AHA vs. BHA: What It Is and Benfits of AHA and BHA Serum

March 30, 2023

By Srishty Singh

Acne-prone skin can be a complex condition to manage, especially if you have tried multiple skincare products with little to no success. However, one solution that has proven effective in clearing acne-prone skin is incorporating AHA, BHA, and Niacinamide into your skincare routine. But before we get to this cheat sheet, let’s understand acne-prone skin What Is Acne-Prone Skin? Acne-prone skin looks different for different folks. Here are some signs that will help you determine if you need to accommodate AHA, BHA and Niacinamide in your rotation. Alternatively, we recommend consulting a board-certified dermatologist to quell all confusion. 1. Oily skin: One of the most signs of acne-prone is excessive oil production. This occurs due to overactive sebaceous glands especially down the T-zone, along the forehead, and around the chin. 2. Whiteheads and blackheads: When excess sebum, dead cells, and impurities clog pores, you may experience pesky whiteheads or blackheads. The latter have bigger openings on the skin’s surface that allow melanin’s oxidation, leading to the black hue. 3. Acne: Acne occurs when bacteria start thriving in clogged pores, leading to bumps and inflammation. What Are Some Triggers For Acne-Prone Skin? The first step for treating acne-prone skin – being well-versed in your triggers. Scroll ahead for the most common ones 1. Hormonal changes 2. Excess stress 3. Genetic propensity 4. Lifestyle choices 5. Ageing and other natural processes What Is AHA, BHA, And Niacinamide? AHA and BHA are exfoliants that help eliminate dead skin cells and unclog pores. AHA (Alpha Hydroxy Acid) is water-soluble and works on the surface of the skin. It helps to exfoliate the top layer of dead skin cells and promote cell turnover. BHA (Beta Hydroxy Acid) is oil-soluble and penetrates deeper into the skin. It works to unclog pores and clear excess oil, making it especially helpful for oily, acne-prone skin. Niacinamide belongs to the family of vitamin B3 and has anti-inflammatory and redness-reducing properties. This makes it a beneficial ingredient for sensitive or acne-prone skin individuals. It also helps to regulate sebum production and can improve the appearance of pores. How To Use AHA, BHA And Niacinamide For Acne-Prone Skin Introducing AHA, BHA, and Niacinamide into your skincare routine slowly and gradually is important Start by using a product containing these ingredients once or twice a week and gradually increase frequency over time. This will help avoid irritation and sensitivity. In addition, it is crucial to apply sunscreen during the day while using AHA or BHA products, as they can increase skin sensitivity to the sun. AHA For Acne-Prone Skin AHA can provide significant advantages if you have skin prone to acne, as it can effectively exfoliate the surface layer of dead skin cells and promote the regeneration of new cells. This process can assist in unclogging pores and preventing the development of new breakouts. Glycolic acid is a common form of AHA used in skincare products. It functions by breaking down the bonds between dead skin cells, making it easier to eliminate them from the skin’s surface. Glycolic acid can be found in cleansers, toners, and serums. Lactic acid is another form of AHA skincare that is gentler than glycolic acid. It is a great option for those with sensitive skin or for those who are new to using exfoliants. Lactic acid can be found in cleansers, toners, and moisturizers. Best AHA BHA Exfoliating Serum If you’re looking to add an exfoliant to your skincare routine, might we recommend Foxtale’s AHA BHA Exfoliating Serum? The gentle formula sloughs off excess sebum and build-up from deep inside the pores, ensuring a smooth, clear surface. Powered with Salicylic Acid and Glycolic Acid, here’s why this product stands tall in an avalanche of offerings - 1. Unlike other exfoliants in the market, Foxtale’s innovative serum doesn’t cause any stinging or burning sensation on the skin. 2. The non-greasy serum fights blackheads, whiteheads, acne and more without making your skin feel stripped. 3. The best part? Our serum contains Hyaluronic Acid at the forefront. The powerful humectant binds water molecules to the skin – approximately X1000 in its weight. Its topical application ensures soft and supple skin for a long period. Niacinamide For Acne-Prone Skin Niacinamide for skin is a great ingredient for those with acne-prone skin as it regulates sebum production and reduces inflammation. It can also help to improve the appearance of pores and reduce the frequency of breakouts. Niacinamide for skin can be found in skincare products like serums, moisturizers, and toners. It can be utilised in combination with salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide. When incorporating niacinamide into your skincare routine, you should see a reduction in inflammation and redness. The Best Niacinamide Serum On the lookout for a potent Niacinamide Serum? Well, look no further. Try Foxtale’s 5% Niacinamide Serum. This ‘Game Changer’ is bound to elevate your skincare exponentially. Ahead, all the reasons why you should bag our Niacinamide Serum 1. The featherlight serum doubles as a primer. It adroitly cloaks blemishes and shrinks pores to create a smooth, even surface for the rest of your makeup. 