There are many misconceptions about niacinamide, a multipurpose skincare ingredient, stemming from concerns about its potency, purging, and ingredient interactions. What matters more than the percentage is the concentration, formulation, and skin tolerance when making a selection, which might range from 10% to stronger alternatives.

What do you think? Is 12% niacinamide too much for beginners? Probably not. Serums of 12% concentration aren't always harsher; some are made with delivery mechanisms that are easy for beginners to use, such as double encapsulation, which helps manage release. 

In this article, we'll explain what niacinamide is, why 12% is better than 10%, how to include it in your regimen, and whether or not it's appropriate for beginners, busting all the myths around the same. 

What Does Niacinamide Do for Skin? 

Nicotinamide, another name for niacinamide, is a kind of vitamin B3 that is used in skincare products to address various issues. Niacinamide is commonly used in skincare to help manage excess oil, improve the appearance of uneven pigmentation, and support the skin barrier. 

10 Common Niacinamide Myths, Debunked 

• Myth 1: Niacinamide and Vitamin C Cancel Each Other Out

Myth. Niacinamide and vitamin C can generally be used together. The idea that they cancel each other out comes from concerns based on older experimental conditions that do not accurately represent how modern skincare products are typically formulated. Even while they have different benefits, niacinamide and vitamin C can generally be used together.

• Myth 2: Niacinamide Causes Purging

Does niacinamide cause purging? Usually, no. The use of retinoids and exfoliating acids, which increase the rate at which skin cells regenerate, is often associated with purging. If you start using niacinamide and then notice breakouts, redness, itching, burning, or dryness, don't think it's because you're purging. It could be irritation or sensitivity to another ingredient in the formulation. If this occurs, simplify your routine, cut back on usage, or stop using it.

Bottom line: Niacinamide is not generally considered a purging ingredient, so new breakouts or irritation should not automatically be attributed to purging. 

• Myth 3: Niacinamide Whitens or Lightens Skin Tone

If you're searching for niacinamide for skin lightening or skin whitening, it's important to understand what the ingredient can and cannot do.  Niacinamide does not bleach skin or permanently change your natural skin tone. Research has found that niacinamide can inhibit melanosome transfer, with one study reporting 35–68% inhibition under its experimental conditions. It reduces how much pigment reaches the skin's surface cells and fades post-acne marks and dark spots without switching off melanin production or changing your baseline complexion. 

• Myth 4: Niacinamide and Retinol Shouldn't Be Mixed

Myth. Niacinamide and retinol can generally be used together. Many skincare routines incorporate both ingredients because of their different benefits. Niacinamide, which helps maintain the skin's protective barrier, is a great addition to retinol-rich routines.

Layering the two essentials from thin to thick as directed on the product label will help you see visible results. Starting to use multiple active ingredients at once can be overwhelming, so it's best to ease into retinol if you're new to it or have sensitive skin. In most cases, retinol and niacinamide work well together. 

• Myth 5: Niacinamide and Nicotinamide Are Different Ingredients

Are niacinamide and nicotinamide the same thing? Yes. Niacinamide and nicotinamide are two names for the same amide form of Vitamin B3.  Most brands use them interchangeably on packaging. The compound worth keeping separate is niacin, also called nicotinic acid. It is a chemically distinct form of B3 that is associated with flushing at high doses. 

Bottom line: Niacinamide and nicotinamide are two names for the same form of Vitamin B3, while niacin is a different form. 

• Myth 6: Niacinamide Alone Can Erase Acne Scars

Does niacinamide help acne scars? It can help improve the appearance of flat acne marks, but it cannot repair true indented or textured acne scars. Acne marks are usually areas of discoloration left after inflammation, while textured acne scars involve changes to the skin's structure. 

Niacinamide can be useful for flat, discoloured marks left after acne, which are different from true textured acne scars. Its effects on pigmentation are associated in part with reducing melanosome transfer. However, niacinamide cannot rebuild collagen lost in indented or atrophic acne scars. 

