Adding an AHA/BHA exfoliator into your skincare routine is one of the most effective ways to keep your complexion smooth, clear, and visibly radiant because exfoliation helps remove the buildup of dead skin cells that naturally accumulate on the surface and can make skin look dull, rough, congested, or uneven. AHAs (like glycolic, lactic, and mandelic acid) are water-soluble acids that work primarily on the skin’s surface, making them ideal for improving texture, softening fine lines, fading the look of dark spots from sun damage or post-breakout marks, and boosting overall glow-especially for dry, normal, or mature skin types. BHAs (most commonly salicylic acid) are oil-soluble, meaning they can travel deeper into the pores to dissolve excess oil and debris, making them especially helpful for oily, acne-prone, or blackhead-prone skin.
When used consistently and correctly, exfoliators can also enhance the performance of the rest of your routine by allowing serums, hydrators, and anti-aging products to absorb more evenly, while promoting healthier-looking skin turnover over time. That said, how and when you exfoliate is just as important as the exfoliant you choose: because acids can make skin more sensitive, most people do best using an AHA or BHA at night, starting slowly-typically once or twice per week-then gradually increasing frequency.
SkinMedica AHA/BHA Exfoliator Cleanser is an exceptional choice for anyone looking to elevate their daily skincare routine because it combines both alpha- and beta-hydroxy acids in a gentle yet effective formula that helps clarify, smooth, and brighten the skin without stripping or irritation when used appropriately. AHAs like glycolic and lactic acids work on the skin’s surface to loosen the bonds between dead skin cells, helping to slough away dullness and reveal a fresher, more radiant complexion, while the BHA (salicylic acid) penetrates into pores to dissolve excess oil and debris that can lead to congestion, blackheads, and breakouts. This dual-action approach makes the cleanser especially beneficial for a wide range of concerns—whether you’re dealing with uneven texture, rough patches, enlarged pores, or occasional blemishes, it supports clearer, smoother skin over time. Because it’s formulated as a cleanser, it enhances daily exfoliation in a way that’s easy to fit into your routine: you cleanse and exfoliate in one step, which increases the absorption and efficacy of the rest of your skincare products like serums and moisturizers.
SkinMedica AHA/BHA Exfoliating Cleanser
To enhance your exfoliating experience and maximize results while keeping your skin balanced, follow your exfoliation step with a strategic lineup of powerhouse products that rebuild, smooth, hydrate, and protect for a visibly healthier complexion.
Step 2: Obagi Retinol 1.0 should be applied after exfoliating (and once skin is fully dry) because retinol supports skin renewal at a deeper level by encouraging cell turnover, refining pores, and improving the look of fine lines and uneven tone—making it an ideal partner to AHA/BHA exfoliation for more noticeable smoothing and brightening over time; use a pea-sized amount and gently spread a thin layer over the face, avoiding the corners of the nose, eyes, and lips, and start with 2–3 nights per week to build tolerance.
Step 3: SkinMedica TNS Advanced+ Serum comes next because it delivers growth factors and peptides that help support the skin’s natural repair process, which is especially beneficial after exfoliating and using retinol—this step helps strengthen resilience, improves firmness and texture, and reduces the appearance of aging while helping skin recover from active treatments; apply 1–2 pumps to clean skin and allow it to absorb fully.
Step 4: SkinMedica HA5 Hydra Collagen follows to flood the skin with hydration and support long-lasting moisture by replenishing hyaluronic acid levels, helping to plump the look of skin and reduce dryness that can sometimes occur when exfoliation and retinol are used together; smooth 1–2 pumps onto the face and neck and let it sink in before layering your moisturizer.
Step 5: SkinMedica Dermal Repair Cream seals everything in and reinforces the skin barrier with rich, nourishing hydration, which is critical when exfoliating and using retinol, because a supported barrier means less irritation, better tolerance, and a smoother overall result; apply a small amount as your final nighttime moisturizer, focusing on any areas that feel dry or sensitive. Finally,
Step 6: EltaMD UV Clear SPF 46 is your essential morning step (and non-negotiable after exfoliation and retinol) because it protects newly revealed, more sun-sensitive skin from UV damage, dark spots, and premature aging while also being lightweight and calming for breakout-prone or sensitive skin; apply generously as the last step of your AM routine, covering face and neck, and reapply throughout the day if you’re outdoors. Together, these steps complement each other beautifully: exfoliation clears the path, retinol accelerates renewal, TNS supports visible repair and anti-aging, HA5 replenishes hydration, Dermal Repair Cream restores and protects the barrier, and UV Clear locks in results by preventing damage—creating a complete routine that delivers smoother texture, brighter tone, stronger skin, and long-term radiance without compromising comfort.
