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The Difference Between AHAs & BHAs
If you ever wondered about using acid-based skincare products as part of your skincare routine, you're probably familiar with Alpha Hydroxy Acid (AHA) and Beta Hydroxy Acid (BHA). Most skincare brands have at least a few products with these key ingredients. But what are they? How do they help our skin stay flawless? And what's the difference between the two?
Well, let's start by defining what AHAs and BHAs are. These types of acids are categorized as hydroxy acids. And hydroxy acids help remove dead skin cells through exfoliation which allows new skin cells to surface. Some hydroxy acids you might have heard of are glycolic acid, lactic acid, and salicylic acid. We usually find these ingredients in skincare products (chemical peels) that are made to treat common skin conditions like acne. When these acids are topically applied, they smooth, tighten, firm, and brighten the skin.
The key benefits of both AHAs and BHAs are that they work as an exfoliant, provide moisture, and repair sun-damaged skin. The main difference between the two is that AHAs are water-soluble and BHAs are lipid or oil soluble.
Whether you choose to use alpha-hydroxy acids or beta-hydroxy acids, here is how your skin can benefit from them and the products you should try.
Alpha Hydroxy Acids Do It All
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According to Healthline, alpha hydroxy acids are primarily used for hyperpigmentation, enlarged pores, fine lines, melasma, and uneven skin tone. Common alpha hydroxy acids include glycolic acid, lactic acid, malic acid, tartaric acid, citric acid, and mandelic acid. Most AHAs are derived from a plant-based source like fruits, nuts, and sugar cane, but lactic acid is sourced from milk. This means it's much gentler on the skin and safe to use on sensitive skin.
You can add AHAs a few times a week to your morning skincare routine. See how your skin feels or reacts to it. And be sure to use moisturizer and sunscreen to prevent burns or irritation.
Beta Hydroxy Acids Are Your Acne Solution
Compared to alpha hydroxy acids, there is only one beta hydroxy acid, salicylic acid, which it's derived from willow bark. Many over-the-counter facial cleansers contain salicylic acid as well because of its acne-fighting properties. In a Glamour article, dermatologist Robert Anolik, M.D. said, "BHA is lipophilic, so it's drawn to oils. That means it will not only exfoliate the top layer but also target the sebaceous glands down in the pores, clearing the clogs that create whiteheads and blackheads while also helping fade the pink marks that are left over from old outbreaks."
Salicylic acid can also correct dark spots without skin irritation because of its anti-inflammatory properties. BHAs can be used a few times a week too.
How To Use AHAs and BHAs
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The beauty of AHAs and BHAs is that you can use them together. Try alternating each product by using one type in the morning and the other as part of your nighttime routine. You can use AHAs and BHAs on alternating days too. But never layer these two products together! Remember, these are acids that act as exfoliants—so they can cause dryness and irritation.
Make sure to use low concentrations because higher concentrations can irritate the skin. Anything with a concentration of 10% or less is what you want. If you're not sure, ask your esthetician or dermatologist how to incorporate these acids into your skincare routine.
Must-Try Alpha Hydroxy and Beta Hydroxy Acid Products
Alpha hydroxy and beta hydroxy acid-based products can be found at your favorite beauty stores like Ulta or Sephora. They can also be found at online skin stores like Amazon, Dermastore.com, or from your favorite skincare brands.
Here are a few trending AHA and BHA products you can try:
Neutrogena Pore Refining Exfoliating Facial Cleanser
The Ordinary AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution
Clinique iD: Moisturizer + Concentrate for Pores & Uneven Texture
Drunk Elephant T.L.C. Framboos™ Glycolic Resurfacing Night Serum
Paula's Choice SKIN PERFECTING 2% BHA Liquid Salicylic Acid Exfoliant
SkinMedica AHA/BHA Exfoliating Cleanser
Herbivore Botanicals Prism 12 AHA + 3 BHA Exfoliating Glow Serum
I swear by The Ordinary brand because it's high-end quality and affordable AF, but try whatever beauty brand you like. The skincare brands I use vary, but I do include a medical-grade salicylic acid and glycolic acid scrub in my skincare regime. It helps with my acne, and I definitely feel the difference in my skin texture after one wash.
Listen, AHAs and BHAs are the game-changers you need in your skincare routine.
So, get your glow on sis.
To get your beauty fix and to stay up to date with the latest trends, check out the xoNecole Beauty section here.
Featured image via Getty Images
Camille is a lover of all things skin, curls, music, justice, and wanderlust; oceans and islands are her thing. Her words inspire and her power is her voice. A California native with Trinidadian roots, she has penned personal essays, interviews, and lifestyle pieces for POPSUGAR, FEMI magazine, and SelfishBabe. Camille is currently creating a life she loves through words, self-love, fitness, travel, and empowerment. You can follow her on Instagram @cam_just_living or @written_by_cam.
This article is sponsored by Hulu.
UnPrisonedhas returned for its highly anticipated second season, delving deeper into the complex dynamics of the Alexander family.
The series premiere comes a year after its debut season garnered rave reviews from fans and critics and earned record-breaking ratings for Hulu's Onyx Collective brand. UnPrisoned's success can be attributed to its raw, relatable themes and comedic appeal.
Inspired by creator Tracy McMillan's life, the show follows Paige (Kerry Washington), a therapist and single mother whose life takes an unexpected turn when her father, Edwin (Delroy Lindo) --who was released from prison-- moves in with her and her teenage son, Finn (Faly Rakotohavana).
Throughout UnPrisoned's first season, viewers witnessed how Edwin's incarceration deeply affected Paige's life and relationships. In the series, Paige unpacks her trauma through interactions with her inner child and her online followers. Meanwhile, Edwin is overcoming specific struggles with his own past that led to his life of crime, including a dysfunctional upbringing and his mother's arrest. As the Alexanders attempt to reconcile, new challenges arise.
