The long-term safety of salicylic acid in cosmetics also is being evaluated in studies initiated by FDA and sponsored by the National Toxicology Program. These government-sponsored studies are examining the long-term effects of both glycolic acid (an AHA) and salicylic acid on the skin's response to ultraviolet (UV) light. These studies have determined that applying glycolic acid to the skin can make people more susceptible to the damaging effects of the sun, including sunburn. While not as widely known, tartaric is another type of AHA. It’s made from grape extracts, and may help alleviate signs of sun damage and acne. Currently, the BHA most commonly used in cosmetics is salicylic acid. On rare occasions, citric acid is also cited as a BHA in cosmetic formulations. More commonly, citric acid is referred to as an AHA.

If you're unfamiliar with the different types of chemical exfoliators, beta hydroxy acids are one of the most common in skin-care products. According to Dr. Howard Sobel, M.D. — a New York City-based board-certified dermatologist and the founder of Sobel Skin Rx — these acids are a great addition to your routine to improve the texture and tone of your complexion. "They can deeply penetrate the skin to unclog pores and work on the skin's surface to dissolve dead skin cells and balance excess sebum," he says.

All AHAs yield significant exfoliation. Still, the effects and uses can slightly vary between types of acids. Your selected AHA should have a maximum concentration between 10 and 15 percent. Apply new products every other day until your skin gets used to them. This will also reduce the risk of side effects, such as irritation. Salicylic acid is the most common BHA. Concentrations can range between 0.5 and 5 percent, depending on the product at hand. It’s well-known as an acne treatment, but it can also help calm down general redness and inflammation. Also, because of AHA’s more aggressive mechanism of action and its effects on collagen, people looking to improve sun-damaged or aged skin might prefer AHA-containing products. Lactic acid, another AHA, is an excellent moisturizer.

BHAs are also designed for daily use, but you may need to apply a few times per week at first until your skin gets accustomed to them. Although BHAs don’t make your skin as sensitive to the sun compared to AHAs, you should still wear sunscreen every single day. This will help prevent further sun damage. Salicylic acid Glycolic acid is found in a number of peels, as well as daily skin care products. Popular options include:

Glycolic acid provides significant exfoliation. This makes it an all-around treatment for many skin concerns. And thanks to its antimicrobial properties, it may even help prevent acne breakouts. Anyone can use salicylic acid, but it’s especially useful for people with oily or acne-prone skin. Here’s what it can do: Mandelic acid contains larger molecules derived from almond extracts. It can be combined with other AHAs to increase exfoliation. Used alone, the acid may improve texture and pore size. Additionally, if you don't have skin issues that require treatment with salicylic acid, then it's better to keep things simple. 'Salicylic acid is typically for people who have acne - if you don’t have any indication of this then there is no point using an acid like this on your skin,' says Dr Emma Craythorne. 'Unless you're using it for the purpose previously mentioned then I would avoid it entirely.' Can you use salicylic acid with retinol?

If you are new to using salicylic acid products, we recommend initially using one twice a week and then gradually build up usage to once or twice daily. Apply after cleansing and toning. A liquid BHA exfoliant is best applied with a cotton pad. Apply a BHA gel or BHA lotion the same way you would a day or night cream. Apply over the entire face, including the eye area (avoid the lower lash line and eyelids). Do not rinse. Then simply follow with the rest of your skincare routine. For daytime, follow with a moisturiser that contains a broad-spectrum sunscreen rated SPF 30 or greater as the last step in your routine. Beauty begins with truth A person should base their choice of skin product on which hydroxy acid is most suitable for their specific need.The times are a-changing, and so are our exfoliating options. We've come a long way from our former, plastic bead-filled face scrubs, and now alternatives laced like beta hydroxy acids (BHAs) are on the rise for sloughing away pore-clogging dirt and excess oil. Before you dive into some of the best BHA products on the market, there are a few things to know about this mattifying skin-care ingredient. What are the benefits of BHAs? In the Women’s Health Lab, we turned to our panel of 343 women, asking them to trial 26 BHA exfoliating toners to see what impact they had on skin after a one-month period. Take an individualised approach, as it depends on a few things including your skin type, individual lifestyle, how much makeup you wear, and the strength of the BHA-based product. Everybody's skin is unique,” says Dr Veraitch.