2. If you like to don matte beauty looks, this product should be on your radar. It glides easily, bestowing a matte finish on the skin. 3. A Godsend for folks with oily or acne-prone skin, the serum cuts excess sebum, resulting in oil-free radiance. 4. Niacinamide with Olive Leaf Extract also helps offset inflammation and other flare-ups. So, if you grapple with underlying sensitivities, this product is a must-have. Can I Layer Niacinamide With AHA BHA? Incorrect layering of active ingredients proves counterproductive to good skin. This is why, we recommend using Niacinamide and AHA BHAs at different times during your skincare. To avoid over-exfoliation, use the AHA BHA Exfoliating Serum 2 to 3 times in your weekly routine at night. The active ingredients aid in your skin renewal process by shedding old cells. Additionally, you can add the efficient Niacinamide Serum to your AM routine after it passes the patch test. Niacinamide supports skin hydration and alleviates inflammation, making it a good match for an AHA BHA Exfoliant. The Best Skincare Routine For Acne-Prone Skin Now that you’re well-versed in the benefits of Niacinamide and AHA BHA for acne-prone skin, let’s build an infallible routine featuring these actives. Scroll ahead - 1. Cleanse well: Cleansing twice a day is non-negotiable regardless of your skin. For acne-prone skin, thorough cleansing removes dirt, dead cells and excess sebum for a smooth surface. Moreover, it facilitates better absorption of your Niacinamide or AHA BHA serums. For folks with acne-prone skin, we recommend Foxtale’s Acne Control Face. The gentle formula expels excess oil, unclogs pores, and soothes inflammation. Moreover, Hyaluronic Acid and Niacinamide in the cleanser hydrate the skin and uphold the lipid barrier. 2. Treat: Once your skin is dry, apply Foxtale’s Niacinamide (or AHA BHA Serum at night) with a light hand. Don’t aggressively massage the formulation as it may lead to stress or strain on the skin. 3. Moisturize: Once the serum disappears, apply a generous amount of moisturizer. Infused with emollients, a moisturizer seals active ingredients into your skin for best results. Since acne-prone skin is susceptible to greasiness and clogged pores, we recommend Foxtale’s Oil Free Moisturizer. The lightweight formula controls oil and hydrates the skin without adding any weight to your skin. 4. SPF for sun protection: Next, add sunscreen to your morning routine. This formulation shields your skin against harmful UV rays to prevent tanning, burns, pigmentation, and photosensitivity. For acne-prone skin, we recommend Foxtale’s Mattifying Sunscreen. The Niacinamide-imbued formula ensures formidable sun protection without clogging pores. Conclusion: Achieving clear and healthy skin requires a consistent skincare routine that incorporates effective ingredients such as AHA, BHA, and Niacinamide. Understanding your skin type and concerns before selecting products and always patch-test new products is important. You can achieve the clear and radiant skin you desire with patience and dedication. FAQs 1. What are the benefits of using Niacinamide and AHA BHA in your morning/nighttime skincare routine? Using Niacinamide and AHA BHA has a myriad of benefits, some of which are listed below Regulated sebum production Minimized appearance of pores Alleviated inflammation or redness Reduced acne breakouts 2. Can I use Niacinamide during the day? Yes, you can add Niacinamide to your morning skincare routine. Apply it after thoroughly cleansing your face. 3. Does Niacinamide work for all skin types? Yes. Niacinamide bodes well for all skin types and here’s how For oily skin/ acne-prone skin: Niacinamide blots excess oil and prevents clogged pores. For dry skin: Niacinamide ensures sustained hydration by preventing TEWL or transepidermal water loss. For sensitive skin: The topical application of Niacinamide upholds the lipid barrier and soothes inflammation. 4. I have acne-prone skin. Should I use a moisturizer? Yes. Using a moisturizer after cleansing is non-negotiable, even for acne-prone skin. A potent moisturizer keeps your skin’s hydration intact and therefore, regulates sebum production. Results? Fewer breakouts. 5. What ingredients should I look for in acne-prone products? You can seek ingredients like Salicylic Acid, Niacinamide, Zinc, Azelaic Acid, and Retinol in your skincare products for acne. 6. Can I pop my pimples? No, we recommend not doing so. Popping pimples pushes bacteria deeper into the skin, leading to infections and inflammation. 7. What really is Niacinamide? Niacinamide is a form of Vitamin B3 that is found in nuts, dairy, and poultry. 8. How should I add Niacinamide to my skincare routine? You can add Niacinamide to your skincare routine in the form of a serum. The thin, water-like serum percolates deep into the skin to address concerns swiftly. 9. How does Niacinamide help with acne? Niacinamide curbs excess sebum, soothes inflammation and unclogs pores – making it a great fit for folks with acne. 10. Are there any side effects to using Niacinamide? Niacinamide has zero to no side effects. Having said that, some folks may experience redness or inflammation on the ingredient’s topical application. To avoid this, we recommend conducting a patch test before using the serum daily. 11. What concentration of Niacinamide should I use? 5 to 10% concentration of Niacinamide works well for most skin types without the fear of flare-ups. This is why we recommend opting for Foxtale’s inventive Niacinamide Serum.

