Hada Labo AHA/BHA Face Wash

After using (and hating) the Ginvera Exfoliating Face Wash Gel in Singapore, I was so thankful that I had bought another sample face wash to use! Didn't want to depend on that horrible green gel for the rest of the trip! The second sample face wash I used is from Hada Labo. Since I've used their mosituriser before, I was somewhat assured that this wouldn't end in tragedy.

Hada Labo says that this product :
a. contains AHA/BHA for gentle exfoliation to remove impurities, dirt & oil trapped within pores
b. polishes away dullness and refines skin's texture for visibly clear, smooth and radiant skin
c. skin pH balanced, low irritation
d. free of fragrances, mineral oil, alcohol and colorant

Ever noticed that those "Free of fragrance" products usually smell crappy? It usually smells toooooo medicated and clinical, and this is not any different. It's something that you just have to get used to.

As a face wash, it's pretty decent. It gets the job done - removes make-up, and leaves the face feeling nicely cleansed and refresh. However, I really balk at the statements that claim that there are gentle exfoliation... maybe it's so gentle that I didn't even realise that my skin was getting exfoliated! There are no micro exfoliating beads, fyi. It's a very normal, simple, unassuming white cream. -__- *unimpressed*

Wondering what is AHA and BHA? Well, AHA, or alpha hydroxy acid, is a skin care product ingredient made from fruit, milk or sugar cane. The makers of products with AHA promote its ability to reduce the signs of aging and to improve acne. Lactic (from milk), glycolic (from sugar cane) and citric acids (from oranges and lemons) are the most commonly used AHAs.AHAs penetrate the dead surface cells of the skin, loosening the molecular bonds that attach them to the underlying tissues. The loose cells slough off, exposing newer skin.

Most of the skin care products with AHA have it in concentrations of between 5 and 8 percent. Lower concentrations are ineffective and higher ones can increase the severity of AHA's potential side effects.

two most common side effects are increased sun sensitivity and skin irritation. Over a course of 12 years, between 1992 and the introduction of AHAs in skin care products, and 2004, the FDA received 114 complaints about side effects. [Source : eHow]

Interesting huh? I find it quite disturbing how the AHAs can "slough off our dead skin cells" (so this is the exfoliation that they are talking about!) and it winds up making us sensitive to the sun. Obviously Hada Labo knows about this because they put an advisory on the sample saying, "This product should be used with a sunscreen product." I was thinking WTF, because this is a face wash. How many face wash do you own that actually tells you, "Please use a sunscreen with this."

As for BHAs, they sound less scary. BHA or beta hydroxy acid has only one source – salicylic acid – derived from acetylsalicylic acid, or aspirin. Like AHAs, beta hydroxy acid (BHA) acts as an exfoliant increasing the shedding of dead skin cells to allow newer, healthier skin cells to show through.

Studies have shown BHA to reduce the appearance of wrinkles, improve skin roughness and assist in reducing skin pigmentation disorders. BHA is also extremely useful in the treatment of breakouts and helpful in the management of keratosis pilaris, conditions that involve blocked or clogged pores. [Source : eHow]

You can get your own dose of BHAs by using the "Michelle Phan Aspirin Mask" technique. It's such an oldie but goodie that I'm going to blog about it on blog too! Stay tuned.

Meanwhile, the AHA thing is kinda scaring me... gotta do more research on it!