The Difference Between Tretinoin and AHA/BHA

AHA, BHA and Tretinoin are 3 very important active ingredients, present in many skin care products. Although there are some similarities, but Tretinoin & AHA and BHA still have some differences. Understanding the characteristics and usage of these active ingredients will help you know how to properly and effectively take care of your skin.

Hydroxy Acids - group of fruit acids - are the group of acids most used in the treatment of skin problems. They have many uses in smoothing wrinkles, enhancing skin elasticity and anti-aging. In which, Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHAs) and Beta Hydroxy Acids (BHAs) are the two main groups of Hydroxy Acids.
AHA is a group of natural acids based on water, found in foods, especially fruits. AHAs work on the principle of breaking the skin cell bonds on the epidermis, stimulating the skin's cell renewal process.
BHA has a similar molecular structure to AHA, but the difference between them is that BHA is oil soluble so it can work in the pores. The most common BHA used in beauty products is Salicylic Acid. However, in some countries, there are strict regulations regarding the use of Salicylic Acid in cosmetics. Therefore, other derivatives of this active ingredient such as Salicylate, Betaine Salicylate and Sodium Salicylate are used to replace it.
AHAs and BHAs are loved for their miraculous benefits to the skin such as:
Improves skin texture, making skin smoother and more even; Helps to fade fine lines and light aging spots; Prevent and treat acne thanks to the ability to clean the skin surface (AHA) and clean the pores (BHA); As an antioxidant, neutralizing free radicals, helping to fight skin aging; High concentrations of AHAs and BHAs are used in the treatment of acne, scars, melasma and hyperpigmentation; Stimulates collagen synthesis, thickens the dermis. As a rule, in home products, the concentration of AHA active ingredient in excess of 10%, the concentration of BHA is only 1-2%. In special treatment, the concentration of AHA and BHA can be up to 20 - 30% but need to be prescribed by a dermatologist. Besides, AHA and BHS thin the stratum corneum on the skin which will be more sensitive to the sun. Therefore, when using AHA/BHA regularly or in high concentrations, you need to use sunscreen and protect your skin from the sun.
MORE: Tretinoin for acne: How to use, uses, effectiveness and side effects

Tretinoin is a retinoic acid that is widely used to treat skin aging conditions. It can solve almost any problem on the skin such as:
Helps treat acne and prevent acne thanks to its ability to promote cell renewal and regulate sebum on the skin; Smoothes wrinkles and prevents wrinkle formation; Acts as an antioxidant, preventing aging thanks to its ability to neutralize free radicals and inhibit the activity of the enzyme Matrix Metallopeptidase (the enzyme that breaks down collagen); Promote the production of collagen in the skin, thicken the dermis; Stimulates blood circulation under the skin, making the skin more ruddy; Improve damaged or aging skin caused by excessive UV exposure; Improves skin surface and texture, helps to smooth skin; Fades pigment spots caused by actinic keratosis or dyspigmentation; Used to treat psoriasis. Because of the convergence of most of the advantages of improving the skin, active ingredient Tretinoin is easy to cause skin irritation. Therefore, when using this active ingredient, you need to fully equip yourself with knowledge.

Both AHA/BHA and Tretinoin have in common that makes it easier to remove dead cells. However, they have the following differences:
AHA/BHA: Has the function of chemical exfoliation, only works at the shallow level of the skin surface, not at the cellular level. It helps to weaken, loosen the bonds between dead cells to remove them easily from the skin; Tretinoin: Can work at the cellular level, acting mainly in the dermis layer of the skin. This means that Tretinoin can act on cells, making them healthier, better eliminating dead cells. In addition, tretinoin also improves the activity of small blood vessels so it affects both the lower and outer layers of the skin.

4.1 Combining AHAs and BHAs AHAs and BHAs can be used in combination as they both belong to the group of Hydroxy Acids. However, dermatologists still recommend that you consider using a combination of these 2 products with these 2 active ingredients because it can lead to over-exfoliation, weakening of the skin barrier, causing the skin to become damaged. susceptible to irritation and damage to the effects of the environment.
You can use products that contain AHA and BHA in the same formula (usually these products are reduced by the manufacturer to match the dose of the active ingredient). As for products containing the main active ingredient, AHA or BHA, you should use every other day. If the skin has symptoms of excessive exfoliation, we should reduce the frequency of use, combined with the use of skin-restoring products.
4.2 Combination of AHA/BHA and Tretinoin Theoretically, it is possible to combine the use of AHA/BHA with Tretinoin (Acid for external use with Retinoic Acid) in the treatment of aging skin, wrinkles or spots. pigment. In fact, some clinical trials have also recorded positive results when applying a combination regimen of AHA/BHA with Tretinoin in the treatment of acne-prone skin or skin damage caused by UV exposure.
When using, because Tretinoin can remove dead cells, stimulate cell renewal, you should not use Tretinoin at the same time with many peeling / bleaching products (unless prescribed by your doctor). . You can use Tretinoin and AHA/BHA at different sessions to avoid excessive effects of the product.
4.3 Some notes AHA/BHA can be combined with Tretinoin. However, to ensure safety in the process of using skin care products, you need to know the possible side effects, the rules for combining special treatment products and restorative products, and be careful when using skin care products. used to avoid risks. Some safety rules you need to remember when using products containing active ingredients AHA/BHA and Tretinoin are:
Use sunscreen. Special treatment products containing ingredients AHA, BHA and Tretinoin mostly thin the stratum corneum of the skin, so it will make the skin more sensitive and need better protection. Therefore, you should get in the habit of using sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30, reapplying every 2-3 hours; Use with moisturizing products, restore skin membranes to protect skin health; Be aware of possible side effects: AHAs can cause stinging and burning on the skin; BHA can cause acne breakouts; Tretinoin can cause flaking and dry skin. For people using these active ingredients for the first time, it is recommended to start with the lowest concentration and low frequency, then gradually increase, should use each type of active ingredient first, do not combine to use it together to avoid irritation. In case of skin irritation, you should use products containing skin-restoring active ingredients, avoid using many active ingredients at the same time (it is recommended to use different sessions in the skin care cycle), use add sunscreen. If the skin does not respond to the active ingredient, you can use appropriate alternatives. The article has helped readers understand the similarities and differences between Tretinoin, AHA and BHA. You need to use the right skin care ingredients to own the beautiful skin you want.
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