs?

On the other hand, BHAs, such as salicylic acid, are oil-soluble acids that can penetrate deep into the pores to unclog them and exfoliate the skin from within. BHAs are effective for treating acne, blackheads, and oily skin because of their ability to reduce inflammation and remove excess oil.

Which one is best for me?

When it comes to determining which acid is more effective, it depends on your specific skin concerns. AHAs are better suited for those with dry or sun-damaged skin, while BHAs are more suitable for those with acne-prone or oily skin. Some people may benefit from using both types of acids in their skincare routine, while others may find one type more

We formulated Brighten Up to contain both AHAs and BHAs because perimenopause and menopause can bring all sorts of skincare issues. The best formulas contain both types of acids. They make your skin the smoothest, softest and most bright and clear. There are no safety concerns to using both on your skin at one time. You might want to try using Brighten Up two times per week and build up to using four to five times per week. 

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