AHA & BHA . How Important Are They?

[m139]

Just a bit of background about me: I'm 38 and have had oily skin for all my adult life. I had serious facial acne in high school but it cleared as I got into my 20s and now 30s. I do get an occasional blemish here or there and usually it's an ingrown hair. Since shaving with DE, I've noticed a tremendous reduction in ingrown hairs and that's fantastic but I'm wondering how important it is to use AHA & BHA in my daily cleansing routine.

I've been trying Kyoku products and I love the way they make my skin feel but I've always had good luck with BHA/AHA and Kyoku does not have these ingredients.

My other option would be to go to Neutrogena or L'Oreal Men and both have products with BHA/AHA.

One more option is to stick with Kyoku and purchase a separate AHA/BHA exfoliating gel that I can apply at night.

I'm a bit lost and would love some guidance. Thanks.

 

[SalvadorMontenegro]

AHA's and BHA's in a wash or scrub are practically irrelevant, because they're only on your face for as long as you're washing it (probably under a minute, right?). When you rinse, it all goes down the drain. To be effective, they should be in a leave on product. Check out the chemical exfoliation thread for ideas. Paula's Choice makes a bunch of them. Neutrogena has one, as well. I'm sure there are some high end companies that make them, also.

I don't know how important they are. I'm sure you could still have a great life without them. However, they are definitely beneficial. If you were to use one or the other or both in some way, you would most likely see some benefit.

Honestly, though, you need to find something you like and stick with it for a while. If you keep changing products every week, you're not really going to know what works, or what does not. It's not that complicated. Just find something that works and stick with it.

 

[m139]

AHA's and BHA's in a wash or scrub are practically irrelevant, because they're only on your face for as long as you're washing it (probably under a minute, right?). When you rinse, it all goes down the drain. To be effective, they should be in a leave on product. Check out the chemical exfoliation thread for ideas. Paula's Choice makes a bunch of them. Neutrogena has one, as well. I'm sure there are some high end companies that make them, also.

I don't know how important they are. I'm sure you could still have a great life without them. However, they are definitely beneficial. If you were to use one or the other or both in some way, you would most likely see some benefit.

Honestly, though, you need to find something you like and stick with it for a while. If you keep changing products every week, you're not really going to know what works, or what does not. It's not that complicated. Just find something that works and stick with it.

Thanks for the advice and I'm trying to stick to something but I'm not a patient man by nature and I keep switching. I've got three full product lines now so I will just pick one and stick to it for at least three or four weeks to see how I do. Thanks.

 

[SalvadorMontenegro]

I understand, but in this case you do have to be patient, as lousy as that may be. It's like exercise. If you get down and do some push ups for the first time tonight, it'd be absurd to wake up tomorrow and say, "Wow, I thought those push ups were supposed to make me chiseled. What a waste of time!" and then quit. You have to give it time and be consistent with it!

 

[m139]

I understand, but in this case you do have to be patient, as lousy as that may be. It's like exercise. If you get down and do some push ups for the first time tonight, it'd be absurd to wake up tomorrow and say, "Wow, I thought those push ups were supposed to make me chiseled. What a waste of time!" and then quit. You have to give it time and be consistent with it!

I totally understand... it's just that I'm having a hard time deciding which line to start with and stick to. Currently I have the full Kyoku line, as well as Neutrogena and Menscience.

I actually like the Kyoku line but it has zero BHA or AHA, while the Menscience line has BHA/AHA in almost every product. So, I'm sort of torn.

 

[iRichard]

Alpha Hydrox products get my vote. Awesome quality and the price is right!

 

[m139]

Alpha Hydrox products get my vote. Awesome quality and the price is right!

Very impressive ingredients and product lineup but seems to be targeted for women. Check out their recommended morning routine. No way can you incorporate your shave into that scenario!

However, at those prices, it may be worth a try. Thanks for the heads up.

 

[iRichard]

AHA enhanced lotion after I get off of work. To be honest, there's no 'good' way to go about using AHA because the objective is cellular turnover which requires harsh chemicals. I just find ways to make it work.

 

[mistercitizen]

I've been using the Baxter of California Night Cream AHA every night for over a month now. Seems to be about the most effective thing that I've done to even out the tone of my skin and smooth out my complextion. I use it every night and does not cause any irritation. It's somewhat greasy and leaves a shine until it is absorbed, but that's why it's intended to be used at night. Never used a BHA product on a regular basis.

Ben