Better Together:
AHA/BHAs + Retinol

Alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) are a chemical exfoliant that work by dissolving the “glue” (technically, corneodesmosomes, which are protein fibers) that holds dead skin cells to the surface of fresh skin. This not only reveals the plump, young skin underneath, it also allows light to reflect more evenly off the surface of skin, making it appear more radiant. BHAs, another type of exfoliating hydroxy acid, are often used in combination with AHAs.

Beta hydroxy acids (BHAs) are oil-soluble chemical exfoliants that dissolve the bonds that hold dead skin cells together. Unlike physical exfoliants (such as scrubs), which manually tear off dead cells, chemical exfoliants simply loosen these unwanted cells from the skin, allowing them to fall off in their own time for an even exfoliation.

The name ‘retinol’ is often used as an umbrella term for products containing some form of vitamin A. Vitamin A is one of the primary ingredients responsible for boosting cell turnover and increasing collagen production – two very important functions to achieve and maintain healthy skin.