Exfoliating Acids for Your Skin Type

[@ADashOfChaos0]

I feel like PHAs- poly hydroxy acids- don’t get enough love. They’re like the underrated cousin of AHAs and BHAs. And they’re so cool imo! They’re gentle exfoliants composed of glucose (simple sugar) derivatives- meaning they’re less irritating, and a great option for sensitive skin. And they’re chemical structure is much bigger than AHAs and BHAs- meaning they can’t penetrate past the surface level of the skin, making them a good exfoliating option for routines with retinols and vitamin c when layered properly. (Disclaimer: not a dermatologist, just a chemistry geek with sensitive skin)

[@B.Harper7]

Love, with sensitive ass skin, we HAVE TO BE dermatologists hahaha 😆 we've got to figure out the ins and outs since our skin lights on goddamn fire with most products

[@RidingWithHope]

Do PHAs work well for dry acne prone skin as well?

[@jyn88]

I had a PHA cleanser and it was gentle on my eczema prone skin.

[@anonymouslyme8696]

My dry skin is lovinggggg PHA toner !!

[@allways8782]

​@@RidingWithHopeHello, yes. My skin is on the dry side and I love my PHA exfoliating serum from naturium. I use it twice a week. You want to start with a hydrating cleanser to prevent the dryness, layer by layer. On the days you are not using the PHA, try a layering a BHA toner, then applying a benzoyl peroxide serum or cream for your acne at least three times a week. Benzoyl peroxide can definitely dry out the skin. So apply a moisturizer after. Naturium makes a good vitamin c serum I use. Or my favorite by the ordinary tetra hexadecyl ascorbate vitamin c serum, which is great for dry skin. Make sure you end your routine with a rich moisturizer so your skin stays supple. During the warm weather you might want something a little less rich, But your skin should never feel dry. When I use retinol, I have a prescription, I really like this rich moisturizer by soon jung. I got it from Amazon, clean ingredients and affordable. And you can customize so it's not too thick in hot weather. I hope this helps.💓

[@Lily-wt3tu]

Thank you! I was just thinking about incorporating exfoliation in my skincare routine

[@Frinxmodi]

Wish I had known this before I spend money on salycilic acid.. did not notice any difference even after using the entire bottle.. loving glycolic acid!!

[@omittapir5986]

Thanks doc! You are one of the cutest dermatologists on KZbin. I just love your positive vibes when you explain all the great skin stuffs and some of your actions like clicking your tongue with the hand gesture makes me smile. All your subscribers will agree with me I'm positive. Keep up your cute attitude with your great knowledge to help us.

[@Here_shegoes]

You're a beauty! Salicylic works for me! Been breaking out for the past 4 years

[@bblgumkid]

Will you please do a video on pH levels in acids and chemical peels ❤ tia! Love your content

[@Carol._.-_-]

As a person with oily and acne prone skin my face works well with glycolic acid than salicylic acid. Salicylic acid makes me secrete more oil than usual.

[@Aliona-f3e]

Im the same

[@tealeafs3824]

Same here. I had 0 results.

[@onetwothree8359]

use paula choice salicylic acid 2% .it works!! glycolic acid to harsh if 7%

[@gryla5290]

Same.

[@PearlDeFloreOfficial]

I love these kinds of self care videos🫶 thanks for sharing your skincare routine😍

[@mariamikram1959]

You're SOO prettyy

[@psychodahlia_2026]

I'm combination skin and dang my skin just loved bha- to be specific, the bottle you used there. Lol. Paula's choice.

[@tiffanybabcock9735]

Paula's choice bha gave me tons of white and black heads all over my face, when i usually suffer from cystic like acne on my jaw line and in my t zone. I started off slow once a week for 2 weeks then 2x a week for 2 weeks then every third day, then every day like the bottle says. Tried it for 6 weeks. At first my face was good then 2 weeks in it blew up. And since im a picker i tried poping the little white heads and black heads which in turn made them huge sores. Stoped using it and started using pan oxly4% and after 3 weeks my skin is back to its regular acne self

[@bhargavipba]

I am using Glycolic acid once a week since i have dry skin in winter months. Though i occasionally do use Salicylic acid facewash and it helps reduce those occasional bumps on my face. Though, if you have dry skin, i wouldn't recommend using Salicylic acid facewash everyday. Once every 2 weeks is enough.

