Can I Use AHA + BHA Daily?
The answer is, no, you should not. Andddddd I don't care what that bottle of AHA or BHA toner says!
Understand this; a skincare brand wants you to use up your product a lot faster, so you repurchase that product in a shorter amount of time. Brands refer to this as "user run through rate." It's a well-known marketing tactic/term in the industry.
Have you noticed the only time daily exfoliation is advised is by brands and not dermatologists, aesthetic nurses, or estheticians? Yeah, there is a reason why. It's called caring about skin health and not trying to sell a product!
Daily exfoliation strips the skin of its natural oils, which can dry and dehydrate the skin, cause breakouts, and impair the skin's natural moisture barrier. It can also lead to redness and inflammation.
How often should one exfoliate with an acid product?
Normal - 1 to 2 times a week
Combination/Oily - 2 times a week
Sensitive/Dry - Once every 10-14 days
Keep in mind that while that skincare product says it's a toner, liquid, serum, or mask, it IS considered an exfoliation if it contains AHA or BHA, particularly if it lists specific percentages on the bottle.
Acid cleansers are an exception since they are wash-off products and are only on the skin for a short time.
And since it's such a popular product, I will specifically mention that I love Paula's Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid and use it myself. It, however, says to use it once or twice a day. Hard no, 10/10 do not recommend that. It's a fantastic product used 1-2 times a week max and very efficacious even at that amount. The end.
