Skincare Ingredients - AHA & BHA
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Alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) and beta hydroxy acid (BHA), most commonly known as glycolic and salicylic acid, are members of the larger family of acids known as chemical exfoliants.
Both AHAs and BHAs contain a carboxylic acid group that allows them to penetrate the surface of the skin, where they then dissociate into their respective acid components and eventually work to break down the "glue" that holds dead cells together on the outermost layer of our skin. This allows for those cells - AKA dry flakes or rough patches - to slough off more readily, revealing smoother, younger-looking skin underneath.
"By exfoliating, AHAs and BHAs help remove the uppermost layer of dead cells from the skin's surface," says New York City dermatologist Dr Dennis Gross. "They also have anti-inflammatory properties that make them ideal for many skin types- people with acne, rosacea, and atopic dermatitis [eczema ] in particular, because these conditions are characterised by redness, flaking skin, and inflammation."
In addition to being a classic ingredient in the fight against acne, salicylic acid is also a top-notch oil-controlling agent. AHA and BHA can be found in a wide range of skincare products, such as creams, serums, toners, masks, and even cleansers. When shopping for an AHA or BHA product, Dr Gross says it's important to look for a product with a concentration of between 0.5% and 4%, although some can go as high as 10%.
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HoliFrog Shasta Exfoliating AHA Daily Cleanser 148ml
Agent Nateur Lash and Brow Serum 10ml
African Botanics Infusion Micro-Liquid Serum 100ml
African Botanics Resurrection Eye Cream 15ml
African Botanics Pure Marula Cleansing Oil 100ml
Allies of Skin Promise Keeper Nightly Blemish Treatment 50ml
Oskia Skincare Violet Water Treatment Tonic 100ml
Lina Hanson Global Calm Soothing Face Oil 50ml
De Mamiel Essential Eye Fix 10ml
African Botanics Nutritive Molecule Serum 30ml
Innersense Harmonic Treatment Oil
African Botanics Rooibos Glycolic Booster 15ml
Nuori Gentle Glow Tonic 100ml
Wildsmith Skin Active Super Oil 30ml
HoliFrog Halo Aha + Bha Night Serum 30ml
Indie Lee I-Waken Resurfacing Mask 50ml
Mahalo The Hawaiian Nights 30ml
African Botanics Terre Noire Elixir Supreme 100ml
Evolve Organic Beauty Liquid Radiance Glycolic Toner 100ml
African Botanics Fleurs D'Afrique Intensive Recovery Cream 50ml
African Botanics Cloudburst Micro-Emulsion Balancing Moisturiser 30ml
African Botanics Infinite Resurfacing Mask 50ml
Vintner's Daughter Active Botanical Serum 30ml
De Mamiel The Skin Recovery Concentrate 30ml
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