Can you use AHA and BHA together?
Use them on different nights. Two exfoliating acids at once is easy to overdo.
Use on different nights
Two exfoliants at once is easy to overdo. Spread them out so skin can recover.
Alternate: one on one night, the other on another, with plain nights in between if your skin feels dry or tight.
How to use both
Pick one for most nights and the other once or twice a week, with plain nights in between if your skin feels tight.
A product that already contains both is made to be used as directed. Just don’t add another exfoliant that night.
More pairs
Questions
Which one is for me?
BHA (salicylic acid) gets into pores, so it suits oily and breakout-prone skin. AHAs like glycolic and lactic acid work on the surface, so they suit dull, rough or dry skin.
How often should I exfoliate?
Start 2 to 3 times a week and go slower if you see redness, stinging or flaking.
What about products with both AHA and BHA?
Those are made to be used together. Follow the label and skip other exfoliants on that day.
Your skin, simplified.
Ask anything, scan a label and get a routine. Free on iPhone, no sign-up needed.
On your computer?Point your iPhone camera here to get the app.