Triple Hydroxy Acids: How AHA BHA PHA Exfoliator Can Transform Your Skin

Heard about skincare acids? Okay, it might sound a little weird, but these are really about to step up your routine! And no need to stress over those complicated names—most of it is just simple, natural stuff. But, what's the deal with them? Why should you even care? We'll break it down for you. 

If you’re all about that flawless, no-bumps, no-pores vibe, you need to get familiar with chemical exfoliants like AHAs, BHAs, and PHAs. These triple hydroxy acids are the real deal for levelling up your exfoliation game. If you haven’t tried them yet, now’s the perfect time to get on board!

These acids gently sweep away dead skin cells and clear out your pores, giving you that natural, glowing look. These triple hydroxy acids are completely different groups of exfoliants. Salicylic acid? That's a BHA. Glycolic acid? AHA. Hyaluronic acid? Nope, not in this club. Lactic acid? Yep, that's an AHA too. And let’s not forget about PHAs like Lactobionic acid, which gently exfoliate while keeping your skin hydrated.

It can be a bit of a maze, we know! That's why we got this guide to spill all the beans on skin exfoliators, so you can slay your skin goals. Let's get that glow going!

First things first, what are all these acronyms?

The acid world breaks down into three main categories:

• Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHAs) - help remove dead skin & brighten your complexion
• Beta Hydroxy Acids (BHAs) -  deep cleanse pores to clear out dirt and oil
• Polyhydroxy Acids (PHAs) - gentle ones that exfoliate while keeping your skin hydrated

Alright, let's understand what’s AHAs:

AHAs, or alpha-hydroxy acids, are natural exfoliants you’ll find in ingredients like sugarcane (glycolic acid), milk (lactic acid), and fruits (citric acid).

These water-soluble acids effectively exfoliate the skin's surface, making them ideal for addressing fine lines, uneven texture, and sun damage. AHAs break down the bonds between dead skin cells, helping to reveal a brighter and smoother complexion.

Some popular types include glycolic acid, which helps prevent breakouts and reduces pore size, and lactic acid, which hydrates the skin by boosting its natural hyaluronic acid levels.

So, if you want to target fine lines, wrinkles, or sun damage, AHAs are a great choice. And if dry skin's your thing, AHAs are the best bet over BHAs, which target oil.

Types of AHAs

There are a bunch of AHAs out there, but one of the main ones Neude loves using is lactic acid. They usually mix it up with other AHAs for some seriously next-level, deep skin action—like in their SkinGenesis All-in-One Face Serum! 

This serum’s got lactic acid and niacinamide to boost cell turnover, so you’re left with smooth, glowing skin. It’s all about keeping your skin hydrated, protected, and that glow looking fresh AF. And yeah, it’s got aloe vera and green tea for that extra chill, soothing vibe.

Yo, check it out—here are the benefits of AHAs:

AHAs are super effective because they work on all parts of your skin! They don’t hold back; they target both the surface (epidermis) and deeper layers (dermis). By breaking the bonds between dead skin cells, they help clear the way for fresh, glowing skin!

Sun damaged skin? If you're dealing with sun-damaged skin, AHAs are your best bet for tackling sun spots and fine lines. These potent ingredients help minimize the visible effects of sun exposure. But don’t forget to layer up with SPF!

So, by now, you know AHAs, right? Well, let's talk about PHAs!

PHAs, or polyhydroxy acids, are the gentle exfoliators of the acid family. They’re similar to AHAs but have larger molecules, which means they exfoliate more gently and are less likely to irritate sensitive skin.

You’ll find PHAs in ingredients like Lactobionic acid. This acid not only helps sweep away dead skin cells but also brings some serious hydration to the table. If your skin leans dry or easily irritated, PHAs are where it’s at.

What makes PHAs stand out is their ability to refine your skin’s texture while also packing a punch with antioxidant benefits. They help reinforce your skin's moisture barrier, ensuring it stays hydrated and healthy. They also act as a humectant, trapping moisture to keep your skin feeling soft and supple for longer.

If you want to gently exfoliate without the harshness of stronger acids, PHAs are a great choice. They’ll leave your skin feeling smooth and refreshed without any irritation!

Bringing PHA (Lactobionic Acid) to the science of _ milk Skincare!

Lactobionic acid offers everything from gentle exfoliation to deep hydration. And now, the magic of this molecular milk active can be found in Lay Bare Body PROfoliator by Neude Skin, a triple HA-rich body exfoliator that has Lactobionic Acid (PHA), Lactic Acid and Glycolic Acid (AHAs), plus Salicylic Acid (BHA) come together with powerful active ingredients for the ultimate skin glow-up.

With Lactobionic Acid, The science of _ milk is expanding. Keep watching out, your skin’s gonna want to drink up this new milk for an effortlessly Hi-Glaze glow.

Check it out, here are the benefits of PHAs for your skin:

Gentle Exfoliation: PHAs are all about giving your skin a gentle exfoliation. They effectively sweep away dead skin cells without causing irritation, making them perfect for sensitive skin. Your skin gets a fresh start without the harshness!

Hydration Boost:  Not only do PHAs help slough off those dead cells, but they also attract moisture like a magnet. That means your skin stays hydrated and plump, giving you that dewy glow we all love.

Improves Skin Texture:  Regularly using PHAs can really enhance your skin’s texture. They work to reduce rough patches and uneven areas, making your complexion look and feel way better.

Supports the Skin Barrier: PHAs are also great for strengthening your skin’s natural moisture barrier. This is super important for keeping your skin healthy and preventing moisture loss, so you can keep that glow going strong.

