Should you mix both AHAs and BHAs? Not exactly. “Don’t DIY your acid combination,” board-certified dermatologist and mindbodygreen Collective member Whitney Bowe, M.D., FAAD, warned. “The acids need to be formulated in a way that makes them stable together.” Read: Don’t layer an AHA over a BHA—look for a product that has them both, or pick one.
As a general guideline, those with acne or excess oil should opt for BHAs. Those looking for other benefits like smoothing texture, brightening the skin, or easing fine lines should start with AHAs.
In addition, anyone with sensitive or highly reactive skin should look for a gentle AHA product, preferably one packed with other hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid, peptides, ceramides, etc.
Or, you can rotate them. “If someone wants to use a more gentle AHA every day but then use a BHA when they’re breaking out, they certainly can do that,” Gohara notes.
