An Experts Guide To Choosing The Right Exfoliant
An Experts Guide To Choosing The Right Exfoliant
By Shammi Mondal
You wash your face, feel a few uneven bumps, and turn to the internet for advice. You then find recommendations with confusing ingredients like ‘AHA’ and ‘BHA.’ In a nutshell, the function of both these actives is to exfoliate your skin to give you the glow of your dreams. Before you commit to one of them, think about what you really want to target. If you still can’t make up your mind, we spoke to Dr Jaishree Sharad to guide you in finding your perfect match.
AHA: The collagen generator
“AHAs (alpha hydroxy acids) stimulate collagen production which boosts cell regeneration,” says dermatologist Dr Jaishree Sharad. Collagen, the protein that gives your skin its elasticity, reduces as we age. But AHA generates more collagen in your skin, making it a powerful anti-ageing ingredient to reduce fine lines and wrinkles.
BHA: The acne warrior
If you have any acne-prone or oily skin, BHAs (beta hydroxy acids) are your saviour. They are primarily used to reduce acne, skin inflammation, blackheads, and whiteheads. Wondering how?
“BHAs are oil soluble, which means they can break down the oil on your skin. They penetrate deep into your skin and remove excess sebum and oil,” says Dr Sharad. This unclogs the pores, exactly why BHAs are great for people with oily, acne-prone, and sensitive skin.