How often should I use a chemical exfoliant?

No single frequency suits every exfoliant; follow the product directions, start at the lowest frequency and increase only if there is no irritation. How deep an exfoliant works does not depend only on the acid's name but on concentration, pH, contact time and the state of the skin, so the same ingredient at the wrong strength or method can cause injury. Do not use strong clinic peels at home, and stop exfoliating if you have burning or ongoing inflammation.

Key numbers

Lowest first, then build up — Frequency
Concentration, pH and contact time — What decides depth
Risk of burns and pigmentation — Strong peels at home

When should you not exfoliate?

Over active inflammation or an irritated skin barrier.
Before a sunny holiday.
When there is burning or ongoing peeling from earlier use.
When starting a new retinoid in the same week without a plan.

Darker skin and pigmentation

Darker skin can be exfoliated, but the choice of agent, depth and preparation matter a lot because inflammation can cause post-inflammatory pigmentation. A history of pigmentation after procedures should be part of the decision, and sun protection after a peel is essential.

Superficial or medium?

Superficial: surface pigmentation, texture, some types of acne, and shorter recovery.
Medium: a deeper effect with longer recovery, done in the clinic.
Deep: a major and relatively rare medical procedure with much higher risks.

Key takeaways

Start at a low frequency and only increase with good tolerance.
Do not combine several strong acids without a goal.
A stronger peel does not mean a better result; it also means more recovery and risk.

Chemical Peels: Types and What They Treat