[@sahrmalik8131]

I love her personality loool. Literally she just has such a cool aura about her. Also for the acne advice have learnt so much from her channel! 👍

[@HayleyMasonMakeup]

You share the best tips! I always learn so much!!

[@denisabethea4931]

Love your minimalistic makeup- you look great! Thanks for sharing info about acids. What is the color on your lips? Gorgeous but natural 😍

[@victoria2944]

Camera filters

[@ClariceH]

​@@victoria2944she has said repeatedly that she is against using them. A matter of professional ethos.

[@curiousobserver5332]

Very helpful! You're so informative & helpful. Thank you for living purposeful!

[@deborahmiller6387]

I’m so happy that I found your channel…I have learned so much by watching your videos and it upsets me that they would add salicylic acid to serums for mature skin…because of you I steer completely clear from them because at my age (70) I do not need something for oily skin, that will ONLY deplete my already struggling skin structure!

[@daymonwilson]

What do you use for your dry skin

[@ivyvill1992]

Im using glycolic acid on my armpits. Day 1 of using, i already noticed the effect. 1 week into using it, i dont smell anything, no need for deodorant. Only using 3x per week. Amazing!

[@klickingkayasmr7585]

Nice for smell. Does it work for wetness?

[@SweetNSandy]

Interesting! Could you please list what brand? Thanks.

[@saintetienne755]

I use BOTH - and is the GOAT of skin care next to Retin A ... i cycle BHA and AHA for a clean, clean skin

[@piki4862]

I thank you for introducing me to chemical exfoliating acids.

[@SeamusLeGris]

Do a video for neurodivergent or depressed girlies who struggle deeply with doing the routine 7 days a week. Ex/ bad mental health day, what the BARE MINIMUM we should do?

[@AnythingBtOrdinary91]

Cleanser, Moisturizer, Sunscreen

[@almondtarte]

I really get this. I have everything for a simple routine. I'll start and stop based on how dramatic my autism/mental health is feeling that particular week.

[@ReEvolving]

Start with sunscreen only, it can make the biggest impact. Remeber you are loved❤

[@lehw916]

THANK YOU!! AHA-BHA always confuse me. You explained and summed it up pretty well

[@ela9917]

Thank you❤❤❤ In fact... I didn't know which one to use... I have sensitive dry skin... and I was using BHA's Paula's choice... but once a week... I just bought the ANA'S. I will try it soon, but with a few days break in between.

[@GardengalAAA]

My best friend would use Oxy10 on her face when we were teenagers. I tried in once and my face three days later was a red hot mess!! I can’t do salycilic acid but I’m in love with Glycolic acid (L’Oréal revitalift 10% glycolic acid) … I put it on at night and use Elf night cream over it and by morning my face is sooooooo baby smooth. I didn’t use anything “acid” for years because of my experience with salycilic acid but after watching on of your shorts re: glycolic acid I decided to try it and I couldn’t be happier! Note: I have VERY sensitive skin.

[@chariots8x230]

Can you share some AHA and BHA products that you recommend for sensitive skin? I have sensitive skin that reacts to almost everything (plus many products dry out my skin for some reason), so I need gentle products that don’t contain irritating ingredients like hyaluronic acid.

[@letsallgoforawalk]

I have dry skin but put bha on my acne prone areas and a couple areas for smoothing my skin. I slather it all over for a special day when I want my texture and fine lines to be smoothed out fast. I use it for spot treatment on acne too. Doesnt have much of a drying effect for me unless i go really overboard but even then just a little and it recovers by the next day. My skin is visually acne free because of it. Im nervous to start aha because the tiniest retinol or vitamin c irritate my skin to breakout within 12 hours and I know aha is supposedly irritating.

[@erinwhite276]

Just try a low percentage of AHA like 5% and use 2-3x per week to start.

[@ARLITA4545]

Love your informative videos!❤❤

[@Elvee427]

I use bha around 2-3 per week because I have quite oily skin and blemishes and I see improvements.

