Exfoliators

Q: How often should I exfoliate my face?

Two to three times a week for most skin. Daily use of a chemical exfoliant is where irritation, redness and a compromised barrier usually start.

Q: AHA or BHA — which chemical exfoliant should I use?

AHA (glycolic acid) works on the surface for tone and texture. BHA (salicylic acid) is oil-soluble and gets inside the pore, so it's the better choice for blackheads and oily, congested skin.

Q: Can I use an exfoliating pad and a retinol the same night?

Not recommended — that combination is one of the most common causes of a damaged barrier. Alternate nights instead, and see Dehydration & Barrier Repair if you're already seeing signs of it.

Q: Is a scrub better than a chemical exfoliant for the face?

For the face, a chemical exfoliant is usually gentler and more even. Physical scrubs and exfoliating towels work better on thicker body skin — see Scrubs & Exfoliators for those.

Face exfoliators that clear dead skin so the rest of your routine absorbs properly: glycolic acid (AHA) for tone and texture, salicylic acid (BHA) for pores, and exfoliating pads.