• Myth 7: A Higher Percentage Always Works Better

While 10% niacinamide is a commonly used concentration, 12% offers a higher-strength option.  Not only does percentage matter for efficacy, but so does the entire formulation, delivery system, and skin tolerance.

Foxtale's 12% Niacinamide Clarifying Serum combines a 12% concentration with double encapsulation technology, designed to support controlled delivery of the active. This makes it a higher-strength, beginner-friendly option for those looking to move beyond commonly seen 10% niacinamide formulas. 

If you're new to niacinamide, introduce the serum gradually and monitor how your skin responds rather than assuming that a higher concentration needs to be used more frequently.

Bottom line: 12% is higher than 10%, but higher does not automatically mean harsher or better. The formulation and your skin's tolerance matter too.

• Myth 8: Niacinamide Permanently Shrinks Pores

Pore size is largely genetic. There is no topical ingredient that can change the anatomy of a hair follicle. Does niacinamide shrink pores? Not permanently. However, by helping to manage excess sebum and improve skin texture, niacinamide may make pores look less noticeable. 

Bottom line: Niacinamide cannot permanently shrink pores, but it may make them appear less noticeable by helping manage excess oil and improving skin texture. 

• Myth 9: Niacinamide Is Only for Oily or Acne-Prone Skin

Niacinamide's barrier-supporting properties help enhance all skin types in its own way. This active ingredient can be used by anyone, not just those with oily or acne-prone skin. It can also fit into routines for dry or sensitive skin because of its barrier-supporting properties. 

The ideal product format depends on your skin's needs and the other actives in your routine. Those who like a more moisturiser-based approach can incorporate niacinamide alongside barrier-supportive skincare with Foxtale's Niacinamide Moisturizer. 

Bottom line: Niacinamide isn't just for oily or acne-prone skin; it can also support the skin barrier in dry or sensitive skin routines.

• Myth 10: Niacinamide Always Causes Flushing or Stinging

The flushing response is documented with nicotinic acid at high oral doses. Topical niacinamide does not typically cause the same flushing response associated with nicotinic acid. Some people may experience mild irritation or tingling when introducing a new product, but persistent burning, redness, itching, or discomfort should not be assumed to be a normal adjustment period. If this occurs, reduce frequency or stop using the product and simplify your routine. 

Bottom line: Niacinamide is different from flushing-causing nicotinic acid, but irritation can still occur with any skincare product. 

How to Use Niacinamide Serum 

The importance of consistently using niacinamide outweighs the importance of constantly switching products or adding multiple actives simultaneously.
 

1. Step 1: Start with clean skin: Before you apply your niacinamide serum, make sure your face is clean and dry. Use a nourishing cleanser that nourishes your skin and helps absorb other ingredients easily. 
 

2. Step 2: Apply your niacinamide serum: Apply the amount recommended on the product label. If you're new to niacinamide, introduce it gradually and monitor how your skin responds. If you're new to niacinamide, introduce it gradually. 
 

3. Step 3: Follow with moisturiser: To round out your regimen, use a moisturiser to help maintain your skin's protective barrier.

4. Step 4: Finish your morning routine with sunscreen: Apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen as the final step of your morning skincare routine. An integral component of pigmentation management is sun protection.

5. Step 5: Introduce other active ingredients gradually: Niacinamide can generally be used with ingredients such as vitamin C and retinol. If you're introducing a new active, add one product at a time so you can identify the cause if irritation occurs. 

Can You Use Niacinamide Every Day?

Yes, niacinamide can usually be used on a regular basis as long as your skin can tolerate it. Depending on how your skin reacts, beginners can start with a lower frequency and work their way up. If you're using a higher-strength formula such as 12%, follow the product directions and introduce it gradually if you're new to niacinamide. 

Should You Use Niacinamide in the Morning or at Night?

