For acne prone skin it is best to opt for products containing chemical exfoliants such as salicylic acid and glycolic acid. As tempting as it may feel to scrub your skin into oblivion, this would cause havoc on your skin, as not only will this spread bacteria resulting in more breakouts, but you will strip the skin of the essential oil and water in needs for the barrier to remain healthy, hydrated, and glowing. Wang S, Meng D, Wang S, Zhang Z, Yang R, Zhao W. Modification of wheat gluten for improvement of binding capacity with keratin in hair. R Soc Open Sci. 2018;5(2):171216. doi:10.1098/rsos.171216

Once you have built your skin’s tolerance to salicylic acid, you are able to use the acid twice a day in your skincare routine. This means you can use your BHA enriched products when it suits you, ensuring it’s during a routine you aren’t applying a face scrub. Salicylic acid works by reducing oil and sebum on the skin. It also helps to exfoliate dead skin cells from the surface of the skin, which also contributes to the clogging of pores and dullness of the skin," says Jordan C. Carqueville, M.D., a leading board-certified dermatologist and dermatopathologist. "One of the key features to look for in the face wash is the strength of the active ingredient — in this case, salicylic acid. The most common strength percentage in face washes will be 2%." The beauty of salicylic acid is the fact it is found in an array of formulas containing various percentages, from over-the-counter products to prescriptive. This not only makes the BHA easily found, but you can also find the best product to suit your skin. Salicylic acid is notorious for wreaking havoc on dry and sensitive skin, so for those skin types, opting for a face wash or toner formula will be the most effective as the percentage of the acid is usually lower than that found in a serum.

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Retinoids and waxing are both forms of exfoliation. For regular retinol users— who generally have fewer dead skin cells on their skin — lip, eyebrow, or any facial waxing can strip away part of the epidermis, resulting in abrasion. Hold off on waxing in your first few weeks of using retinols. Retinoids "can contribute to increased skin fragility," says dermatologist Craig Kraffert, who stresses that if you do expose skin to both retinoids and waxing, use caution — though he advises patients to stop prescription retinoid treatments for one week before waxing. Wu also asks her patients to avoid retinoids until redness has subsided. 4. Exfoliate Gently the Night Before Arif T. Salicylic acid as a peeling agent: a comprehensive review. Clin Cosmet Investig Dermatol. 2015;8:455-61. doi:10.2147/CCID.S84765

If you are wanting to continue using your salicylic acid product as well as a physical exfoliant, such as a scrub. To benefit from these products, I would suggest alternating when you use each product. For example, using an face wash containing salicylic acid during your morning routine, followed by a physical scrub in during your evening routine. Can I use a salicylic acid cleanser and exfoliator? Kumari R, Jaisankar TJ, Thappa DM. A Clinical Study of Skin Changes in Pregnancy. Indian J Dermatol Venereol Leprol. 2007;73(2):141. DOI: 10.4103/0378-6323.31910.

Due to combination skin types having a mixture of oily and dry areas of the skin, it is suggested the best formula to use are chemical exfoliants. Physical scrubs and devices should be avoided as these can lead to increase sensitivity and irritation. Norsworthy J, Bhatti Z, George T. Topical Salicylic Acid Hypersensitivity. Am J Ther. 2018 Sep/Oct;25(5):e568-e569. doi: 10.1097/MJT.0000000000000646. PMID: 29324467. An anti-inflammatory effect can help skin to look less red and inflamed,’ she continues. ‘The general exfoliating effect will help the skin look brighter and smoother and allow other skincare products to penetrate the skin more effectively.’ Salicylic acid as an exfoliant