✨ What’s All the Buzz About AHA & BHA (and Friends Like Mandelic & Azelaic Acid)?

At Safa Oasis Mind Body Skin, we believe knowledge is self-care. Skincare buzzwords are everywhere, but few get as much attention as AHA and BHA. And now, you may also be hearing about Mandelic Acid and Azelaic Acid. So, let’s break it down 💆🏽‍♀️🌿.

🌸 What Are AHAs?

AHAs (Alpha Hydroxy Acids) are water-soluble exfoliants that work mainly on the skin’s surface. They gently loosen dead skin cells, helping your skin look smoother, brighter, and more even-toned.

✨ Common AHAs include:

• Glycolic Acid (from sugar cane) – powerful exfoliator for glow ✨

• Lactic Acid (from milk) – hydrating and gentle 🌸

• Citric Acid (from citrus fruits) – antioxidant + brightening 🍋

• Mandelic Acid (from bitter almonds) – the gentle giant 💎

Why Mandelic Acid?It has a larger molecular size, which makes it absorb more slowly. Translation? It’s gentler and less irritating — perfect for sensitive or darker skin tones, helping with texture, fine lines, and even stubborn pigmentation.

Benefits of AHAs:🌿 Brighter, glowing skin🌿 Fades dark spots & hyperpigmentation🌿 Smooths fine lines & rough texture🌿 Boosts hydration and skin renewal

🌊 What Are BHAs?

BHAs (Beta Hydroxy Acids) are oil-soluble, meaning they can dive deeper into pores and clear out excess oil and debris.

✨ Most popular BHA: Salicylic Acid 🌟

Benefits of BHAs:🌿 Deep pore cleansing (bye-bye blackheads)🌿 Reduces acne breakouts🌿 Calms redness & irritation🌿 Controls shine for oily skin

🌟 Azelaic Acid: The Multi-Tasker

While Azelaic Acid isn’t an AHA or BHA, it’s often mentioned alongside them because of its skin-perfecting abilities. Derived from grains like wheat, barley, and rye, it’s a favorite for those with sensitive or acne-prone skin.

Benefits of Azelaic Acid:🌿 Fights acne-causing bacteria🌿 Evens out skin tone (especially for hyperpigmentation & melasma)🌿 Soothes inflammation & redness🌿 Safe for sensitive and darker skin tones

✨ The Glow Factor

• AHAs (like Glycolic, Lactic, Mandelic) = Surface renewal & radiance

• BHA (Salicylic) = Deep pore detox

• Azelaic Acid = Tone-evening, calming, and clarifying

Together, these ingredients can transform dull, congested, or uneven skin into a smooth, balanced canvas that glows with confidence 🌸💫.

🌿 Safa Oasis Tip

Because these acids are active, they can make skin more sun-sensitive 🌞. Always pair them with SPF and start slow to avoid irritation. Better yet, experience them in a professional treatment at Safa Oasis Mind Body Skin, where we customize your care for safe, radiant results.

🧖🏽‍♀️ Final Word

AHAs, BHAs, Mandelic, and Azelaic Acid aren’t just buzzwords — they’re science-backed tools to help you achieve your glow goals. With the right balance, they can resurface, refine, and renew your skin for a fresh, spa-level radiance every day.

📚 References

1. Van Scott EJ, Yu RJ. Alpha Hydroxy Acids and the Skin. J Am Acad Dermatol. 1989.

2. Draelos ZD. Cosmeceuticals: AHAs and BHAs. Dermatol Clin. 2009.

3. Kligman AM. Salicylic acid: a comedolytic agent. Arch Dermatol. 1983.

4. Solomon BA, Baldwin HE. The Use of Azelaic Acid in Dermatology. Cutis. 1995.

5. Rendon MI et al. Mandelic acid: a novel agent for melasma treatment. Dermatol Surg. 1999.