What is tretinoin and is it safe for beginners?

Tretinoin is a prescription-strength retinoid (vitamin A derivative) and the gold standard for anti-aging and acne treatment. It works by accelerating skin cell turnover, stimulating collagen production, and unclogging pores. For beginners: start at the lowest concentration (0.025%) and apply every other night to clean, completely dry skin; the 'sandwich method' (apply moisturizer, wait 10 minutes, apply tretinoin, moisturizer again) reduces irritation. Expect 4-6 weeks of purging (temporary breakouts as congestion surfaces) and dryness before improvement. Avoid during pregnancy. Results for fine lines typically appear at 3-6 months; full collagen remodeling takes 12+ months. Pair with SPF 30+ every morning without exception — tretinoin increases UV sensitivity significantly.

How do I build a simple skincare routine?

A minimal effective skincare routine — morning: (1) Gentle cleanser (CeraVe Hydrating, La Roche-Posay Toleriane); (2) Moisturizer with ceramides or hyaluronic acid; (3) Broad-spectrum SPF 30+ (non-negotiable — UV is the #1 cause of premature aging and skin cancer). Evening: (1) Cleanser to remove SPF and pollution; (2) Active treatment if using one (retinoid, AHA/BHA, niacinamide — introduce one at a time, not together); (3) Moisturizer. What not to do: layering too many actives causes irritation and reduces efficacy; introduce one new product per month to identify reactions; fragrance is the most common skincare allergen and adds no benefit. For most people: SPF in the morning and a retinoid at night (started slowly) will produce better results than any 10-step routine without those two.

What SPF should I use daily, and does SPF 50 really matter over SPF 30?

SPF 30 blocks ~97% of UVB rays; SPF 50 blocks ~98%; SPF 100 blocks ~99%. The difference sounds small but matters for daily cumulative exposure: dermatologists recommend SPF 30 as the minimum and SPF 50 for extended outdoor time or sensitive/post-procedure skin. More important than SPF number: broad-spectrum labeling (covers both UVA and UVB — UVA causes aging, UVB causes burns; both cause cancer); application amount (most people apply 25-50% of the required amount, effectively halving their SPF); and reapplication every 2 hours outdoors. Mineral (zinc oxide, titanium dioxide) vs. chemical: mineral sunscreens sit on top of skin and deflect UV — better for sensitive/acne-prone skin but can leave a white cast; chemical absorb UV and convert to heat — lighter feel, better for daily wear under makeup. Best daily SPF: one you'll actually use every day. Consistency beats high SPF applied sporadically.

Best of · guides

Best AHA / BHA Chemical Exfoliant

Five chemical exfoliants that produce real results without compromising your skin barrier.

Last updated June 10, 2026 · 5 min read

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The short answer

Best AHA/BHA exfoliants: Paula's Choice 2% BHA Liquid ($35), The Ordinary Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution ($10), SkinCeuticals Glycolic 10 Renew Overnight ($82), Pixi Glow Tonic ($29), and Drunk Elephant T.L.C. Framboos Glycolic Night Serum ($90). BHA penetrates oil — best for clogged pores. AHA exfoliates surface — best for texture and tone.

Chemical exfoliants work better than physical scrubs in nearly every case — they're more uniform, don't cause micro-tears, and target specific skin issues. The choice between AHA (alpha hydroxy: glycolic, lactic, mandelic) and BHA (beta hydroxy: salicylic) depends on what you're treating. BHA is oil-soluble, so it penetrates pores to break up sebum, blackheads, and acne — the right choice for oily, congested, acne-prone skin. AHA is water-soluble, working on the skin surface to address rough texture, dullness, and hyperpigmentation. Most people benefit from rotating both: BHA on oily/breakout days, AHA on texture/glow days. Start with 2-3 nights per week, never combine with retinol on the same night, and always use SPF the next morning.

Our top 5 picks

Paula's Choice

Premium

2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant

Premium Beauty 10% — the BHA standard against which others are judged

$35 Buy →

The Ordinary

Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution

Best AHA value — daily-use formula

$10 Buy →

SkinCeuticals

Premium

Glycolic 10 Renew Overnight

Premium Beauty 10% — 10% glycolic + soothing extracts

$82 Buy →

Pixi

Glow Tonic 5% Glycolic

Gentle daily AHA toner — beginner-friendly

$29 Buy →

Drunk Elephant

Premium

T.L.C. Framboos Night Serum

Premium Beauty 10% — AHA/BHA blend for advanced users

$90 Buy →

Frequently asked

AHA or BHA — which should I start with? +

BHA (salicylic) for oily/acne-prone skin, AHA (glycolic or lactic) for normal/dry/textured skin. If you have both concerns, alternate nights.

Can I use chemical exfoliants daily? +

Most people do better at 3-4 nights per week. Daily use is possible with low-percentage formulas (5% AHA or 1% BHA) but increases barrier-damage risk.

Why does BHA make my skin worse for the first 3 weeks? +

Purging — BHA accelerates the breakout cycle, surfacing existing congestion faster. Should resolve in 4-6 weeks. If still worsening at week 8, discontinue.

Can I use AHA/BHA with retinol? +

Different nights only. Both increase cell turnover and combining causes inflammation, peeling, and barrier damage even in tolerant users.

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