August 11, 2022

By Srishty Singh

Chemical exfoliation has become one of the most popular skincare trends to this day, with varieties of products flooding the market. For the consumers, understanding the ingredients behind the products is the key to choosing the best. Presently, one of the most trending chemical exfoliants is PHA or polyhydroxy acid. If you are looking for a gentle solution to break free from the harshness of physical exfoliants, this can be your go-to product. Read on to know all about PHA and how to incorporate them into your skincare routine. What Is PHA? Just like AHA and BHA, PHA is another type of hydroxy acid or a chemical exfoliant. However, the larger molecules of this element set it apart as one of the gentlest chemical exfoliants you can find. They do not penetrate your skin too deep but enough to remove the dead skin satisfactorily. There are different types of PHA among which gluconolactone, galactose, and lactobionic acid are the most popular. You can find these in the form of serums, toners, and moisturizers. Benefits Of PHA: Why Is It Best For Beginners? With so many types of chemical exfoliants flooding the market, a common question that arises is what makes PHA so special. There are several benefits of PHA which make it one of the best products for skin exfoliation. 1. Suitable for sensitive skin: The PHA is mild enough to suit sensitive skin as well. The larger molecules need more time to penetrate the skin and hence do show the reactions too drastically. 2. Non-irritant: Since it is so gentle on the skin, it does not cause any irritation, especially for sensitive skin. There is no stinging sensation which is often common with other types of chemical exfoliants. 3. Maintains hydration: When using PHA, your skin remains hydrated since the ingredient is a humectant. It imparts a glow to your skin. 4. Anti-inflammatory: PHA is rich in antioxidants and can soothe inflammations even though it is an exfoliant. 5. Keeps glycation at bay: PHA helps to fight glycation which leads to the weakening of collagen and elastin in your skin. Side Effects Of PHA The best thing about PHA is the lack of side effects. There are no known side effects of PHA even on sensitive skin. It works superficially and thoroughly removes dead skin cells from the epidermal layer of your skin. Since it does not penetrate deep, it is a safe and easy-to-use exfoliant. AHA vs BHA vs PHA: Know the difference to pick the best Apart from PHA, there are other forms of more potent chemical exfoliators like AHA and BHA. But how do you determine which would suit your skin best? AHA BHA PHA Alpha Hydroxy Acid Beta Hydroxy Acid Polyhydroxy acid They are intense and penetrate deep, They work by flushing blocked pores. They are superficial chemical exfoliants More suitable for normal skin with major issues. Suitable for acne-prone skin. Suitable for all skin types including sensitive skin. Should not be used more than once or twice a week. Can be used upto 3 times a week. Can be used every day if required. Glycolic, Lactic, Citric, Mandelic, and Malic acid are forms of AHA. Salicylic acid is a form of BHA. Gluconolactone, galactose, and lactobionic acid are all forms of PHA. How To Use PHA? PHA is available in many forms like serums, moisturizers, and toners. Studies have proven it has anti- ageing effects without any side effects or irritation. However, it is essential to choose the right type of product to reap the maximum benefit. Especially for sensitive skin, PHA in the form of toner is the best choice. It is gentle on the skin and provides hydration while strengthening the skin barrier. However, it does not cause any irritation which is a possibility when you use any exfoliant on sensitive skin. Best Products To Use With PHA's Being such a versatile ingredient, PHA can be used with various other products and does not cause any side effects in most cases. 1. Cleanser: Most mild cleansers like the Foxtale daily duet cleanser complement any PHA exfoliant perfectly. 2. Face serum: Most types of face serums complement PHA products perfectly. However, if you are using a vitamin C serum like the Foxtale Vitamin C face serum, it is best not to layer PHA-based products with such serum in the same routine. You can easily use the vitamin C serum in the morning and PHA at night. 3. Moisturizer: The PHA is a humectant and helps to improve your skin barrier and retain moisture. When paired with a smoothening moisturizer like Foxtale Ceramide super cream, you get the maximum benefits possible from the combination. 4. Sunscreen: Sunscreen is a must for every skin type. Thankfully, PHA does not interfere with any type of sunscreen and works particularly well with a hydrating sunscreen like Matte Finish Sunscreen which also helps protect the skin barrier with ingredients like Vitamin B3. The PHA is one of the gentlest exfoliants and when used correctly, it can be beneficial for all skin types.