Exfoliating Acids for Your Skin Type

[@TheBlackVeiledPrincessBride]

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

[@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.

[@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.

[@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!!

[@bblgumkid]

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

[@Here_shegoes]

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

[@PearlDeFloreOfficial]

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

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@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! 👍

[@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.

[@whoeverwhateverany1]

She is incredibly beautiful! Masha2Allah!

[@kusumadewi3161]

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

[@curiousobserver5332]

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

[@lehw916]

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

[@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

[@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

[@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.

[@mariamikram1959]

You're SOO prettyy

[@debrandw246]

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

[@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

[@ARLITA4545]

Love your informative videos!❤❤

[@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!

[@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

[@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?

[@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.

[@Snaggglepuss]

You are the best! Thank you!❤

[@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.

[@Elvee427]

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

[@piki4862]

I thank you for introducing me to chemical exfoliating acids.

[@user-mo9kk3zg2c]

I love you! Thank you so much

[@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.

[@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

[@KittyTempleton]

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

[@Rachel_2112]

She has a video on jaw line❤

[@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.

[@Rachel_AllThingsFoster]

Great way of explaining this!! ❤

[@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?

[@rainbow7628]

Glycolic acid is magic ✨

[@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...

[@humeyramine]

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

[@theyekeeper7731]

Same here

[@chariots8x230]

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

[@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.

[@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

[@anniel13]

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

[@jennifersowerberry7909]

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

[@eniddelaparra812]

Thanks!

[@debieckert7044]

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

[@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.

[@cindyreyes4519]

What can you say about Lactic acid cream or lotion type to peel off hyper pigmented skin? Is it good? I have scars on my legs that won’t fade with scar removing oils.

[@jenniferd264]

As a (Retired) Licensed Esthetician I’d suggest you see a Dermatologist. Being you’re looking for treatment beyond the Blackheads, etc.

[@richavijay2922]

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

[@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

[@leannevdc4679]

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

[@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

[@callmekells802]

Can u do ASMR ? I really enjoy your voice.

[@johncheffy4775]

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

[@jenniferfoster2200]

I've been using AHA a few times per week but have small black pores on my nose so should I switch to a BHA? My skin is combination and I'm 56.

[@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!

[@debbienyarko]

This is good info! I would love to know which products are good for AHA vs BHA

[@-MEL16-A.O.C]

Look at her playlist there's a vid on it very helpful 😁😉👍

[@lachibolala3578]

I think doctorly has done a video about it

[@walkingbyfaith2885]

​@@-MEL16-A.O.Cwhere's her " Playlist " please ❤❤

[@ommariam20]

Do you offer online consultations?

[@irenediazsanz386]

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

[@AI_chatgpt_tech]

Which is best for oily skin?

[@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?

[@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.

[@uhrrrrrangels]

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

[@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.

[@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 ? 😭

[@madihaahsan9619]

Ma'am can you suggest me an AHA product?

[@catsandmaths]

Hello i have oily and acne prone skin yet cerave salicylic acid cleanser gave me a burn that lasted hours to go away. My skin is allergic to many things could salicylic acid be one of them? It was only %2 salicylic acid btw if that's relevant

[@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

[@SM-fi1be]

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

[@bronwyngavin6076]

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

[@juliews105]

I have Rosacea and used an over the counter Glycolic Acid and it burned my skin severely! (My Rosacea was not flared at that time, and it was horrific!) How do people with Rosacea exfoliate their skin? I want to thank you for helping me restore my skin barrier and giving out so much useful information! You are amazing! 🥂

[@Soulfar]

Try lactic acid, it is much gentler😊

[@idkjustcallmeeriel.4149]

If you use the one from ordinary, it’s very potent cause of that PH, it burned me, and o Can tolerate tretinoin 0.05+finacea

[@idkjustcallmeeriel.4149]

Try the acne one from cerave

[@vanessapierson6633]

Biossance has a great lactic acid serum

[@Airkae]

Azelaic acid is often recommended for rosacea. It helps with redness and papules (if you have them). But make a patch test first, your tolerance depends highly on the brand. For instance, Revox's does wonders for me, while The Inkey list made my skin so itchy and redder than before.

[@evakilove55]

What exfoliating can I use for dry and mature skin?

[@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😂

[@abbs239]

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

[@saramoooon]

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

[@AirahDin]

❤❤❤

[@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

[@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.

[@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.

[@Sam-ms7ih]

Hi! So if I want to tackle melasma, which exfoliant is best?