Antioxidant Protection: Let’s not forget about their antioxidant benefits! PHAs help protect your skin from environmental stressors and free radicals that can cause damage.

Now let’s discuss BHAs

BHAs, or beta-hydroxy acids, are another type of skin-friendly acid. They’re similar to AHAs, but they work a bit differently. The most well-known BHA is salicylic acid!

So, what do BHAs do? Well, they’re oil-soluble skin exfoliators, which means they penetrate deep into pores. This makes them great for tackling clogged pores and blackheads. They can also help reduce redness and sensitivity in your skin.

And if you have oily skin, BHAs can help balance that oiliness, making your skin feel more comfortable. To sum it up, using BHAs regularly can help clear out clogged pores, reduce blackheads, soothe your skin, and give you a more balanced complexion. Sounds pretty good, right?

Types of BHAs

When we talk about beta-hydroxy acids (BHAs) in skincare, we’re really talking about salicylic acid. You’ll see it everywhere in the skincare world, and there’s a good reason for that! It’s great at unclogging your pores, so you’ll have fewer breakouts and smoother skin all around.

If you’re looking to experience the benefits of BHAs, check out Neude Skin’s Tone It Up Face Toner. It’s loaded with salicylic acid and is perfect for anyone dealing with oily, acne-prone skin. This toner helps keep excess oil in check, fights off breakouts, and takes care of blackheads and whiteheads like a pro!

Check it out, here are the benefits of BHAs:

Smooths Skin Texture: BHAs help slough off dead skin cells and excess oil, giving your skin a smoother feel and a more even appearance.

Minimizes Pores: BHAs penetrate deep into your pores, clearing out oil, dirt, and dead skin that can lead to blackheads and acne. This results in clearer, healthier-looking skin.

Fights acne: Salicylic acid, the main BHA exfoliant, works great for acne-prone skin. It works its way deep into pores to prevent oil buildup and has anti-inflammatory benefits that help calm redness and irritation.

AHA, BHA & PHA: How to choose? 

When it comes to picking the right product, it all boils down to what your skin needs. If you’re dealing with cystic acne or breakouts, BHA is where it’s at. It’s even better when mixed with other acne-busting ingredients like peptides and lactic acid. BHA digs deep, tackling those stubborn spots without making your skin feel irritated.

Now, if you have sensitive skin or want a gentler approach, PHA is a great alternative. PHAs, like Lactobionic acid, provide effective exfoliation without the harshness that some may experience with AHAs or BHAs. They’re excellent at refining skin texture and boosting hydration, helping to keep your skin calm and balanced while addressing issues like uneven tone and dryness.

But let’s say your main concern is dry and dull skin—this is where AHAs are the way to glow. They go straight for the surface of your skin, helping to even out pigmentation and give you that lasting glow.For lasting even-toned glow try Neude’s FaceTime! It’s an instant face mask curated specially for skin brightening and acne reduction. 

So whether you’re fighting breakouts with BHA, opting for the gentle touch of PHA, or aiming for a brighter complexion with AHA, choosing the right acid can make a big difference in your skincare routine!

Never skip SPF after using acids!

Alright, listen up! If you’re using acids in your skincare routine, sunscreen is a must. Seriously, don’t even think about skipping it. After exfoliating, your skin gets a little sensitive, and you don’t want to mess around with those sneaky UVA rays. So, the deal is simple: exfoliate, SPF up, and repeat! Missing out on sunscreen could lead to pigmentation issues, and nobody wants that drama.

We all know the drill—sometimes sunscreen just slips our minds because life gets hectic. Plus, who wants that greasy feeling? But guess what? There are plenty of lightweight sunscreens with supercharged actives that hydrate without the shine. You can totally rock that sun-kissed glow and keep your skin protected at the same time!

 

Take Neude Skin’s Sunstoppable SPF45 PA+++ Sunscreen, for instance. It’s got a super light formula that sinks right in, so you won’t be stuck with that annoying white cast. This 3-in-1 sunscreen is perfect for those long days in the sun—it protects, repairs, and hydrates all at once.

So, don’t forget to cap off your acid routine with a good layer of SPF. 

Tips to incorporate AHA, BHA & PHA into your skincare routine 

Start off slow: If you’re just getting into these acids, ease in. Try a gentle product once a week, then slowly up the frequency. Going too fast might cause irritation and dryness, so remember to be patient!

Pick the right product: There are tons of options out there, like a face moisturizer, face toner, face serum, and face mask. Choose one that matches your skin type. Got oily or acne-prone skin? BHA like the Tone It Up might be your best buddy because it dives deep into those pores.

Don't mix and match: These exfoliants don't play well with others. Skip the scrubs and physical exfoliants when you're using AHA, BHA or PHA to avoid irritating your skin.

Sunscreen is your BFF: These acids can make your skin more sensitive to the sun, so don't forget your SPF during the day. It's like giving your skin a little umbrella to stay safe from UV rays.

Listen to your skin: Everyone's skin is different, so pay attention to how yours reacts. If it's not loving these acids, dial it back or give it a break.

Our take on Triple Hydroxy Acids

And that’s a wrap on exploring triple hydroxy acids! Whether you’re reaching for AHAs, BHAs, or PHAs, each type of skin exfoliator offers something unique for your skincare routine. But remember, start slow, find what works for your skin, and watch out for any side effects. With these powerful activities in your arsenal, you're on your way to achieving your skincare goals and rocking that Hi Glaze skin!