[@CrazyMaryJo]

Eagerly awaiting your January surprise (aka “announcement “). Hoping it is a product for dry crepey eyelids 👁️

[@kusumadewi3161]

I always adore your sincerety.. thank you so much for sharinh with us😊😊❤ greetings from Indonesia

[@Rachel_AllThingsFoster]

Great way of explaining this!! ❤

[@KittyTempleton]

Please do a video on tightening the neck and jaw line 🙏🏼

[@Rachel_2112]

She has a video on jaw line❤

[@debrandw246]

Thank you Doctor. You are so correct. Thank you so much for all your incredible knowledge.

[@whoeverwhateverany1]

She is incredibly beautiful! Masha2Allah!

[@RieRieBungsu]

You're so pretty. ❤

[@humeyramine]

I have acne prone oily skin but that Paula’s choice BHA serum did nothing for me 😔

[@theyekeeper7731]

Same here

[@Snaggglepuss]

You are the best! Thank you!❤

[@TheSupertecnology]

And remember: glycolic acid is not for color skin. It penetrates deep enough that, if overused (which is easily done) can cause post inflammatory hypopigmentation or hyperpigmentation.

[@rainbow7628]

Glycolic acid is magic ✨

[@ezzie_is]

The thought of exfoliating acids absolutely freaks me out. I have the dreaded super sensitivity rosacea + hormonal oil combination that makes basically every product burn like a mfer

[@cammynyah]

For exfoliating I can only use Lactic Acid, my skin is very mad when I use anything Glycolic and Salicrylic Acid. Have not try Mandelic but Im seeing great progress with 5% lactic for now

[@claire24673shs]

Which lactic acid you use.and how do you use it in your skin care routine? And how many times a week

[@angelbrown5895]

I just bought TO glycolic acid toner 7%. It’s very moisturizing on my face which I found very surprising. I thought since it’s an exfoliant and because it was moisturizing that would cause me to break out but it didn’t. Also anytime I use something with salicylic acid I break out the next day HORRIBLY and my face is jacked for a whole week. I’m petrified to use SA again.

[@missnars87]

I’ve forced myself to go for BhA as a dry skin person (except nose is oily) because I know it penetrates deeper into the pore than Ahas. I’ve finally given up and now use both - AHA everywhere aside from nose and enlarged pores just outside my nose for which i use BHA. I shouldn’t have been so stubborn …

[@e.l.2734]

Oh, literally what I just thought. Thanks for sharing, glad it worked for you! I'll try that out, for sure

[@griseldaramirez06]

Can you use both?

[@haven_from_me]

I have dry, sensitive skin with rosacea. Before i knee this, i used to use salicylic acid face wash and wonder why my face felt tight, dry and angry. 🤦🏽‍♀️ Now i use just 3% glycolic acid cream on the nights im not using tretinoin. It's been great for me. Ive considered going up to a higher percentage but i dont want to mess up my skin barrier.

[@marinas8331]

What do you think about la roche posay, effaclar mat? My skin has always been very oily (I’m 29) and I never really found a routine to keep it “fresh” and clear for long. Thanks to you I learned how to reduce black heads, clogged pores,.. with aha/bha and stuff. But since I changed the moisturizer I feel like it gets worse again. Which one would you recommend? Thank you ❤

[@isagrace4260]

Not acne prone but I’ve heard *great* things about this line from friends who are. I’m a big fan of LRP (have been for decades) and I’ve had a wonderful experience with all of the products I’ve tried and a few are “holy grail” for me

[@haven_from_me]

Dr. Idriss could you do a post on skincare for young teens with milia and hyperpigmentation? Are most products for adults safe for them?

[@johncheffy4775]

I use an S.A cleanser 3-4 times a week and a Glycolic Toner .

[@kungfumind.]

Alpha Hydrox glycolic acid is the best! I've been using it for years. With the correct application method it almost boosts my tretinoin. I love both 😊

[@jenniferfoster2200]

Do you use an AHA just before the tretinoin or different time of day maybe?

[@pragyavats9249]

​@@jenniferfoster2200I wanna know too

[@cheriewhitlow3270]

Hi..you are awesome! I'm 70 and my problem is these bumps like white heads with under the skin..they never go away...how do I get rid of them.. I'm sure they are not whiteheads.. But I don't know how to explain them.