This new season promises to further explore their unconventional family dynamic. Here are several compelling reasons why season two of UnPrisoned should be on everyone's watchlist.
The Alexander Family Life Is Still In Shambles
UnPrisoned's second season resumes where the series left off, with Paige grappling with the fallout from her troubled therapy practice and Edwin navigating life independently after moving out. Meanwhile, Finn faces his own challenges. The teenager is battling anxiety and seeking information about his father—a topic Paige avoids discussing.
The Alexander Family Are Attending Therapy To Resolve Their Underlying Issues
Amid the chaos in their lives, the Alexander family decides to mend their bond by confronting their past traumas. They seek professional help and attend therapy sessions with a “family radical healing coach,” played by John Stamos, a new cast member. This collective effort aims to unravel the complexities of their shared history and strengthen their relationships.
The process of unraveling each character's internal conflicts and their potential impact on future relationships may clash with Paige's textbook therapy approach. While Paige is used to being in the therapist's seat in both career and family, this forces her into the unfamiliar role of a patient during therapy sessions. This shift would compel her to look in the mirror and try a radically different approach.
The Alexander Family Learned A Big Lesson During A Therapy Session
In therapy, the Alexanders are tasked with addressing their individual traumas to salvage their remaining relationships. One of the family therapist’s eccentric suggestions was an exercise involving a family wrestling match. During this session, Paige faces tough questions about her refusal to share information about Finn's father.
While it's unclear whether this scene is reality or fantasy, the image of the family duking it out in the ring certainly makes for hilarious yet compelling television.
Paige Tries Dating Again Following Failed Relationships
Amid her life's chaos, Paige decides to step back into the dating field. However, her many attempts have left her with mixed results. The dating apps have turned out to be a fail, and an outing with her ex Mal (Marque Richardson), who is also her father's parole officer, doesn’t go quite as expected after he brings an unexpected guest – his new girlfriend.
The situation takes an awkward turn when Mal's new partner learns why the former couple split, partly due to Paige's self-sabotage.
UnPrisoned Is A Perfect Balance Of Comedy And Drama
As a dramedy, UnPrisoned takes a comedic approach to its heavy subjects. The show takes us on a ride with Paige's dating misadventures and navigating a friendship with her ex.
Other lighthearted moments include Edwin's attempts at CPR based on online videos and, of course, the antics of the Alexander family's unconventional new healing coach.
The second season of UnPrisoned is now available on Hulu.
UnPrisoned | Season 2 Trailer | Hulu
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Laz Alonso On His 'The Boys'' Character's Weight Loss And The Secrets To His New Physique
Actor Laz Alonso has unveiled the inspiration behind his dramatic 40-pound weight loss and shared insights on how he maintains his new physique through a balanced diet and consistent exercise routines.
The 50-year-old's transformation became a hot topic when fans noticed a significant change in his appearance during the new season of Amazon Prime's The Boys. In the hit series, Alonso portrays Marvin T. Milk, also known as Mother's Milk, an operations coordinator turned leader of The Boys—a group of vigilantes fighting against corrupt superheroes.
Throughout the first three seasons of The Boys, Alonso maintained a bulky appearance through weight training and high-intensity interval workouts to portray his character accurately, as described in the comics. However, during the third season, the actor reached his heaviest weight, primarily due to consuming high-calorie meals. In an interview with Men's Health magazine, Alonso revealed that his weight loss was influenced by his appearance in the third season of The Boys and the show's official poster. Knowing his character would undergo a transition due to becoming the leader of The Boys and working alongside the CIA, Alonso decided to change his appearance to fit this new narrative.
Laz’s Diet And Workout Routine
The Jumping the Broomstar's diet focused on lowering his caloric intake by eating whole foods and limiting processed foods. To further maintain his regimen, Alonso reduced his lactose consumption by making his own cashew and coconut milk while also incorporating nuts as snacks.
For his workout routines, the Avatar star begins his mornings on a trampoline to wake up his body, followed by a session in the sauna. After consuming electrolyte water and a high-protein breakfast of egg whites and rice porridge, Alonso heads to the gym. His typical routine focuses on weight lifting, but he incorporates high-intensity interval workouts when preparing for his role in The Boys.
Laz On Why He Eats Healthy
Also, in the interview, Alonso reveals that he maintains a balanced diet while working on The Boys during 15-hour workdays. He does this because once filming wraps, he lacks the energy to train intensely.
“Working on set is tough. I mean, especially on our show. Eric Kripke is a perfectionist. That means we’re working 14-15 hour days. We’re doing every single camera angle. This guy doesn’t mess around. But the proof is in the pudding. But it’s tough to work out and eat healthy during production. So I try my best to eat as healthy as possible because once I wrap I don’t have the energy to work out,” he said.
Laz On The Difficulty On Maintaining His Diet
When asked whether maintaining his diet or workout routine was more challenging, Alonso immediately responded, "diet." The actor explained that the difficulty stems from the discipline required, mainly when the cast and crew are provided with snacks and comfort foods on set.
“The diet, hands down. Because the diet involves discipline. The workout, I enjoy working out. Working out for me is my favorite pastime, stress reliever. “ It’s therapy, he stated. “But diet is what really you know cause on set they’re constantly making snacks to keep the crew going so that you don’t feel the 14 hours. Your body craves it when it’s like 20 [degrees] below outside, and you’re shooting in the snow. You want some comfort so that part becomes hard.”
While Alonso follows a well-balanced diet and workout routine most of the time, he still enjoys a variety of foods. Through his regimen, he has learned to practice moderation.
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Feature image by Robin L Marshall/WireImage