Also known as salicylic acid, beta hydroxyl acids are a great chemical compound when it comes to exfoliating, treating those unwanted blemishes and spots to help leave your skin feel healthier, smoother and more refined. Beta hydroxy acid is an organic compound that contains a carboxylic acid functional group where the hydroxy functional group is separated by two carbon atoms. They are closely related to the alpha hydroxy acids, in which the two functional groups are separated by only one carbon atom instead. Compared to non-hydroxylated carboxylic acids, this group of acids is stronger and more effective at fighting blemishes, although weaker than the alpha hydroxy acids being due to the larger distance, the intramolecular hydrogen bridge is less easily formed compared to the alpha hydroxy acids making the beta acids a wiser choice when adding them to skin care products.

It causes the cells of the epidermis to become 'unglued' allowing the dead skin cells to slough off, making room for re growth of new skin. Beta hydroxyl acid is salicylic acid which is derived from aspirin and is also oil soluble, this acid is best for oily skin that is prone to breakouts, blackheads, whiteheads and poison spots. The acid is able to penetrate deep into the pores to help to exfoliate and clean them thoroughly as it is derived from aspirin they retain their anti-inflammatory properties making it even more of an effective product.

The effectiveness of beta acids within skincare product depends solely on the concentration of the acid rather than accompanying the acid with other inactive ingredients with merely scientific-sounding names to make the product sound more fancy and effective. Just as AHA, beta acids are simple organic acids found in nature or can be equally synthesized in the laboratory. They are somewhat different from alpha acids in structure and their mode of action although BHA are now often portrayed as the latest skincare breakthrough; they have been surprisingly around for quite a while! Salicylic acid a common hydroxy acid has been used for treating acne for many years. In fact, salicylic acid acne treatment remains the use of choice for. There are no studies showing that BHA is superior to AHA for skin exfoliation, reducing fine wrinkles, etc. but for people with acne BHA is clearly superior to AHA. So if you are using BHA and don't have acne, adding it to your regimen is not needed but if you do suffer from acne and don't use it in your daily routine add it as quickly as possible and see the positive effectives it will have on your complexion.