What Is LHA? Why This Gentler Acid Might Be Key to Solving Your Acne Puzzle

OK, So What Is LHA?

If you’ve ever had a pimple, you’ve probably used salicylic acid. It’s one of the top ingredients in acne spot treatments and cleansers for oily to acne-prone skin. As it turns out, LHA is just a gentler, more tolerable derivative of the salicylic acid you know and love. 

“Lipohydroxy acid (LHA) is a derivative of salicylic acid, a beta-hydroxy acid found in skincare products,” explains Dr. Camp. Beta hydroxy acids are oil-soluble acids that help to target excess oil on the skin’s surface and dead skin cells sitting on the skin’s surface. LHAs are “lipophilic compounds, meaning they’re able to dissolve and therefore interact with oils on the skin. LHA is also sometimes referred to as capryloyl salicylic acid,” says Dr. Camp.

Benefits of Adding LHA (Lipohydroxy Acid) to Your Skincare Routine

There are a few benefits of LHAs in skincare, and if you have mild acne, LHA could be a great, non-irritating ingredient to add into your skincare lineup.

1. Promotes Cell Turnover

According to Dr. Camp, LHA helps promote cell turnover by getting to work on clearing out and eliminating dead skin cells from the surface of the skin. Since it has a larger molecular makeup than salicylic acid, it doesn’t go as deep into the skin’s surface. Therefore, you can use it to remove dead skin without the harsh, irritating side effects that typically come with using salicylic acid. 

2. Decongests Pores

Like salicylic acid, LHA helps to remove excess dirt and oil from the pores. 

3. Minimizes the Appearance of Pores 

Once dirt and oil are removed from pores, pore size may appear smaller, according to Dr. Camp. This will also help prevent future breakouts caused by bacterias and oils on the skin. 

4. Improves Skin’s Texture

Fewer breakouts means fewer bumps, acne scars, and dark spots. LHA can help regulate the skin’s surface and even out texture. 

Why Is LHA So Good for Acne?

If you have sensitive skin and acne, LHA may be your new best friend. Just make sure to discuss adding this ingredient to your routine with your dermatologist to ensure it won’t harm your acne fight or interact poorly with another product you’re using.

“Acne is caused by a number of factors, including excess oil and irregular cell turnover that leads to clogged pores,” says Dr. Camp. “By removing excess oil and preventing the formation of blocked pores, LHA can treat and prevent acne,” he adds.

Can LHA Be Used With Other Acne Products?

Yes, but just make sure that if you have sensitive skin, your other acne products don’t contain salicylic acid, as combining that with LHA might be overwhelming for the skin all at once. “LHA may complement other exfoliating ingredients or toners that help remove excess dirt and residue from the skin surface, but it should be used with caution to avoid dryness, peeling, and irritation,” says Dr. Camp. 

Can You Use LHA If You Have Sensitive Skin?

LHA could be the perfect acne-fighting ingredient to use if you have sensitive skin, since it does not penetrate skin as deeply as salicylic acid does. However, “because LHA does not penetrate skin as deeply as salicylic acid, it may not be as effective for the treatment of acne, despite it being a better-tolerated ingredient,” says Dr. Camp. You might feel more comfortable trying LHA for acne if you have sensitive skin, but you should always refer to your dermatologist before adding in a new product/ingredient into your routine. 

Final Thoughts

If you have mild acne and sensitive skin, choosing skincare products that contain LHA can be a great option. Just keep in mind that if your acne doesn’t go away after around four weeks to a few months, you might want to discuss alternative options with your dermatologist.