What Not to Mix with AHAs and BHAs?

If you don’t use AHAs or BHAs in your daily skincare routine, you’ve probably at least heard of this family of chemical peels. Both groups of acids offer impressive and desirable benefits for the skin.

What are AHAs?

Alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs) are a group of chemical exfoliants that work on the upper surface of the skin to remove dead skin cells, dirt, debris, bacteria, and other impurities that, when left on the skin, can lead to problems like spots, acne, blemishes, and sagging, dull skin. The most common AHAs are glycolic and lactic acids, which are found in many popular skincare products, such as toners and serums. They are also effective at combating signs of aging, such as fine lines and wrinkles, as well as areas of hyperpigmentation, dark spots, and sun damage.

The molecular size of AHAs is typically large, which means they can’t penetrate into the lower layers of the skin, thus avoiding over-irritation.

What are BHAs?

Beta hydroxy acids (BHAs) are close cousins of AHAs and generally have similar exfoliating properties. The main difference is that BHAs are not as readily available in over-the-counter products as AHAs, but are used in professional treatments such as chemical peels. The most common form of salicylic acid is salicylic acid, which, like the other acids mentioned, dissolves dead skin cells and other impurities on the skin. However, compared to AHAs, salicylic acid is oil-soluble and has a smaller molecule size, which means it can penetrate deep into the pores to remove excess sebum, dirt, and bacteria.

Now that you know what these clever acids do for the skin, let’s dig a little deeper and find out what not to mix with AHAs and BHAs.

What Should You Not Do After BHAs?

Here are some of the key skincare ingredients you should avoid applying to your skin after using AHAs and BHAs.

Vitamin C

Retinol

Benzoyl Peroxide

Body Scrub

This doesn’t mean you shouldn’t use these active ingredients at the same time, just that you need to alternate the times you use them. Ideally, you should wait around 40 minutes between applications, as this ensures your skin’s pH levels are rebalanced and ready for the products that follow. Remember not to rush into introducing new ingredients or products into your routine, especially if it works for you. Make sure the skincare products you choose complement each other and help you benefit from an effective routine.

What can I layer with AHAs and BHAs?

As both BHAs and AHAs exfoliate the skin, it’s best to combine them with moisturizing, nourishing ingredients like hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, squalene or glycerin. All of these substances moisturize the skin and help soothe and calm it after peeling. This reveals that fresh skin cells often need help to stay healthy and protected from free radicals such as UV rays, pollution and other environmental influences.

If you’re concerned about layering active skin ingredients over each other, it’s best to do a 24-hour patch test. To do this, apply a 10p-sized amount of the product to your forearm. Once the 24 hours have passed, if there are no signs of irritation, you can apply the product to your face.

Can I use niacinamide after an AHA BHA?

Yes, you can, but always make sure you apply it at the best time of day to avoid any unwanted irritation or reaction. What I mean by this is that you can determine when to use Niacinamide in your daily routine based on the type of product that contains AHAs or BHAs. The general skincare rule is to apply products in order from thinnest to thickest to avoid forming a physical barrier on the surface of the skin that prevents the product from penetrating the skin. You will often find Niacinamide in a serum or moisturizer that is applied to the skin later in your daily care routine. This gives you plenty of time to use an AHA-rich toner, such as glycolic acid, which can remove dead skin cells, and then Niacinamide helps the skin regulate sebum production and lock moisture into the protective barrier.

The Beauty Insiders has a dedicated blog post on mixing AHAs and BHAs with Niacinamide. If you want to learn more, check this out.

Can AHAs and BHAs be mixed with Hyaluronic Acid?

It’s no surprise that Hyaluronic Acid is one of the very few skin ingredients that can be combined with almost any other active ingredient (even BHAs, salicylic acid) to be effective. For the best results, and without the signs of dryness caused by AHAs or BHAs, you can usually find serum formulas that contain both exfoliants and hyaluronic acid. This is ideal for the best of both worlds, but you can also use separate products to achieve the same hydrating and skin rejuvenating effects.

If you want to learn more about the best ways to apply hyaluronic acid with BHA, check out our dedicated blog post which has more details.

You can learn more about what not to mix AHAs and BHAs with here. Although it may feel complicated at first, you’ll find that once you have a better understanding, you’ll be able to really see improvements in your complexion. With an established skincare routine, you’ll be wary of introducing new products as this may cause skin irritation. However, stick with it and introduce new ingredients slowly. You should also always check with your doctor or dermatologist so that you and your skin love the products you use.

