What is the Difference between Alpha & Beta Hydroxy Acids?
The chemical difference between the two products is subtle to a layperson. Both AHA and BHA are chemical compounds characterized by a carboxylic acid group and a hydroxyl group. The difference between AHAs and BHAs involves the location of the hydroxyl group in the compound. The result of this difference in the chemical compound is that alpha hydroxy acids are only soluble in water, and beta hydroxy acid is soluble in oil. Alpha Hydroxy Acids Since alpha hydroxy acids are water soluble and act on the upper layers of skin, AHAs remove old, dead cells and speed up the production of fresh skin cells, so they work better on sun-damaged, older, thicker skin. Beta Hydroxy Acids Beta hydroxy acid is able to penetrate into the oil-filled pores and break down the dead skin cells inside the pores, so salicylic acid works best on oily skin. Which Product to Choose: AHA or BHA? Alpha hydroxy acids are for good for treating dry, damaged skin, and beta hydroxy acids are better for treating acne on y
