From tackling clogged pores to refining uneven texture, exfoliating acids offer different solutions depending on your skin’s needs
Not all exfoliating acids work the same way. The right one can help address dullness, congestion, uneven tone or sensitivity, while the wrong formula, or simply too much of it, can leave skin feeling irritated. Understanding the difference between AHAs, BHAs and PHAs is a better place to start than simply reaching for the strongest formula.
For dullness, uneven tone or rough texture, AHAs are a good place to start. Working primarily on the skin’s surface, they help remove dead skin cells and improve the appearance of texture and tone. Those dealing with excess oil, clogged pores or blemishes may be better served by a BHA. As an oil-soluble exfoliant, it can penetrate pores, where excess sebum and debris can accumulate.
For sensitive skin, PHAs offer a milder approach to exfoliation. Ingredients such as gluconolactone help loosen dead skin cells while providing surface-level exfoliation, making them a practical option for skin that may not tolerate stronger acids.
Whatever the concern, more is not necessarily better. Introduce acids gradually and follow with moisturizer and daily sun protection, as exfoliation can leave skin more susceptible to sun exposure. Used consistently and with restraint, the right acid can become a straightforward part of a daily grooming routine.
Kiehl’s Clearly Corrective Retexturizing Peel combines glycolic and salicylic acids in a fragrance-free formula designed to refine skin texture across normal-to-dry and normal-to-oily skin.
Clarins Men Exfoliating Cleanser combines cleansing and exfoliation, lifting away dead skin cells and impurities while preparing the skin for the next step in a grooming routine.
ELEMIS Pro-Collagen Glow Boost Exfoliator pairs gentle exfoliation with hydrating ingredients to help refine skin texture and improve the appearance of dullness.
La Roche-Posay Effaclar Ultra Concentrated Serum combines three exfoliating acids to refine skin texture, unclog pores and improve the appearance of blemishes.
Photography Sunaryo
Styling Bagoes Abyoso
Styling Assistant Dwiky Aditya
Grooming Arimbi
Model Marcello Trombin/EModel The Agency