Unlocking the Glow

A Fun Dive into the World of AHA's and BHA's

Hey there, skincare aficionados! It's your favorite skincare fairy godmother here, ready to dish out the deets on some of our skin's best friends - AHAs and BHAs. Specifically, we're talking about the dynamic duo: Mandelic Acid and Salicylic Acid. 

The AHA Moment with Mandelic Acid

Let's kick things off with Mandelic Acid, a star player in the AHA (Alpha Hydroxy Acid) league. Imagine Mandelic Acid as that friend who's always glowing, no matter how little sleep they got. That's because it's fabulous at exfoliating the skin, gently sloughing away dead skin cells to reveal a brighter, more even-toned complexion beneath. It's like your skin is getting a new lease on life, all thanks to an acid derived from bitter almonds. How nutty is that?

Mandelic Acid is not just about making you glow; it's also about playing nice. It's larger in molecular size compared to other AHAs, which means it takes its sweet time penetrating the skin. This slow-mo action makes it perfect for sensitive skin types who want to join the exfoliation party without the fear of irritation.

BHA-utiful Salicylic Acid

Now, let's swing over to BHA (Beta Hydroxy Acid) territory, where Salicylic Acid reigns supreme. It's like the skin's personal detective, diving deep into the pores to dissolve the mystery of clogs and breakouts. Oily and acne-prone skin types, rejoice! Salicylic Acid is your new BFF, keeping those pores pristine and your skin clear.

A little nerd moment; did you know that Salicylic Acid's natural counterpart is Willow Bark extract? That's right, this natural extract contains salicin, a precursor to Salicylic Acid, offering gentle exfoliation and anti-inflammatory benefits. It's like nature's way of naturally helping a sister out

Timing is Everything

When to use these skin-loving acids, you ask? AHAs like Mandelic Acid love the nighttime, just like your favorite Netflix binge. Apply it in the evening to let it work its magic while you dream about your next skincare haul. As for Salicylic Acid, it's a bit of a day-and-night kind of deal - suitable for morning or evening use, depending on your skin's tolerance and needs.

The Power of Friendship: Ingredient Pairing

Now, let's talk about pairing. Like a fine wine with cheese, these acids love to be paired with certain ingredients for that chef's kiss effect. Hyaluronic Acid is a fantastic buddy for both Mandelic and Salicylic Acids, offering hydration to balance the exfoliation. And let's not forget about Niacinamide - it's like the mediator in the relationship, soothing skin and improving texture.

However, a word to the wise: Retinol and these acids might not always see eye to eye. It's like inviting two alphas to the party - things can get a bit intense. If you're keen on using both, consider alternating nights to avoid any skin drama.

There you have it, my skincare-loving friends - a little dive into Mandelic and Salicylic Acids (two of our favs). Remember, skincare is about finding what works for you and having fun along the way. So, whether you're team AHA, BHA, or a fabulous mix of both, here's to unlocking that glow and enjoying the journey. Looking to incorporate AHAs & BHAs in your routine? Check out our Botanic Cē, it contains Salicylic Acid, Vitamin C, Hyaluronic Acid, and Caffeine for a knockout combination. Cheers to good skin days ahead! 

Botanic Cē