What are AHA BHA PHA?
AHA BHA PHA refer to the 3 hydroxy acids that exist is some substances of nature:
- AHA – Alpha Hydroxy acid
- BHA – Beta Hydroxy acid
- PHA – Poly Hydroxy acid
These acids are not some synthesized chemical elements that could harm your body, they are all derived from nature, mainly from edible sources. They provide an array of beneficial effects for your skin to keep it beautiful and glowing.
Don’t worry! These aren’t the type of acids that can burn your face off! 😊
Hydroxy Acids are mainly used for exfoliating skin (the process of removing dead skin cells from the surface of the skin), for reducing pigmentation, for slowing down the aging of the skin and for getting rid of excess oil. Some of the hydroxy acids can also be used as the components of sunscreen, and some have anti-oxidant or anti-inflammatory properties. These are the typical objectives of someone looking to enhance their skin health and beauty.
Each of the acids has its own unique property, allowing it to be used for specific purposes or skin types. For instance, some are good for oily skin while others are for dry skin. And some acids are suitable options for sensitive skins that could react to skincare products.
AHA benefits for skin
Alpha Hydroxy Acids are generally used for exfoliation, as they help break down the bonds between skin cells (the fancy word for it is desmosome) to allow them to be cleaned easily. This is a basic form of a mild chemical exfoliation, which is gentler than physical exfoliation that could damage the living skin cells.
The Alpha Hydroxy Acids are hydrophilic, which means they are attracted to water. This allows them to lock in moisture onto your skin when you apply them. This makes AHA a suitable option for dry skin.
BHA benefits for skin
BHA is basically Salicylic acid, which is usually derived from plants such as willow tree bark, wintergreen oil, and sweet birch. Beta Hydroxy Acids too are exfoliators, but they have a slightly different method and offer some different benefits. BHA is able to penetrate the skin more deeply to bestow its beneficial effects on it.
While AHA is hydrophilic, BHA is lipophilic, which means it is attracted to oil. This makes it excellent for cleaning out excess oil and sebum from the skin. The fact that it can penetrate deep into the skin means you get a thorough cleaning of pores. Due to these properties BHA is suitable for those with oily skin, which is often accompanied by acne.
PHA benefits for skin
PHA is not much different from the AHA, in terms of both the molecular structure and action. It breaks down the bond between cells to help with exfoliation, and it also does the similar hydrating properties of AHA.
The only difference is that PHA has a larger molecular size than AHA, this means it does not penetrate the skin as fast and deep as AHA. This property of the PHA makes it suitable for those with sensitive skin that could react to the products that contain AHA. For instance, the PHA is a safe option for those with eczema or rosacea.
PHA also possesses anti-oxidant properties, allowing it to slow down the aging of the skin. This and the fact that it can reduce lines and wrinkles (similar action as AHA) make it suitable for those with mature skin.
How to use
- After cleansing and toning the skin, apply a 2-3 drops of the Toun28 AHA + BHA + PHA Serum evenly onto face and neck.
- Slightly tap over the skin with the finger tips to help the serum get absorbed.
- Follow with moisturizer cream.
💡 Tips: Whenever using acids in your skin care, it is highly recommended to always apply a sun screen, especially when you’re going outside.
Consumer & Safety Information
- Contains no harmful chemical ingredients.
- Suitable for all skin types.
- For external use only. Do not use on damaged skin, scars, dermatitis.
- Avoid direct contact with eyes.
- Discontinue use if irritation occurs.
- Not tested on animals.
- Storage: 15 – 30 C.
- Store in a dark place as sunlight can cause a color change of the product.
- Shelf life: 3 years after the manufacture date, 6 months after opening.
- Volume: 30ml 1.01fl.oz
Ingredients
Purified Water, Pentylene Glycol, Gluconolactone, Niacinamide, Betaine, Dimethyl Sulfone, Salicylic Acid, Polyglutamic Acid, Glycolic Acid, Malic Acid, Tartaric Acid, Succinic Acid, Sodium Hyaluronate, Panthenol, Pyridoxine HCl, Allantoin, Xanthan Gum, Melia Azadirachta Leaf Extract, Melia Azadirachta Flower Extract, Propanediol