[@MelissasMuttHutt]

They are called Milia and is keratin trapped under the skin in a follicle. To get rid of them, you can try: 1. Cryotherapy Liquid nitrogen freezes the milia, and is the most commonly used removal method, 2. Deroofing by a Dermo where a tiny needle picks out the contents of the cyst, 3. Topical A retinoids which help exfoliate your skin 4. Chemical peels that cause the first layer of skin to peel off, unearthing new skin 5. Laser ablation at the Dermo to remove the cysts 6. Diathermy extreme heat destroys the cysts, 7. Destruction curettage when cysts are surgically scraped and cauterized.....I have tried all of the above, and suggest percribed Tretinoin (Retin-A ) and Castol Oil, but always see a proper board certified dermatologist, not just a cosmetic aesthetician for this, as many of these procedures done incorrectly can cause melasma, skin burns, skin infections etc.

[@wendy8561]

I have the same thing on my cheeks they itch some I don't know what they are

[@crdbl_k]

I love glycolic acid..I just use it once a week and just a moisturising toner after this because my skin has been kinda sensitive sometimes.

[@user-mo9kk3zg2c]

I love you! Thank you so much

[@SodaSyrup2023]

I have oily acne prone and for some reason I cannot tolerate salicylic acid, even in face wash form. Luckily, azelaic acid and glycolic acid works magical for me 💜

[@chariots8x230]

Can you recommend some PHA products for sensitive skin? I have sensitive skin, but I don’t know which PHA product to get.

[@sabinameyer6172]

I have rosacea- are both acids good for me? I have the salicylic acid from Paulas Choice and the glycolic from Ordinary😊

[@leticiaraquel82]

I have oily and acne prone skin and the Paula’s Choice salicylic acid broke me out on my chin. I was so confused. I haven’t tried salicylic acid since then.

[@ommariam20]

Do you offer online consultations?

[@brokenprincessofhell4743]

Honestly, bha hasn't been doing anything really for my combination and acne prone skin. I use bha toners twice a week or once a week, or a serum, but there's not much progress yet. In the moment my skin is doing pretty good tho, so I guess something of my products or the combination is working😂

[@SpeakTruthFirst]

Nothing to this day makes my skin look as good and young as babyfacial. I just can’t afford it but damn it’s so freakin amazing

[@jessiehogeveen95]

My acne prone skin really needs bha. Stopped using it as often to give my skin barrier some love, but the tiny bumps start to re appear. Annoying cause my skin is sensitive and I cant introduce many actives to go with it. Using azelaic acid a few times a week now and plan to introduce the txa/niacinamide serum from that korean brand to fix the leftover marks...

[@anniel13]

Can we use it in our back or is it only for the face.?

[@francismora9667]

Can someone tell me where this dermatologist is located? I urgently need to make an appointment with Her 🙌🏼! I want to have that beautiful skin 🤩!

[@anahnnemus5187]

I'm pretty sure she is based in New York.

[@jojocanete4559]

I used to have clear skin when I turned 39 my skin break out and I’m getting an acne 😢. What product should I use? Thanks

[@wendyaldana6786]

Can I alternate them? I'm combination skin. But my T zone loves black heads.

[@richavijay2922]

But if you have dry skin and acne then which one should you use? Or is it both?

[@katw22]

So I have acne, sun damage and deep wrinkles… so I should use both? How does that work? Do I mix them at the same time? Or do one in the am and one pm?

[@architag3127]

Can you please make a video on when and how to use aha and how to use bha ? And pairing with retinol or adapalene ? I mean if you want to use both do you use it alternatively with retinol one night and aha one night ????? What about bha then ? 😭

[@vanessawatkins7482]

IDK why, but I have oily oily skin, but I don't really get acne. I get the occasional hormonal zit here and there, but I don't have acne. Every person with oily skin, even my dad, had acne issues. I'm just curious as to why.

[@irenediazsanz386]

Can salicylic acid be used if i'm using retinol in my routine?

[@jasmina-antic]

What about Bha/Aha by The Ordinary? Is it a good produst or just a good marketing?

[@sm24blues]

I was very oily, now not as much. Use of retinoidd and Vitamin C over the years has made it dry. I am not acne prone either. So I wonder what do I use.