Niacinamide can generally be used in either a morning or evening routine. If you use it in the morning, finish your routine with sunscreen. 

Conclusion

Niacinamide's reputation has suffered from decades of misquoted lab studies and oversimplified social media takes, along with marketing that has attached too many promises to it. If you use the actual ingredient at the right concentration in a well-formulated product, it is genuinely one of the most versatile things out there. It can suit almost every skin type and concern. The myths are not worth the confusion they create.

Skin burnout is a non-medical term used to describe skin that becomes irritated, sensitive, dry, or reactive after being exposed to too many skincare products, strong actives, or frequent exfoliation. Common signs include redness, dryness, tightness, stinging, peeling, increased sensitivity, and new or worsening breakouts. In many cases, these changes are associated with a compromised skin barrier rather than a need for more skincare products. 

What Is Skin Burnout? 

“Skin burnout” is a condition in which skin gets progressively irritated, sensitive, dry, or reactive following continuous exposure to potentially irritating skincare methods. Most often it’s from over-exfoliating, using strong actives too often, stacking various treatment products, or continually altering a regimen.

The phrase is not a formal dermatologic diagnosis; Rather, it is a good approach to characterize a pattern of skin irritation and possibly skin barrier disruption that results from an overly vigorous regimen.

Learn more about how the skin barrier protects your skin while understanding that, when compromised, the skin may be prone to moisture loss.  This might cause tightness, dryness, flaking, redness, stinging, or breakouts. 

What Causes Skin Burnout? 

• Signs you are over-exfoliating your skin 
• Using strong actives too frequently
• Layering multiple treatment products
• Frequently changing skincare products
• Using potentially irritating products together

How Does Skin Burnout Affect the Skin Barrier? 

A damaged skin barrier starts with disruption of the stratum corneum, the skin's outermost layer responsible for preventing moisture loss and protecting against environmental triggers.

Once this layer becomes disrupted, transepidermal water loss increases. It means our skin loses water quickly and faster than it can retain it. That’s why a damaged, weak skin barrier often creates confusing symptoms, making your skin feel tight and flaky while simultaneously looking oily or greasy. Despite applying multiple products, your complexion may look dull because it may fail to hold onto hydration effectively.

Recovery time varies depending on how severely the skin barrier has been disrupted. Mild irritation may improve relatively quickly after removing the trigger, while more persistent irritation may take longer. During recovery, simplify your routine and avoid adding new treatment products until your skin feels comfortable again. 

What Are the Signs of Skin Burnout? 

Common signs of skin burnout may include: 

• Skin that looks dull or feels unusually dry
• Skin that appears red or flushed
• Skincare products that previously felt comfortable may suddenly sting or burn. 
• Tightness, flaking, or rough patches 
• Enhanced sensitivity to previously tolerable items
• New or worsening breakouts or small bumps 
• Skin that is oily on the outside but dry on the inside
• You feel like your usual skin care routine isn't working for you anymore

There are a number of other skin disorders that might cause these symptoms. Consult a dermatologist instead of adding extra items to your regimen if the irritation is severe, persistent, painful, or becoming worse. 

Skin Burnout vs Skin Purging: What's the Difference? 

Skin burnout is often mistaken for skin purging, but they're very different. Let’s explore the difference.

If breakouts begin after introducing an active that can cause purging, particularly in areas where you normally experience acne, purging may be one possibility. If your skin is also becoming dry, red, tight, flaky, or unusually sensitive, irritation or skin barrier disruption may be more likely. 

How to Fix Skin Burnout and Repair Your Skin Barrier 

In order to alleviate skin burnout, it is essential to simplify your routine and eliminate any potential irritants. Wait for your skin to calm down before continuing to use any active ingredient, such as is vitamin C good for your skin, if it is causing itching or stinging. When your skin starts to feel better, go back to using mild, barrier-supporting skincare products.

