Anyone with great skin will tell you that exfoliation is non-negotiable. Just ask Pharell, the seemingly ageless rapper turned skincare magnate who's said in plenty of interviews that his big skincare secret is

Chemical exfoliation works to loosen the bonds that hold skin cells together, aiding in the shedding of cells that are dead. Not only does the process encourage the continued production. of new, healthy cells, but it reveals brighter, smoother skin in the meantime. And though our skin naturally undergoes an exfoliating process daily, aspects such as age, increased sun exposures and other extrinsic factors play a role in decreasing this cell turnover. That's where exfoliating the exfoliating acids alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) and beta-hydroxy acid (BHA) come into play.

Both AHA and BHA work to exfoliate the top layers of skin, smoothing rough texture, and improving the look of fine lines, wrinkles, and uneven skin tone. Chemical exfoliation, isn’t a one size fits all situation, though, and there are different types to suit a multitude of skincare concerns. That's why we tapped board-certified dermatologist Angelo Landriscina, MD, FAAD for a full rundown. Keep scrolling for a breakdown on both kinds of exfoliators to learn how they differ, how they’re used, and the best products to shop for.