UNDERSTANDING AHAS, BHAS & PHAS
The complimentary trio that comes together to dissolve dead skin and reveal a brighter complexion underneath.
July 06, 2020
UNDERSTANDING AHAS, BHAS & PHAS
UNDERSTANDING AHAS, BHAS & PHAS
The complimentary trio that comes together to dissolve dead skin and reveal a brighter complexion underneath.
By: Nateisha Scott
By: Nateisha Scott
AHAs and BHAs are a complimentary mix that together exfoliate the skin and slough away dead skin cells. Both are primarily used for exfoliation, contain different ingredients and have gained cult status for their anti-ageing and acne fighting properties. Where they differ is that AHAs are water soluble and sit on the skin’s surface to break down the glue binding dead skin cells together whereas BHAs are oil soluble (suited for combination, oily and acne prone skin types) and penetrate further into the skin to break down the cells at a deeper level.
AHAs
AHAs work by dissolving the dead skin cells so that they can be sloughed away and removed easily from the skin’s surface. They work well to moisturise the skin as they possess the ability to help the skin retain moisture. AHA’s have immense anti-ageing benefits as they are able to rejuvenate the skin.
Group includes: Glycolic acid, lactic acid, tartaric acid, malic acid and citric acid.
Benefits include:
- A Smoother Texture
- Reduce Fine Lines
- Reduce Acne Scars And Dark Spots
- De-clogs Pores
- Prevent Dehydration
BHAs
BHAs possess an anti-inflammatory effect and work the same way that AHA’s do –by dissolving dead skin cells. However, the primary difference is between the solution’s textures. BHA’s are oil soluble and are therefore more suited to different skincare types.
Group includes: Salicylic acid.
Benefits include:
- Perfect For Oily Skin Types
- Fights Acne
- Reduces Hyperpigmentation
- Encourages anti-ageing
PHAs
Very similar to AHAs in terms of breaking down the glue that binds dull and dead skin cells however their molecular size is considerably bigger which means that PHAs can’t penetrate the skin in the ways that AHAs and BHAs can. They work on the skin’s surface without disturbing the layers that lie beneath.
Group includes: Gluconolactone, Galactose and Lactobionic.
Benefits include:
- For Sensitive skin types
- A smoother texture
- Decreases sensitivity
- Moisturises the skin
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AHAs and BHAs are a complimentary mix that together exfoliate the skin and slough away dead skin cells. Both are primarily used for exfoliation, contain different ingredients and have gained cult status for their anti-ageing and acne fighting properties. Where they differ is that AHAs are water soluble and sit on the skin’s surface to break down the glue binding dead skin cells together whereas BHAs are oil soluble (suited for combination, oily and acne prone skin types) and penetrate further into the skin to break down the cells at a deeper level.
AHAs
AHAs work by dissolving the dead skin cells so that they can be sloughed away and removed easily from the skin’s surface. They work well to moisturise the skin as they possess the ability to help the skin retain moisture. AHA’s have immense anti-ageing benefits as they are able to rejuvenate the skin.
Group includes: Glycolic acid, lactic acid, tartaric acid, malic acid and citric acid.
Benefits include:
- A Smoother Texture
- Reduce Fine Lines
- Reduce Acne Scars And Dark Spots
- De-clogs Pores
- Prevent Dehydration
BHAs
BHAs possess an anti-inflammatory effect and work the same way that AHA’s do –by dissolving dead skin cells. However, the primary difference is between the solution’s textures. BHA’s are oil soluble and are therefore more suited to different skincare types.
Group includes: Salicylic acid
Benefits include:
- Perfect For Oily Skin Types
- Fights Acne
- Reduces Hyperpigmentation
- Encourages anti-ageing
PHAs
Very similar to AHAs in terms of breaking down the glue that binds dull and dead skin cells however their molecular size is considerably bigger which means that PHAs can’t penetrate the skin in the ways that AHAs and BHAs can. They work on the skin’s surface without disturbing the layers that lie beneath.
Group includes: Gluconolactone, Galactose and Lactobionic
Benefits include:
- For Sensitive skin types
- A smoother texture
- Decreases sensitivity
- Moisturises the skin
If you were to advise a London guide, what would be on your list?
Well, As I grew up in Notting Hill, it will always have my heart and if I was recommending spots in London, a wander around Notting Hill would be high up on my list. From there it would be all the best shopping destinations, the iconic private members club, Annabels, Harrods and Liberty’s for any cute and unique gifts. I would always pop into 111CRYO at Harrods for the Cryo Facial and treatment for the ultimate recharge. Sometimes the city is great, but the beautiful secrets of the English countryside is something that should be experienced.
Your In-Flight Essentials?
I don’t have a routine per say and I am certainly not as thorough as Naomi Campbell but I would apply the Meso Infusion Lip Duo and I would always wipe my phone down with anti-bacterial wipes, in fact I do this every day, the bacteria build up is no good for the skin.
In terms of Industry, where do you see the hair industry going?
Well Instagram has changed so much and has impacted the way we consume and learn within the industry, especially with so many creatives, but I still find that a massive amount of people come to the professionals to share the knowledge on how to carry out or complete a desired look, more than ever there is power behind ‘how-to’ videos.
A very valid point and in terms of 2020?
In terms of what we are to see in 2020, things are going to be super creative and we will see a wider awareness for people doing their own thing and it will be expressive and artistic. People will move away from the overtly glamorous looks and will create looks they can tailor to their everyday. As it’s currently Award Season which is the busiest time of the year leading up to the Met Ball, hairstyles are certainly more elaborate, and everyone loves an up do. I would say the most timeless look has to be the blunt bob, it comes around year on year, but it is effortless and timeless.
Outside of hair, what other industries are you into?
I am hugely into Interiors and I would describe my style as 60s/70s glamour, think elaborate and dramatic but I often fantasise about 80s Dallas and Joan Collins and I have to reign myself in. I also love Baking; it is the ultimate way to relax and I find that it is my meditation and therapy. If I’m in the USA I would bake a lot of cookies as everyone is obsessed with then over here and in the UK, I would bake more traditional styles like a lemon tart or an apple tart – it allows for me to be creative outside of my job.
Finally, the best advice you have ever received?
It would have to be from my grandfather, he would often say to me “it’s not how well you’re doing but how well people think you’re doing”. I haven’t successfully implemented it however you can look to Instagram today and people see our work and are blown away by it, but we can be so hard on ourselves and not appreciate our own work ourselves.