✨🍊 AHA vs. BHA: The Skincare Glow-Off You Need to Know About 🍊✨

✨🍊 AHA vs. BHA: The Skincare Glow-Off You Need to Know About 🍊✨

Alright babes — gather ‘round the vanity ‘cause we’re about to spill the tea (and the acids) on one of the biggest skincare flexes out there: chemical exfoliants. If you’ve been peepin’ those TikTok girlies with glass skin and wondering what kinda potion they’re dabbin’ on — odds are, it’s an AHA or a BHA.

🌈 What Even Are AHAs & BHAs?

These two are part of the chemical exfoliant fam — meaning they melt away dead skin cells without you having to scrub your face raw.

They exfoliate by dissolving the glue that holds dead skin cells together so your fresh, glowy, baby-smooth skin underneath can shine through.

💥 AHA: Alpha Hydroxy Acid

Water-soluble queen — works on the surface of the skin.

✨ What it does:

• Gently exfoliates dead skin cells

• Boosts radiance

• Smooths texture

• Helps with fine lines & uneven tone

• Perfect for dry or dull skin babes
  

🔥 Common AHAs:

• Glycolic Acid

• Lactic Acid

• Mandelic Acid
  

💖 How it’s used:

Toners, exfoliating pads, masks, overnight serums. Pro tip: Start slow — 1–3x a week.

Example products:

• Glow Recipe Watermelon Glow Toner

• The Ordinary Lactic Acid 5%
  

💥 BHA: Beta Hydroxy Acid

Oil-soluble boss — dives deep into your pores.

✨ What it does:

• Clears clogged pores

• Dissolves blackheads

• Calms inflammation

• Controls oil

• A+ for acne-prone or combo skin types
  

🔥 Common BHA:

• Salicylic Acid
  

💖 How it’s used:

In toners, spot treatments, cleansers, serums. Pro tip: Great for hormonal chin breakouts, oily t-zones, lil underground bumps.

Example products:

• Paula’s Choice 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant

• Cosrx BHA Blackhead Power Liquid
  

📣✨ Can You Use Both?

YEP — but with caution.Combo skin besties can layer them strategically:

• AHA at night a couple times a week for glow

• BHA in your t-zone or spot treat for breakouts
  

Or rotate them on different nights. Always wear SPF. These acids make skin more sensitive to the sun.

🧃 The Final Glow-Down:

AHA	BHA
Exfoliates surface	Deep cleans pores
Water-soluble	Oil-soluble
Great for dry/dull skin	Perfect for acne & oily skin
Glycolic, Lactic, Mandelic	Salicylic Acid

🌸 Final Thought: You Don’t Need to Be a Chemist to Glow

AHA’s and BHA’s sound sciencey, but they’re your ride-or-dies for smoother, clearer, glowier skin. Find one that vibes with your skin type, start slow, and enjoy the chemical exfoliation life.

You deserve that main character skin energy. ✨