Best type of chemical exfoliant? AHAs, BHAs, or glycolic acid?

[curlyQ103]

What's the best chemical exfoliant to use for reducing pores and preventing acne? I've heard of AHAs, BHAs and glycolic acid but idk the difference between. I'm mostly concerned about acne and uneven skin texture but anti-aging properties are definitely a bonus.

Anyone have any insight?

[kaenkles]

I use peter Thomas Roth pumpkin enzyme with AHAs 2-3 times and week and that gives a deep exfoliation. Also has some physical exfoliant in it. Makes you sensitive to sun though so make sure you wear spf. Daily I use pixie glow tonic (from target) for a not as intense exfoliation that leaves you glows and not irritated 

[Stacyray79]

There are many good lines  to use at home for upkeep.  I have spent hundreds & hundreds trying to find that miracle product but I learned that non surgical procedures work great & the you will get permanent results. Maybe try to get in with dermatologist or aesthetician to do a consultation to help you with all of your skincare needs. There are so many great peels, lasers, etc that work amazing! The skinpen laser is amazing! I Am going to try  micronesdling.  the results I have seen from all are just amazing.

I love doing upkeep at home with my favourite products. 

[meganlisa]

Make sure that you're skin can use them before jumping in and buying a lot of products.  I can't use any of the three...I turn red and get bumps.  Non-chemical exfoliants are an option too.

[jammberry]

AHA-alpha hydroxy acid: glycolic, lactic, mandelic, citric, malic. 

BHA-beta hydroxy acid: salicylic acid

Both are chemical exfoliants. They act to unglue the bonds that are holding the dull/dead skin on. 

The main differences are

• AHAs- water soluble good for normal to dry, or sun-damaged skin because they enhance natural moisturizing factors within skin.
• BHA- is oil soluble good for normal to oily, clog-prone and bump-prone skin, and enlarged pores, and can clear pores deeply.
• Both work on skin’s surface; but BHA
  works inside the pore lining, where clogs begin.
• BHA also has natural skin-calming properties (good for sensitive or rosacea prone)

Also retinol is not not an exfoliant in the normal sense. It helps to "speed up" cell turnover which leads to a more even completion. 

Citing Paula's Choice for info. 

[curlyQ103]

Thank you! This is so detailed lol

[wisegirlbeauty]

Retinol should make the near top of the list. You will see cell turnover (skin shedding) within a couple of days and weekly regimen will do wonders! There are a lot of others and it really depends on the needs of your skin.

[curlyQ103]

Is retinol you'd recommend? I've heard it can make you sensitive to the sun is that true?

[ibblej]

@curlyQ103

Both retinol and AHAs temporarily increase your skin's sun sensitivity and should be paired with SPF.

[Jossyxx]

They all do different things!! Salasic acid is great at fighting acne bacteria and cleaning out poors, while glocolic acid exfoliates!  For instance.. my bf has similar skin concerns as you.. I had him on a glycolic toner - it almost dried his skin out, it did show results.. I then had him use an obaji toner that was salasic acid and that really showed results!!! Because the salasic acid was what he needed for his skin! It clears out the bacteria in his skin, not just exfoliate!! 

[curlyQ103]

Thanks for the tip! I have combination skin and a lot of redness too so I guess I'm going to have try out different stuff to figure out what work for me