AHA, BHA & PHA Acids: Safe Skin Renewal for the Autumn Season
The summer season often leaves traces of dryness, pigmentation, and uneven texture on the skin due to sun, sea, and heat exposure.
Autumn, however, is the perfect time to restore your skin properly.
It’s the ideal season to introduce one more essential product into your skincare routine — acids.
Despite the abundance of educational content online, many people are still afraid of the word “acid” and its use in daily skincare.
Yet modern AHA, BHA, and PHA acids are safe, gentle, and suitable even for sensitive skin — if used correctly.
What are AHA, BHA, and PHA acids?
AHA (Alpha Hydroxy Acids) — derived from fruit and milk sugars. They dissolve the bonds between dead skin cells, helping the skin renew itself and become smoother and more elastic.
Most popular AHAs: glycolic, lactic, and mandelic acids.
Best for: dry, dull skin with uneven tone or pigmentation.
Benefits: moisturizing, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant.
They also stimulate collagen and glycosaminoglycan synthesis.
BHA (Beta Hydroxy Acids) — primarily salicylic acid. BHAs work deeper within the pores since they are oil-soluble, effectively removing excess sebum and dead skin cells.
Best for: oily and combination skin prone to blackheads and breakouts.
They have anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties, making them effective against acne.
PHA (Poly Hydroxy Acids) — the newest and gentlest type of acids. They exfoliate the surface of the skin while hydrating and strengthening the skin barrier.
Best for: sensitive, dry, and couperose-prone skin.
Why acids are not dangerous
Unlike aggressive chemical peels, modern Korean skincare formulas balance acids with soothing and moisturizing ingredients — such as hyaluronic acid, allantoin, panthenol, and plant extracts.
They:
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don’t strip the skin of moisture,
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don’t damage the skin barrier,
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stimulate natural cell renewal,
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help active ingredients absorb better.
Regular use (2–3 times a week) gives a gentle yet visible effect — softer, smoother, and more radiant skin without irritation.
Why autumn is the best time to use acids
UV radiation is milder in autumn, making it the safest season to start an acid-based skin renewal course.
Tips for safe acid use:
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Start gradually: 1–2 times per week.
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Choose the right concentration — AHA up to 5%, BHA up to 2%, PHA up to 5%.
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Always use SPF, even on cloudy days.
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Avoid combining several acids at once, especially if your skin isn’t used to them.
How to choose the right product
If your skin feels:
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dull and tired → choose AHA with lactic or mandelic acid,
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congested or acne-prone → go for BHA with salicylic acid,
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sensitive and dry → PHA is the safest option.
At 7skin.lv, you can find a wide range of Korean skincare products with balanced acid formulas that deliver visible results without irritation.
Recommended products:
Don’t be afraid of acids! They can become your best ally in achieving radiant, even-toned, and healthy-looking skin.
With regular use, skin quality improves noticeably:
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less flakiness,
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cleaner pores,
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reduced roughness and dryness,
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smoother texture and tone,
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balanced oil production,
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lighter pigmentation spots,
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increased collagen production,
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enhanced absorption of active ingredients.