Several ingredients, including hyaluronic acid, ceramides, and panthenol, can help keep the skin moist and protect it from damage. Although some concentrations may be too strong for sensitive skin, niacinamide can also support the skin barrier and help maintain the skin's protective barrier. Reintroduce actives when your skin feels comfortable, as recovery duration varies.

Using a sunscreen is crucial while the barrier is healing. Find a broad-spectrum sunscreen that satisfies your skin's needs without irritating it. 

Simple Skincare Routine for Skin Burnout

A basic routine often works best when your skin is in the healing phase.

• Cleanse: Go for a gentle cleanser that removes impurities without disrupting the barrier.
• Moisturize: Look for a moisturizer rich in ceramides, hydrating ingredients, and soothing actives that help restore moisture while supporting the barrier.
• Protect: Always wear broad-spectrum SPF to shield healing skin from UV damage.

How to Prevent Skin Burnout 

The best way to prevent skin burnout is to avoid overwhelming your skin with too many potentially irritating products. Once your skin has recovered, reintroduce active ingredients gradually rather than adding several new products at once. 

Avoid using multiple potentially irritating actives together unless your routine has been specifically recommended by a dermatologist. Consider occasional recovery nights when your routine focuses on cleansing and moisturizing. If your skin appears irritated or unusually sensitive, slow down rather than adding another treatment product.

Foxtale Products to Consider During Skin Recovery

• Hydrating Face Wash

What calms your skin other than a calming, gentle hydrating face wash? Enriched with skin-soothing ingredients such as Hyaluronic Acid and Red Algae Extract, it hydrates the skin while keeping the pores clean and healthy. It gently cleanses dirt, debris, and product residue from the skin, keeping it clean, hydrated, and well-balanced.

• Nourishing Ceramide Moisturizer 

When your skin feels dry or irritated, keeping it moisturized can help support hydration and skin comfort during recovery. Powered by Ceramide, Niacinamide, Hyaluronic Acid, and Kokum Butter, it delivers intense hydration, calms irritated skin, and keeps skin plump. The moisturizing qualities of this ceramide moisturizer for dry or irritated skin help replenish the skin’s natural moisture, support the skin barrier and replenish hydration, and soften the skin.

• Oil Balancing Moisturizer

Once your skin feels comfortable again, you can consider an oil-balancing moisturizer if excess oil is an ongoing concern. Try Foxtale’s Oil Balancing Moisturizer! This cica moisturizer comes enriched with the oil-regulating properties of Niacinamide, Azelaic Acid Encapsulated Beads, and Cica Extract. It delivers intelligent hydration without triggering excess oil and breakouts. The non-greasy formula keeps skin balanced and glowing all day.

• Dewy Finish Sunscreen SPF 50++++

If you are on your skin healing journey, you should always prioritize skin protection with a well-prepared dewy sunscreen. Offer your skin the optimum protection from UVA radiation with our Dewy Finish Sunscreen SPF 50++++. Made with Niacinamide, Peptides, and Provitamin B5, it gives your skin a dewy finish while creating a tough shield against harsh UV rays. Once your skin feels comfortable again, you can gradually reintroduce targeted actives based on your skin concerns.

• 12% Niacinamide Clarifying Serum

Once your skin feels comfortable again and you're ready to reintroduce targeted actives, a niacinamide serum can be considered for concerns such as excess oil, blemishes, and clogged pores. Made with Niacinamide, Azelaic Acid, and Hydration Boosters, this Niacinamide serum helps regulate the skin's oil production, nourishes the skin, and manages excess oil and the appearance of blemishes.

Conclusion

The phrase "skin burnout" is used outside of the medical field to describe skin that has grown reactive, sensitive, or irritated due to an excessively harsh skincare regimen. You should simplify your regimen and concentrate on mild washing, moisturizing, and sunscreen if your skin becomes tight, dry, red, flaky, or stings when products are applied.
 