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DQH Can I use salicylic acid first and then vitamin C? It’s easy to create a skincare routine, but knowing how to use it is another thing entirely. In most cases, if you’re not getting the desired skin results, it could be due to the layering of conflicting ingredients. So, is it possible that salicylic acid and vitamin C are such ingredients? Or are these active ingredients the duo that’s been missing from your skincare routine? If you want answers, stick around because today we are going to explain the benefits of salicylic acid and vitamin C and how they can be used in your daily life. What are the benefits of salicylic acid for skin? Salicylic acid is one of the most commonly used beta hydroxy acids and is favored by many people with oily, acne-prone skin. This acid is derived from willow bark, and unlike its water-soluble relatives (called alpha-hydroxy acids), salicylic acid is oil-soluble, which means it can penetrate deeper into the lower layers of the skin. Once it reaches the lower layers, it can help unclog pores of excess sebum, dirt, bacteria, debris, and impurities. This results in clearer skin tones and greater definition. Not only does salicylic acid benefit the underlying layers, but the outer surface of the skin benefits as well. When applied to the skin, salicylic acid removes the buildup of dead skin cells. This is accomplished by breaking the bonds that hold dead cells to the surface. Over time, this can cause the complexion to look dull and prone to acne, blackheads, and other blemishes. If you’d like to learn more about salicylic acid and how it can improve your skin, check out this dedicated blog post from a beauty insider. What are the benefits of vitamin C for skin? Vitamin C is considered one of the most powerful antioxidants, which means it is very effective at fighting free radicals and preventing them from causing further skin damage. Examples of free radicals include pollution, central heating, UV rays and harsh climate. They attack proteins, fats and cell membranes as soon as they come into contact with the skin, causing signs of premature aging such as fine lines and wrinkles as well as hyperpigmentation, flaky patches of skin and loss of elasticity. Many people usually prefer to use vitamin C in their morning routine as this ingredient gives the complexion a radiant glow. You’ll also find that vitamin C can target areas of hyperpigmentation, plumping the skin and reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. The thing about vitamin C is that there are a lot of outdated studies going back to the 1950s that describe vitamin C as an unstable skin component. Thanks to improvements in modern technology, this is no longer the case as all products now contain a stable form of vitamin C. Visit The Beauty Insider to learn more about vitamin C. So please check out our blog post. Can I use salicylic acid first and then vitamin C? Yes, you absolutely can. In fact, it’s thought that using salicylic acid before using vitamin C ensures it penetrates faster and works faster. This is an efficient way to utilize two power sources, and the reason has to do with pH. For example, the skin’s natural pH is about 4.7, making it slightly acidic. Salicylic acid and vitamin C are also both acidic, and you’ll find that vitamin C is absorbed quickly into the skin. Therefore, using salicylic acid beforehand can increase the acidity of the skin and allow vitamin C to penetrate into the skin faster. While this is considered an effective way to combine two powerful ingredients, you need to be aware of your skin type and how it reacts to certain active ingredients. Even people with perfect, normal skin can experience skin sensitivity and irritation. Therefore, always consult a doctor or dermatologist before using any new products on your skin. It’s also important to follow skin application rules. In this case, you need to use the product correctly to ensure you get the best results for your skin. If you’re not sure what I mean, the basic rule for skin is to start with the thinnest consistency and work your way up to the thickest consistency. This prevents a barrier from forming on the surface, preventing other active ingredients from penetrating the skin. Can I use salicylic acid at night and vitamin C in the morning? Yes, absolutely, this is considered the most effective way to get returns without any adverse side effects. This is because there is enough time between applications to ensure that the skin’s pH levels return to balance. You’ll also find that Vitamin C is rich in antioxidants and is perfect for use in the morning to ensure your skin is protected and looking its healthiest. Due to the small size of salicylic acid molecules, it is an acid that is able to reach the deepest parts of the skin. While this is effective at keeping skin clear, it also increases the risk of irritation and photosensitivity. Therefore, many people prefer to use powerful BHAs in their evening routine without exposure to UV rays, pollution, or harsh weather. Warning: If you avoid using sunscreen every day, none of these ingredients will do what your skin needs. The combination of chemical peels and powerful ingredients increases the risk of further damage to the skin’s surface. Use SPF 50 every day to keep your skin protected and your lipid barrier healthy, even on cloudy days, keeping your skin in top condition.

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