Anti-Aging Moisturizers with AHAs and BHAs for Exfoliation
As we get older, our skin’s natural exfoliation process slows down, leading to a buildup of dead skin cells that can make our complexions look dull and uneven. This is where alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) and beta hydroxy acids (BHAs) come in! These chemical exfoliants help slough away dead skin cells, revealing the fresh, radiant skin underneath. When combined with hydrating and anti-aging ingredients, AHA and BHA moisturizers can transform lackluster skin.
What Are AHAs and BHAs?
AHAs and BHAs are types of hydroxy acids that exfoliate the skin. AHAs like glycolic acid and lactic acid work on the skin’s surface to loosen the bonds between dead skin cells. This helps to smooth texture, fade dark spots, and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.BHAs like salicylic acid can penetrate deeper into pores to dissolve sebum and debris. This makes them great for preventing breakouts in acne-prone skin. BHAs also have anti-inflammatory properties to help soothe redness.Using AHA and BHA moisturizers helps to continually exfoliate and renew the skin over time. This reveals brighter, clearer, and more youthful looking skin!
Benefits of AHA and BHA Moisturizers
- Improve skin texture – Gently exfoliate to reveal smooth, soft skin
- Reduce appearance of fine lines and wrinkles
- Fade dark spots and discoloration
- Clear away dead skin cells and debris in pores
- Prevent breakouts and acne
- Hydrate skin
- Make skin look radiant and glowing
How to Choose an AHA/BHA Moisturizer
Look for moisturizers that contain glycolic acid, lactic acid, and/or salicylic acid. Glycolic acid provides the strongest exfoliation, while lactic acid is more gentle. Salicylic acid helps keep pores clear.Start with lower percentages around 5% glycolic acid or 2% salicylic acid, especially if you have sensitive skin. You can gradually increase to 10% glycolic acid or 5% salicylic acid. Using them too often or at too high of concentrations can cause irritation.Apply AHA/BHA moisturizers at night, as they can make skin more sensitive to sunlight. Always wear SPF during the day! Look for added anti-aging ingredients like antioxidants, peptides, ceramides, and hyaluronic acid.
Reviews of the Top AHA/BHA Moisturizers
Olay Regenerist Micro-Sculpting Cream
![Olay Regenerist Micro-Sculpting Cream](https://images.pexels.com/photos/1640777/pexels-photo-1640777.jpeg?auto=compress&cs=tinysrgb&w= to plump fine lines and wrinkles. It also has glycolic acid to gently exfoliate and niacinamide to brighten
CeraVe Skin Renewing Night Cream
CeraVe Skin Renewing Night CreamThis night cream contains a trio of ceramides along with hyaluronic acid to reinforce the skin’s barrier and lock in moisture. It also has 10% glycolic acid for exfoliation as well as peptides to improve firmness.It has a rich, creamy texture that hydrates without clogging pores. Within a week of nightly use, skin looks brighter and feels softer. Dark spots start fading after 2-3 weeks. It’s fragrance-free and non-irritating.
Paula’s Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant
![Paula’s Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid](https://images.pexels.com/photos/iant contains 2% salicylic acid to keep pores clear and sweep away dead skin cells. Green tea and licorice root extracts soothe inflammation.It quickly absorbs into skin without leaving a tacky finish. When used 1-2 times per week, it refines texture, fades acne marks, and brightens tone. It’s gentle enough even for sensitive skin types.
Drunk Elephant T.L.C. Framboos Glycolic Night Serum
Drunk Elephant T.L.C. Framboos Glycolic Night SerumThis potent serum contains a blend of AHAs including glycolic, tartaric, lactic and citric acids to provide serious exfoliation. It also has raspberry extract and horse chestnut to brighten and smooth skin.It resurfaces dull skin and refines pores with regular use. Those with very sensitive skin may experience some tingling. It’s highly effective for aging skin when used 2-3 times per week.
First Aid Beauty Facial Radiance Pads
First Aid Beauty Facial Radiance PadsThese convenient pads combine lactic and glycolic acids to gently exfoliate, along with licorice root and lemon balm extracts to brighten.The textured pads help remove dead skin cells, even out skin tone, and make pores less visible with regular use. They’re alcohol-free and gentle enough for daily use.
The Ordinary Lactic Acid 10% + HA
![The Ordinary Lactic Acid 10% + HA](https://images.pexels.erum contains 10% lactic acid along with hydrating hyaluronic acid. Lactic acid exfoliates to reveal radiant skin while hyaluronic acid attracts moisture.This lightweight serum absorbs quickly without irritation. Apply it before moisturizer 2-3 nights per week to see improved tone, texture, and brightness. It’s vegan and cruelty-free.
Sunday Riley Good Genes All-In-One Lactic Acid Treatment
Sunday Riley Good GenesThis lactic acid treatment smooths fine lines and evens out skin tone. Licorice and lemongrass help to brighten while prickly pear extract nourishes.The creamy serum immediately leaves skin glowing and supple. With continued use, pores appear smaller, dark spots fade, and wrinkles look softened. It’s suitable for all skin types.
How to Use AHA/BHA Moisturizers
- Apply your AHA/BHA moisturizer at night after cleansing. Start by using it 2-3 times per week.
- Allow it to fully absorb before applying additional treatments like retinol or peptides. Follow with a gentle, non-comedogenic moisturizer.
- If you experience any tingling, redness, or dryness, reduce application to once a week. Always wear SPF 30+ during the day.
- As your skin adjusts, you can gradually increase to daily use if desired. But avoid using other exfoliating treatments like scrubs or masks on the same day.
- Take a break from the AHA/BHA moisturizer 1-2 times per week to prevent over-exfoliation. Drink plenty of water and use soothing products on “off” nights.
- Look for visible improvements in skin smoothness, brightness, and tone within 2-4 weeks. Continue to use the moisturizer 2-5 times per week for maintenance.
The Bottom Line
AHAs and BHAs are extremely effective for improving multiple signs of aging. Using moisturizers that combine these chemical exfoliants with anti-aging peptides, ceramides, antioxidants, and more can retexturize, brighten, and smooth mature skin.Just remember to gradually introduce the AHA/BHA moisturizer into your routine and take precautions against sun sensitivity.