AHA, BHA or enzymes: which exfoliant is right for your skin?
You shouldn't choose an exfoliant based on the most well-known acronym, but rather on what you see and feel in your skin. Dull, dry skin requires something different than blackheads around the nose and chin. And skin that turns red easily benefits most from restraint.
"I see many people switching to a stronger acid because their first product isn't showing results quickly enough. But more often than not, the problem isn't the type of exfoliant, it's the frequency or the combination with other active ingredients. Start slowly, one evening a week, and see how your skin reacts."
Yvonne van Veen, medical beautician
AHA works primarily on the skin's surface
AHA is water-soluble and helps to loosen accumulated dead skin cells on the surface. This can be suitable for a dull complexion, pigment spots, or a rough skin texture. Glycolic acid works relatively intensively. Therefore, start slowly and do not use it on skin that is already stinging or flaking.
BHA enters the pore
BHA, usually salicylic acid, is oil-soluble. This makes it more suitable for combination or oily skin with blackheads and clogged pores. More is not better: daily use can lead to unnecessary dryness, especially when used alongside retinol or other acids.
Enzymes are not automatically risk-free
Enzymatic exfoliation sounds mild and can be pleasant for those who tolerate acids less well. Nevertheless, it is still exfoliation. The same rules apply here: leave on for a short time, rinse well, and do not combine with a scrub on the same evening.
A practical choice
- Dull and uneven: look at AHA first.
- Clogged pores and sebum: BHA may be more logical.
- Easily reddened or sensitive: postpone exfoliating until the skin is calm and ask for advice on a mild option.
Always use one exfoliant at a time and wear SPF during the day.
View suitable products
MAYEE - AHA Powerhero: an option for dull skin, pigment spots, and an uneven surface. Which choice is right for you depends on your full routine and your skin's sensitivity.
MAYEE - BHA Powerhero: an option for combination or oily skin with clogged pores. Which choice is right for you depends on your full routine and your skin's sensitivity.
IK SKIN Perfection - SCRUB+ mild 3-in-1 scrub: an option for those who prefer a rinsable, mild 3-in-1 scrub. Which choice is right for you depends on your full routine and your skin's sensitivity.
Personal advice
Can't figure it out? Send a message via the chat on sQincare.shop about what your skin is doing and which products you are using. Yvonne or one of her qualified staff members will be happy to provide personal advice.
About the author
This article was written in collaboration with Yvonne van Veen, medical beautician, owner of Salon Rustique in Musselkanaal, and owner of sQincare.shop. Salon Rustique is affiliated with ANBOS and specializes in skin improvement, skin issues, and medical skincare. Thanks to her daily practical experience and additional dermatological training, she combines treatments in the salon with expert product advice for home use. In case of pain, swelling, eczema, or persistent skin complaints, we recommend an assessment by a doctor.