Reintroduce active ingredients gradually once your skin is comfortable again; do not apply many irritating products at once. See a dermatologist if the redness, swelling, or discomfort doesn't go away or becomes worse. 

Yes, some people may get acne as a result of drinking milk, but this is not always the case. Drinking cow's milk has been linked to acne, with some studies finding a stronger correlation with skim and low-fat milk. But since the majority of the evidence is observational, it cannot be concluded that milk is the direct cause of breakouts. Research has found an association between cow's milk consumption and acne, with skim and low-fat milk showing a stronger association in some studies. 

Researchers have proposed hormonal and insulin-related pathways as possible explanations, but these mechanisms are not fully established. Learn more about the link between milk, dairy, and acne, as well as what to do if you think milk might be causing your breakouts, by reading this article. 

Does milk cause acne in everyone? No. Multiple factors, including genetics, hormones, sebum production, inflammation, and lifestyle, influence acne. Milk may be a trigger for some acne-prone individuals, while others may notice no change after consuming it. 

Did You Know? For acne-prone skin that needs topical support alongside any dietary changes, starting with an acne face wash that clears pore congestion at the cleansing step is the most direct first move.

Can Milk Make Existing Acne Worse? 

Milk may not be the original cause of someone's acne, but if a person is sensitive to milk as a dietary trigger, consuming it may coincide with more frequent or severe breakouts. Research supports an association between milk consumption and acne, but it does not establish that milk will worsen acne in every person.

Which Dairy Products Are Worst for Acne?

The link between acne and dairy is not universal. While there is less strong evidence linking acne to cheese and yogurt, research has repeatedly connected acne with cow's milk, especially skim and low-fat milk. 

1. Skim and Low-Fat Milk:

While whole milk has not been linked to acne in any observational study, skim and low-fat milk have. A 2018 meta-analysis and comprehensive review indicated that the relationship was more significant for skim milk, whereas whole milk was also linked to acne.

We don't entirely understand why. There is no conclusive evidence that the hormones, proteins, and impacts of milk on insulin and IGF-1-related pathways cause acne, but these theories have been considered.

So, if you think milk is making your pimples worse, switching to skim milk might not be the best choice.

2. Cheese and Yogurt:

The relationship between cheese, yogurt, and acne is less clear than the relationship observed with milk. Do all dairy products cause acne? Not according to the current data, and people react differently. Instead of immediately cutting out all dairy, try tracking your reaction to the particular dairy items that you find to be frequently associated with breakouts. 

3. Whole Milk

Although other studies have found a less profound relationship between acne and whole milk compared to skim and low-fat milk, the association is still there. This in no way demonstrates that whole milk is harmless for skin that is prone to acne. It could be more prudent to monitor your reaction to whole milk if you frequently get breakouts after consuming it, rather than believing that a change in milk type will resolve the issue.

Additionally:

Whey protein is another food-related factor worth considering, particularly if breakouts began or worsened after starting a whey supplement. Research has proposed a relationship between whey protein, insulin-related signalling and acne, although individual response varies.

Building a Practical Approach to Diet and Clearer Skin

How to treat acne-prone skin? Eliminating milk from your diet can help anyone whose breakouts seem to track with dairy. A two- to four-week elimination trial cutting milk specifically is a reasonable way to test personal response. Keeping everything else consistent during that window makes it easier to read the result accurately.

A diet for acne free skin works best alongside topical treatment rather than instead of it. Diet reduces the hormonal input. Topical care addresses the congestion and inflammation that has already built up. Dietary changes should complement; not replace- a consistent acne-prone skincare routine and appropriate acne treatment. For acne-prone skin, ingredients such as niacinamide can help support oil control and the appearance of blemishes as part of a consistent routine. 

What to Do If You Suspect Dairy Is Triggering Your Acne

If you feel that dairy is triggering your breakouts, you may monitor your skin's condition while cutting back or eliminating the food from your diet. For the sake of pinpointing potential skin-influencing factors, it's best to maintain maximum consistency in your skincare regimen and other important dietary habits. 