[@wilddaisies1067]

Not related to this video but I had a question for you. I started using the spf beauty of jenseon because of you and I wanted to know if it’s safe for kids . I have a 4 year old . Thanks

[@juliajones7779]

I'm oily prone but the Paula's Choice never did anything for me 😕

[@debieckert7044]

Your skin is so gorgeous!!!!! I love watching you .,I wish I had suck a healthy look !!!! ❤️👄😊

[@leannevdc4679]

So which one is better for milia? I dont have acne not oily skin but i have milias around my eyes.

[@eniddelaparra812]

Thanks!

[@LeAnneBrennan-z6v]

Hi! Can you help me? I’ve been using a lot of products and my skin is looking so much better but the products make my face sticky. My face sticks to my pillow at night and is sticky even after applying a tinted moisturizer in the morning. What can I do? Thanks!

[@callmekells802]

Can u do ASMR ? I really enjoy your voice.

[@RH-yc3ow]

Thank you

[@MissRuthless]

Which one to use for hormonal acne and acne scars?

[@SuliAlshataf]

Hey doc can you talk about dry skincare i want to start exfoliating but im scared it will dry my skin out even more im not prone to acne

[@shalenaali9178]

Can you do something on peeling lips

[@madihaahsan9619]

Ma'am can you suggest me an AHA product?

[@evakilove55]

What exfoliating can I use for dry and mature skin?

[@saramoooon]

I have dry textured skin and i have tried lactic acid, didn’t see any difference. While glycolic acid does wonders.

[@josephdiazbeaming]

Let’s talk about her perfect teeth, nose, eyes, cheeks! Godddd

[@AI_chatgpt_tech]

Which is best for oily skin?

[@joylewullis9538]

So I have a dry mature skin. What is recommended for that?

[@silpherwoulf]

I read somewhere that you need to use BHA for cleaning sebaceous filaments. Mine are so bad it has hair sticking out. But when I use BHA, IT GETS WORSE. So I use AHA instead (still has hair but not as much if I use BHA). Why is that??

[@SM-fi1be]

Are there any brands of AHAs you'd recommend for sensitive skin prone to dryness and redness?

[@AylaRose_LaAkea]

I just started using the ordinary 7% glycolic acid. After watching all of your videos on glycolic acid. I would say I have normal to dry skin. And it stings and burns so much when I put glycolic acid on. I put Laroche Cicaplast B5 on after but it still burns for another 20 min and even gave me miner swelling last night. I slept with an ice pad on my face lol. I still really want to be able to use it, but I am worried about inflammation. Help! ❤

[@AnythingBtOrdinary91]

The higher the percentage might be the issue.

[@uhrrrrrangels]

I have very dry and barrier damaged skin but im also acne prone, is it ok to use salicylic acid on me?

[@katesmith8424]

I'd be interested in your thoughts on the new exfoliating product from Tte Ordinary. I can't remember what it's called but its not an acid. X

[@Bronwyn0507]

What’s the best salicylic acid on the market??

[@cakemeat8321]

I have oily acne prone skin and every acid I've tried breaks me out. the only thing that's worked for me is mild physical exfoliation or just none at all.

[@dustinjmyers]

what if you are dry acne prone? i have used paula’s bha for awhile with good results but im wondering if glycolic would be better?

[@abbs239]

Should we use these during the summer or when we know we will be going to the beach the next day?

[@jennifersowerberry7909]

Hi doc, can I use clindamycin phosphate with mandelic acid both in cream form or should I use it on alternate days, thankyou.

[@Kiseki0328]

So then, what if I have really stubborn blackheads and need the deep penetration to clear those out but then have super dry skin …? What I’m doing so far it’s just using that Paulo’s choice product you just showed once or twice a week for facial texture and then just moisturizing a lot the rest of the time. But if there is a better exfoliating product out there for my dry skin, I’d rather center my routine around that one.

[@sandrarios4636]

What about mantalic acid?

[@brittanymiller7830]

The first aid Beauty Radiance pads for mature rosacea type 1 skin? Or mandelic acid, I am up to 12% PHA not seeing a difference and having milia which started about 6 months ago? What is your recommendation for mild rosacea with primarily redness mature dry skin?