The majority of individuals are aware that the active chemicals in skincare products are responsible for improving skin tone and texture. These components can be synthesized in a laboratory or obtained naturally, for example, from fruits.

Learn how AHAs, BHAs, and retinol work, how to use them, and whether they are appropriate for your skin type.

A qualified clinician can create a customized daily skincare regimen for you. We’ll be able to advise you on the products that are most appropriate for your skin type, allowing you to begin your path toward sustainable skin health. Schedule an appointment to receive guidance on how to achieve beautiful skin.

What are AHAs, BHA, and retinol?

AHAs and BHAs are hydroxy acids that function as skin exfoliants. The term ‘alpha-hydroxy acid’ refers to a group of acids that includes glycolic, citric, mandelic, and lactic acid. Typically, AHAs are generated from sweet fruits.

BHA is an acronym for ‘beta-hydroxy acid.’ Salicylic acid is the most often used BHA in skincare. Additionally, BHAs are available as willow bark extract, tropic acid, or sodium salicylate.

Retinol is a natural or synthetic derivative of vitamin A. Vitamin A is a powerful antioxidant that is frequently present in serums and lotions.

What do these products do for your skin?

Both hydroxy acids and retinol assist in resurfacing the skin, minimizing the appearance of big pores, lightening dark spots, and softening fine lines and wrinkles.

Chemical exfoliants, AHAs and BHAs. They act softly on the skin’s surface, enabling the removal of dead skin cells without the need for a physical scrub. These hydroxy acids aid in the destruction of germs and promote skin cell turnover.

AHAs work at the skin’s surface, eliminating dead skin cells to brighten and improve the texture and tone of your skin. AHAs are soluble in water and are frequently used in water-based treatments for normal to dry skin types.

BHAs have a dual action on the skin’s surface and deep pores. BHAs are a kind of fatty acid that is soluble in oil and has calming and anti-inflammatory effects. Beta-hydroxy acid helps unclog clogged pores, resulting in clearer skin, and is particularly helpful for oily skin.

Retinol is an antioxidant that slows the aging process by increasing cell turnover in the skin’s deep layers. This may result in the flaking of dead skin cells near the skin’s surface for certain people. Retinol’s efficacy in treating acne, photoaging, hyperpigmentation, and moderate acne scarring has been shown via evidence-based research.

To enhance skin color, retinol promotes collagen synthesis and the formation of new blood vessels in the skin. The term ‘retinol’ refers to over-the-counter Vitamin A skin creams, whereas retinoids refer to prescription-strength Vitamin A skin treatments.

What should I use for my skin type?

AHAs can moisturize and exfoliate the skin, therefore increasing its brightness. Alpha-hydroxy acids can be used to resurface and improve the appearance of normal, dry, or aged skin. BHAs can help cleanse deep pores, decrease inflammation, and prevent acne or breakouts if your skin is sensitive, oily, or prone to congestion.

Retinol is an anti-acne component that is also an excellent anti-aging agent. It is suitable for all skin types. The strength you choose will be determined by the skin condition you wish to treat.

If you’re unsure about your skin type or believe your skin falls into more than one category, experiment with one product for a few weeks to see what effects you receive.

Pregnant or nursing women may be recommended to use hydroxy acid instead of retinol. Hydroxy acids may cause irritation and dryness in certain people. In this situation, applying retinol to the skin may be more helpful.

How should I combine active skincare products?

AHAs and BHAs are present in a wide array of cleansers, toners, moisturizers, scrubs, peels, and masks. In most cases, retinol is an active component in creams or serums.

Utilizing a mild moisturizer containing hyaluronic acid can assist in balancing the effects of hydroxy acids and retinol. When using any type of exfoliant or retinol, you should always use sunscreen to avoid UV damage and pigmentation.

With so many different at-home products available, it’s easy for the skin to get overstimulated. Combining an excessive number of items may have the opposite impact of what you are attempting. A skin therapist can analyze your skin and assist you in developing your optimal daily skincare regimen.

Is it possible to combine BHA with retinol?

Acids and retinol are not always compatible. However, you may incorporate both into your skincare regimen as long as they are used at the appropriate times and in the proper order to avoid irritation and get the greatest effects.

You should only take retinol at night, as it might degrade in the presence of light, making your skin more susceptible to sunburn. Use BHA in the morning to remove any dead skin cells left over after your nightly retinol treatment.

Is it possible to combine AHA with retinol?

The same rules that apply to BHA and retinol also apply to AHA and retinol. Indeed, some individuals employ all three. However, it is critical to remember to utilize them at various intervals during the day. This allows time for the product to be absorbed and the skin to regenerate before the next product application.

When should I use alpha-hydroxy acids, beta hydroxy acids, and retinol?

There is some evidence in the laboratory that hydroxy acids and retinol may be less efficient when used together. While it is unknown if this neutralization occurs in the real world, utilizing these items at separate times might guarantee that you get the most benefit from each.

Applying hydroxy acids in the morning helps eliminate dead skin cells and leaves you with smooth, clean skin that is ideal for makeup application. When exfoliating your skin, you should always use sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 to protect the new skin from UV damage.

When you first begin using a new exfoliant, apply it every other day until your skin becomes accustomed to it.

In the sunshine, prescription-strength retinol can degrade and leave the skin more susceptible to sunburn. Although stronger retinol formulations should always be taken at night, several over-the-counter retinol medications can be used in conjunction with a high-SPF sunscreen.

One approach to include hydroxy acids and retinol into your skincare routine is to rotate between the two products. To minimize irritation, choose a regimen that works for your skin, and remember to give your skin a night off with only a moisturizer.

If you have time, you can alternate between hydroxy acids and retinol. Wait 30 minutes after using an AHA or BHA product to enable your skin’s pH to return to normal before applying the retinol product.