Track Your Response 

Before you go crazy trying to cut out all dairy products, figure out which ones you think are making your acne worse. Take pictures of your breakouts on a regular basis and document them, and be sure to stick to your new skincare and eating habits.

After your skin clears up, you may talk about whether or not eating that meal again triggers breakouts. Although changes in acne might have various reasons, this can help you discover whether there is a recurrent link. 

Consider Dairy Alternatives 

Try unsweetened almond, soy, oat, or coconut-based drinks instead of dairy products if you discover that one of these tends to set off your outbreaks. When making a substitution, be sure to read the label to see whether it has added sugar and, if applicable, look out for products that have been fortified with minerals like calcium and vitamin D.

You May Not Need to Eliminate All Dairy 

Avoiding all dairy products is not always necessary if you find that one kind of dairy irritates your skin. In certain cases, you might be able to eat dairy products without experiencing any skin changes. Instead of blindly eliminating dairy in an effort to control acne, the objective is to find out what specific causes you have.

When Should You See a Dermatologist?

While making dietary modifications can help identify acne causes, they should not be used in place of a professional acne treatment. See a dermatologist if you're thinking about:

* You have acne that won't go away or is growing worse

* You're dealing with uncomfortable nodules or cysts

* Dark spots or scars from your acne are sticking around

* Your outbreaks are still uncontrolled by over-the-counter products

* Your self-esteem or general happiness is taking a hit because of acne.

Seeking the advice of a dermatologist can help determine the root causes of your acne and choose the best course of therapy. Instead of replacing evidence-based acne therapy, dietary modifications might be evaluated in conjunction with it.

Did You Know? A niacinamide moisturiser that supports the skin barrier through dietary experiments is worth adding to the routine, since barrier function affects how skin responds to inflammation, regardless of what is driving it.

Conclusion: Does Milk Cause Acne? 

Though some people may get acne after consuming milk, it is important to note that this is not always the case. Despite the fact that the data is mostly observational and cannot establish cause and effect, research has consistently and powerfully linked cow's milk, especially skim and low-fat milk, to the condition.

You do not need to eliminate all dairy automatically. If you think milk could be a trigger for your breakouts, try cutting back on milk while keeping your other habits the same. Continued use of skincare products and consultation with a doctor may be necessary for severe or chronic acne. 

Daily use of AHA and BHA may not be appropriate for all users. Depending on the acid, concentration, formulation, and skin tolerance, most people should use leave-on AHA or BHA exfoliants a few times a week instead of every day. Salicylic acid is an oil-soluble beta-hydroxy acid (BHA) that helps clear oil and buildup from pores, whereas lactic acid is an alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA) that mainly exfoliates the skin's surface.  

What Are AHAs and What Do They Do for Skin?

AHAs, or alpha hydroxy acids, are water-soluble chemical exfoliants that primarily work on the skin's surface. In addition to reducing the look of dullness, uneven texture, and some types of pigmentation, they help loosen dead skin cells. Glycolic acid and lactic acid are two common AHAs; however, the formulations might affect the potency and tolerance of these acids. 

Lactic acid is an alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) that helps keep skin hydrated and smooth by exfoliating the surface. With appropriate use, lactic acid can help improve the appearance of dullness, uneven texture, and pigmentation.  It is one of the better-known AHAs used for surface exfoliation. 

For body exfoliation, Foxtale's De-Tan Body Scrub combines physical exfoliation with Lactic and Glycolic acids to help improve the appearance of rough texture and tan. Because it combines chemical and physical exfoliation, it is better suited to occasional use rather than daily exfoliation. 