[@joylewullis9538]

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

[@megpi72]

I use lactic acid

[@MsFiletOFish]

If you have combination skin, can you use both every other day?

[@chetnasingh2020]

It may be a bit much for beginners Start slow and see what your skin feels good with BHA can be used more frequently based on need and also based on formulation

[@albareyes4459]

Alternate

[@eleanorchan872]

BHA works for me. Lactic acid does not agree with my skin. I've tried other AHAs as well, and my skin doesnf appreciate them either. I stick to hyaluronic acid, BHA, niacinamide, vitamin c and retinol. Not all at once, rotated, and a basic hydrating mosituriser and la roche posay spf. BHA, i like usong on my pubic mound andbutt cheeks to prevent in-grown hairs and pimples on my butt cheeks

[@nickdavis3550]

I don't have pimples. Or at least until I tried salicylic acid face wash. Now my pores are large and break out around my nose. Not for everyone, obviously.

[@jeanniesmith3705]

I am a new Aesthetician and am learning from you.

[@ezzie_aus]

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

[@sirishaa5518]

I am well educated now about skin😂.. thanks to you doctor... with out doctor before my name..i am pre answering all the thumbnails without guessing wrong.....i am ur lil nerd...❤❤

[@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

[@OluremiOdegbami]

My face is dry what moisturizer can I use pls at 45 yrs old

[@-MEL16-A.O.C]

As a 47yo/no sensitive skin which one of glycolic acid should I try ???

[@walkingbyfaith2885]

Please try The Ordinary glycolic acid, game changer follow it with their Amino Acid & moisturizer ❤❤❤

[@-MEL16-A.O.C]

@@walkingbyfaith2885 thank you so much 🙏😜

[@walkingbyfaith2885]

@@-MEL16-A.O.C ❤️❤️❤️

[@princessyashi10]

What would be best sensitive skin ? Salicylic acid burned my skin

[@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??

[@StephanieRZ]

If having a sensitive + dry skin type… and using Salicylic Acid, would this be suitable? I’ve used it for years since in experience lol and mostly it has been to treat acne prone woes that come up hormonally. I’ve stuck to a 2x weekly regime in recent times (thank you for your live starting in the end of August ✅✨Prior to September!) ~ I’ve looked into Mandelic Acid but most exfoliators surprisingly lean into the more luxe side of skincare, I’ve mostly just centered my interest into a healthy medium to middle and/or mostly like the fact of knowing I can easily pick something up to restock as needed & that’s usually drugstore-friendly products 😹 regardless, I’ll see.

[@billiecooley6180]

Which one's good for?

[@SashaInTheCloud]

Please mention that having really bad reactions to salicylic acid is linked to truly dangerous aspirin reactions. Salicylic acid made me break out in red bumps and blood freckles from my capillaries leaking in my face. I later developed a horrible reaction to aspirin with the same blood freckles. Years later, Same thing with heparin but So Much Worse: I had ischemia mottled with red blotches all over me. I swear I am not meant for this planet 😂

[@jyn88]

I stay away from SA because my skin gets itchy and red from it. It caused my skin to purge which I guess it's supposed to do that but I gave up after 3 weeks. My skin cleared up after I stopped using it. I rarely take aspirin but the last time I tried it I had an upset stomach and I assume that was the cause. A lot of people don't realize they are linked.

[@SashaInTheCloud]

@@jyn88 You should never use products that make you "purge" or cause irritation/inflammation unless you are intentionally getting a chemical peel. Frequent inflammatory responses can damage your skin like a sunburn does, just not causing DNA damage as much. You should baby your skin and give it whatever it needs to help it heal from inflammation and fight off infections. Exfoliation should not hurt or cause any redness that lasts for more than a few minutes. After exfoliation, always apply products meant to soothe and penetrate into your face. All ingredients should be okay to absorb in your body, because the exfoliant may damage the barrier of the skin enough to transfer products deep into the dermis- This is through inflammatory damage, because inflammation triggers processes where transfer in between cells and cell barriers to CHANGE. So, it is safest to use products that are okay to get into the dermal layer *JUST IN CASE* 🥰 I worked in biochem and now formulate all my own products due to life threatening inflammatory problems. You do not need to have my issues to have inflammatory issues, so be careful what you apply while your skin is red or has any openings or breakouts.

[@SashaInTheCloud]

@@jyn88 P.S. Thank you for speaking up on this issue happening to you. Sometimes people won't believe a fact that has tons of scientific study and evidence behind it... but will 100% believe it when a bunch of people comment their experiences.