How Often Should You Exfoliate? (AHA/BHA Guide for Bangladesh)

How often — the simple answer

For most people in Bangladesh's climate: 2–3 times a week is plenty. Daily chemical exfoliation is too much for almost everyone and is the fastest way to damage your skin barrier.

| Skin type | How often |

|---|---|

| Sensitive / dry | 1× per week (start with PHA, the gentlest) |

| Normal / combination | 2× per week |

| Oily / acne-prone | 2–3× per week (BHA suits you best) |

AHA vs BHA — which one?

• AHA (glycolic, lactic acid): works on the *surface* — brightens, smooths texture, fades dullness and dark spots. Best for dry/normal skin. (AHA guide)
• BHA (salicylic acid): oil-soluble, goes *into* the pore — clears blackheads and acne. Best for oily/acne-prone skin. (BHA guide)
• PHA: the gentlest, for sensitive skin.

You usually only need one exfoliating acid in your routine — not all three.

Signs you are over-exfoliating

• Tight, shiny, or "too smooth/waxy" skin
• New stinging when you apply other products
• Redness, flaking, or sudden breakouts
• Skin feels more sensitive to sun

If you see these, stop all acids for 1–2 weeks and focus on a gentle cleanser, moisturizer and sunscreen until the barrier recovers.

The rules

1. Exfoliate at night, never the same night as retinol.

2. Always wear sunscreen the next morning — exfoliated skin burns faster.

3. Don't stack an exfoliating cleanser + exfoliating toner + a peel — pick one acid step.

Build the rest of your routine with the beginner essentials guide, and shop verified exfoliators + treatments — every product invoice + batch verified, with a 2× money-back guarantee.