AHAs can also be incorporated through rinse-off body products. Foxtale's De-Tan Body Wash with glycolic and lactic acid uses both AHAs to exfoliate dull surface buildup while cleansing the body. For a deeper look at how this AHA works and where it fits into a skincare routine, read our guide to lactic acid benefits for skin. 

What Are BHAs and What Do They Do for Skin? 

Beta-hydroxy acids (BHAs) are chemical exfoliants that dissolve in oil. Because it is oil-soluble, salicylic acid is particularly relevant for oily, acne-prone, and congested skin. You can read more about salicylic acid benefits for oily skin and how to introduce it into a routine. 

Salicylic acid for skin can help clear excess oil, dead skin-cell buildup, and clogged pores. Its exfoliating and pore-clearing action makes it particularly useful for blackheads, whiteheads, and acne-prone skin. It can also help improve the appearance of post-acne dark marks by reducing the buildup that contributes to congestion. 

Does salicylic acid help acne scars? 

Salicylic acid is more useful for acne, clogged pores, and post-acne dark marks than for textural acne scars, such as pitted or indented scars.  If the concern is a flat dark mark left after a breakout, salicylic acid may help improve its appearance over time by supporting exfoliation and keeping pores clear. 

For oily or acne-prone facial skin, Foxtale's 2% salicylic acid face wash provides salicylic acid in a rinse-off cleanser formula, making it an easy way to include a BHA cleansing step without adding another leave-on exfoliant. For back, chest, or body breakouts, a salicylic acid body wash for body acne can deliver the BHA in a rinse-off format across larger areas of skin. 

Can I Use AHA and BHA Together?

Yes, AHA and BHA can be used together, but combining them increases the overall exfoliation load on the skin. Whether you should combine them depends on the product strengths, formulation, and your skin's tolerance. If you are new to chemical exfoliation or have sensitive skin, using AHA and BHA on separate days can be a simpler approach. 

Lactic acid is an AHA that primarily exfoliates the skin's surface, while salicylic acid is a BHA that helps clear oil and buildup from pores. They therefore address different but complementary concerns. 

The main difference between AHA and BHA is where they primarily work: AHAs work mainly on the skin's surface, while BHAs are oil-soluble and can work within oily pores.

If oiliness and congestion are your main concerns, see our guide to how to exfoliate oily skin, including where AHAs and salicylic acid fit into an exfoliation routine. 

Can You Use AHA BHA Every Day? The Honest Answer 

For most people, using AHA and BHA every day is unnecessary, especially when using leave-on exfoliating products. A practical starting frequency for leave-on products is 1–2 times a week, followed by a gradual increase only if your skin tolerates it. Some lower-strength or rinse-off formulations may be suitable for more frequent use, so always follow the product's directions. 

Using exfoliating acids too frequently can lead to signs of irritation and barrier disruption. Watch for persistent redness, tightness, unusual dryness, increased sensitivity or moisturiser stinging after application. If these symptoms appear, pause exfoliation and focus on a gentle cleanser, moisturiser and daily SPF 50 sunscreen until your skin feels comfortable again. 

How to Use AHA and BHA Correctly?

How to use AHA and how to use BHA correctly both come down to a few fundamentals: 

1. Apply leave-on products to clean, dry skin.
2. Use the recommended amount.
3. Don't layer multiple strong exfoliants in the same routine when starting.
4. Follow the directions for rinse-off products.
5. Follow with a moisturiser.
6. Apply broad-spectrum sunscreen every morning.

If you're using both AHA and BHA, consider alternating them across different days rather than layering them in the same routine, particularly when you're starting.

Conclusion

AHA and BHA can be effective chemical exfoliants when used at the right frequency for your skin and the product formulation. Using AHA and BHA every day is not necessary for most people, particularly with strong leave-on exfoliants. Lactic acid, an AHA, primarily exfoliates the skin's surface, while salicylic acid, a BHA, helps clear oil and buildup from pores. Start slowly, avoid excessive exfoliation, moisturise regularly, and use sunscreen every morning.