Ready to unlock the secret to glowing, flawless skin? Exfoliation is your key to achieving that, and it’s simpler than you might think.

By sloughing away dead skin cells, exfoliants reveal brighter, smoother skin while tackling everything from acne to aging. The real stars of the exfoliation world are alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs), beta hydroxy acids (BHAs), and polyhydroxy acids (PHAs). Each of these powerful exfoliants brings its unique benefits, perfect for different skin types and concerns. Let’s dive into the world of AHA, BHA, and PHA exfoliants and see how they can transform your skincare routine into something truly amazing.

What Are Exfoliants?

Exfoliants are substances that help in the removal of dead skin cells from the surface of the skin. Hydroxy acids (HAs) are the most loved exfoliants when it comes to expert-advised products. Representing a class of compounds that have been widely used in several cosmetic and therapeutic formulations, Hydroxy acids are of two main types: physical exfoliants like face scrubs and chemical exfoliants like AHA, BHA, and PHA exfoliants. Even though exfoliating can improve the appearance of your skin, physical exfoliants can sometimes irritate your skin and may result in transepidermal water loss.

Exfoliation can leave your skin looking brighter and improve the effectiveness of topical skin care products by enhancing absorption. Regular exfoliation can also help with better collagen production and prevent clogged pores, resulting in fewer breakouts.

AHA Exfoliants: The Brightening Heroes

AHA or Alpha Hydroxy Acids are carboxylic acids that are known for their anti-aging properties, peeling away dead skin cells of the skin and allowing them to regenerate. The simplest representative of AHA is glycolic acid, which was the first of this class of compounds to be introduced into skin care products.

Despite the fact that AHAs are frequently promoted as being safe for all skin types, if you have extremely dry or sensitive skin, you must be careful. To prevent irritation, you need to work your way up to using it every day. A few common exfoliants falling under that AHA exfoliant category are listed below:

• Glycolic: Glycolic acid is the most common type of AHA. It’s also made from a widely available plant: sugar cane. Glycolic acid is an all-around treatment for many skin concerns. It provides significant exfoliation and is also sometimes used to treat acne breakouts.
  Check out SwitzMark’s wide range of products offering glycolic acid as a key ingredient that can be used for exfoliating and zapping away your skin woes.
• Lactic acid: Unlike other AHAs made from fruits, lactic acid is made from lactose in milk. It’s also known for its significant exfoliation and anti-aging effects.
  Fixdema has a wide range of products containing lactic acid as one of the main ingredients to gently exfoliate and deeply nourish your skin from tip to toe.
• Tartaric acid: While not as widely known, tartaric is a type of AHA made from grape extracts, and may help alleviate signs of sun damage and acne.
• Citric acid: Citric acid, made from citrus fruit extracts, is used to neutralize the skin’s pH levels and to even out skin tone. Citric acid makes a good serum or toner used before applying a moisturizer. It may even help work with sunscreen to provide maximum UV protection.
  Chemical peels are also a great option to consider if you have acne, hyperpigmentation, fine lines, etc. Professionals use Trichloroacetic Acid peels (TCA) for this purpose. These fall into the medium-depth category and have multiple benefits such as softening acne scars, smoothing out rough skin, preventing acne, reducing wrinkles, and evening out skin color.
  Chemical peels can cause various side effects too which include redness, scabbing swelling, etc. Normal healing from a chemical peel involves redness of the treated skin, Scarring, skin discoloration, infections, etc.

BHA Skincare Benefits: The Acne Fighters

BHAs or Beta hydroxy acids are oil-soluble and are particularly effective for oily and acne-prone skin. BHAs occur naturally in fresh fruits such as papaya, pineapple, berries, dairy products, etc., and are prepared synthetically too. The most well-known BHA, salicylic acid, is derived from willow bark.

Unlike AHAs, BHAs can get deeper into the pores to remove not only dead skin cells but excess sebum too. Because of these effects, BHAs are most suitable for combination to oily skin. Lower concentrations may be used to help calm sensitive skin. You may also have more success with BHAs if you want to reduce rosacea (long-term inflammatory skin condition) related redness.

Like AHAs, BHAs are also designed for daily use. Although BHAs don’t make your skin as sensitive to the sun compared to AHAs, you should still wear sunscreen after applying BHAs. This will help prevent further sun damage.

• Salicylic acid: Salicylic acid is the most common BHA. Concentrations can range between 0.5 and 5 percent, depending on the product. It’s well-known as a cure for acne and can reduce general redness and inflammation.
  For those struggling with persistent acne, BHAs can be a lifesaver. Consider checking out the link below for the products by SwitzMark offering salicylic acid as a key ingredient.

Note: Retinol products should not be used with AHAs or BHAs since this may irritate the skin. Furthermore, combining these components with vitamin C supplements will aggravate your skin.

PHA Gentle Exfoliation: The Sensitive Skin Saviors

PHAs, also called Polyhydroxy acids, are a newer, trendier version of exfoliant that can banish fine lines and make your skin look smooth. PHAs are naturally obtained from fruit juices, honey, and the fermentation of glucose. It is an excellent skin antioxidant with anti-microbial properties that also moisturizes the skin.

This category of hydroxy acid offers gentle exfoliation and is suitable for all skin types. PHAs have larger molecular structures, which means they penetrate the skin more slowly and cause less irritation. Compared to other exfoliating ingredients, PHAs are less irritating and can help hydrate skin and boost skin cell regeneration.

How to Get Your Best Skin Back? Here’s how:

Incorporating AHA, BHA, and PHA exfoliants into your skincare routine can unlock the best version of your skin. From the brightening power of glycolic acid to the acne-fighting prowess of salicylic acid and the gentle hydration of PHAs, these exfoliants offer comprehensive solutions for a range of skin concerns.

By choosing high-quality, dermatologist-approved products like those from SwitzMark, you can ensure that your skin gets the care it deserves. Make the right choices and take the step towards healthier, more radiant skin with the power of AHA, BHA, and PHA exfoliants. Your skin will thank you for the love.