AHAs, BHAs and PHAs are hydroxy acids - which fall under the umbrella of chemical exfoliants. Relying on chemical reactions to loosen dead cells on the skin’s surface, they speed up the skin’s natural cell turnover rate. This gives the skin a ton of benefits: reducing clogged pores and acne; plumping up the skin, wrinkles and fine lines; lightening pigmentation and dark marks; and even hydrating your skin. 

The best part in our opinion? Boosting the efficacy of all the other skin care products that you use, since dead skin cells have been eliminated. Yes, they’re that good and their effectiveness has been studied enough that brands are able to get the exact right amount of each to deliver on skin promises.

In the following post, we delve into what AHA, BHA and PHA stands for, what they are and their benefits, the types and things to note when using acids on your skin. 

Our Bombi Multi-Acid Resurfacing Pads and Anti-breakout Emulsion has got you covered on all those fronts—and more. This product contains a multi-acid complex of AHAs, BHAs , and PHAs. They work together to slough off dead skin cells to reveal the luminous skin you’ve dreamed of. 

But what are the differences between the three big acids: AHAs, BHAs and PHAs? Do they do the same thing? Don’t worry; we’re here to help. Read below to learn more and become a pro on acids in your skincare.

AHAs, BHAs and PHAs are hydroxy acids - which fall under the umbrella of chemical exfoliants. Relying on chemical reactions to loosen dead cells on the skin’s surface, they speed up the skin’s natural cell turnover rate. This gives the skin a ton of benefits: reducing clogged pores and acne; plumping up the skin, wrinkles and fine lines; lightening pigmentation and dark marks; and even hydrating your skin. 

The best part in our opinion? Boosting the efficacy of all the other skin care products that you use, since dead skin cells have been eliminated. Yes, they’re that good and their effectiveness has been studied enough that brands are able to get the exact right amount of each to deliver on skin promises.

In the following post, we delve into what AHA, BHA and PHA stands for, what they are and their benefits, the types and things to note when using acids on your skin. 

Our Bombi Multi-Acid Resurfacing Pads and Anti-breakout Emulsion has got you covered on all those fronts—and more. This product contains a multi-acid complex of AHAs, BHAs , and PHAs. They work together to slough off dead skin cells to reveal the luminous skin you’ve dreamed of. 

But what are the differences between the three big acids: AHAs, BHAs and PHAs? Do they do the same thing? Don’t worry; we’re here to help. Read below to learn more and become a pro on acids in your skincare.

AHA stands for alpha-hydroxy acids - commonly derived from sugar cane and other plant sources, they are often referred to as fruit acids. Most beneficial to the outermost layer of the skin (epidermis), AHAs melt the intercellular glue that holds our skin cells together to eliminate dead skin cells.

Made up of tiny molecules of water-soluble acids, AHAs are more commonly used for dry and sensitive skin as they have the added benefits of improving moisture content and stimulating collagen production. 

AHAs do this by encouraging the growth of fibroblasts (the collagen-producing cells in the skin) and by decreasing degradation of the existing dermal matrix. 

AHAs encourage cells to self-destruct through apoptosis (programmed cell death) - which work well on old skin cells that need to be shed off.

The AHAs used in the Bombi 3-step routine are glycolic acid (derived from sugar cane) and lactic acid (derived from milk).

BHA stands for beta-hydroxy acids - a type of acid found in willow tree bark, wintergreen leaves or sweet birch bark. They are organic carboxylic acids with one hydroxyl group attached to the beta position of the carboxyl group - so they differ from AHAs in the position of one hydroxyl group, but they are otherwise quite similar in structure. 

BHAs are chemical exfoliators that soften and dissolve keratin, a protein that forms part of the skin structure. This helps to loosen dead skin cells so they are easily sloughed off. 

However, since they are oil-soluble and can penetrate deeper into the skin, BHAs also work inside the pores, where they not only dissolve keratin plugs but help to regulate keratinisation (cell turnover and shedding).

This is why BHAs like Salicylic Acid is commonly used to treat acne. Acne is associated with hyperkeratinisation - the body shedding skin cells too fast. BHAs slow down this process so the cells function longer before they flake off and are therefore less likely to clog pores. Less clog pores = reduced acne!

The BHAs used in the Bombi 3-step routine are salicylic acid (derived from the Willow Bark Tree) and citric acid (derived from citrus fruits).

PHA stands for poly-hydroxy acids - the latest acid on the block to be used in skin care. It is very similar to traditional AHAs because both work by breaking down the “glue” that binds dull, dead cells to the surface of the skin. The only difference is the molecular structure - PHAs’ molecules are much larger in size, which means they cannot penetrate the skin as deeply as AHAs and BHAs. Instead, they work exclusively on the skin’s surface without disturbing the delicate layers that lie beneath. This means that PHAs are especially beneficial for people with sensitive and extremely dry skin.

The PHA used in the Bombi 3-step routine is gluconolactone (derived from corn).

If we have lost you through this very nerdy explanation - here’s the layman terms on what the difference between AHA, BHA and PHA is: while they all exfoliate the skin, AHAs and PHAs are water-soluble, while BHAs are oil soluble. Oil-soluble ingredients penetrate through the lipid layers between skin cells more readily - which means BHAs can penetrate the skin at a deeper level than AHAs than PHAs. However, PHAs remain at the top of the epidermis due to its significantly larger molecular size. 

In sum, AHAs work well on the skin’s surface to loosen old, dead skin and reveal fresh new skin, whereas BHAs works deeper and is able to penetrate deeper into the pores to unclog them and PHAs stay on the surface of the skin to slowly eliminate dead skin cell.

1. Never over exfoliate the skin 

We stand by the common mantra: too much of a good thing is never a good thing - using too much acids on the skin can lead to sensitive and red skin if your skin is overwhelmed by constantly shedding skin cells. 

Since these acids exfoliate the skin and eliminate dead skin cells, using too much of both on a regular basis can cause weak and sensitive skin. Your outermost layer of skin (epidermis) protects the deeper layers of your skin and using acids too regularly means fresh, new cells that may not be ready to face the world are frequently exposed to air pollution, stress, dirt and more. This weakens the integrity of your skin and  reduces its ability to protect itself. Thus, all good things in moderation! 

As the Bombi Multi-Acid Resurfacing Pads contain a multi-acid complex designed to be used on a daily basis, it is however recommended to build up the use gradually from once every two/three days to once daily once your skin has adjusted to the use.

2. Always apply sunscreen after using AHAs and BHAs products

AHAs, BHAs and PHAs increase the skin’s sensitivity to the sun, making it more vulnerable to sun damage and premature ageing. This is because fresher cells are weaker and more prone to skin discoloration and pigmentation - thus using sunscreen is a must to protect the skin from UV damage. 

3. Consult a professional on products containing AHAs and BHAs

Almost every skin care brand produce different products containing acids. From cleansers to moisturizers, face masks, serums and even make-up products, many of them contain some form of acid. Using different products from too many brands and not fully understanding all the ingredients you are putting on your skin can cause problems - layering too many acids without realizing can cause your skin to become red and sensitive.

Now that you know the difference between AHAs, BHAs and PHAs, remember that Bombi has them all. You don’t have to choose between diminishing rough texture, acne, fine lines and wrinkles, or hyperpigmentation. With the Bombi Multi-Acid Resurfacing Pads, you can have it all. Radiant skin is just a swipe away! Shop our Bombi 3-step routine to get started on your journey to clear skin