Sorry gritty scrubs, but chemical exfoliators are the best way to slough off dead skin cells at home. While we all used to adore our sugar and apricot concoctions with bits of walnut shells in them, physical exfoliators have gone out of style in recent years. It turns out that they are a bit too harsh for our faces and could cause more harm than good. I used to think that I could scrub the teenage breakouts right off my face, but I found out the hard way that was not the case. No matter your skin type or concern, chemical exfoliators are one of the most effective ways to get the job done.

As Dr. Deanne Mraz, a board-certified dermatologist and the president and co-founder of Modern Dermatology in Westport, Connecticut, says, “everyone can benefit from some form of chemical exfoliation.”

Depending on your skin concern and type, there are three main types of chemical exfoliants to choose from: AHAs, BHAs, and PHAs. Our experts recommend sensitive, mature, or dull and hyperpigmented skin go for AHAs like glycolic and lactic acids. Oily skin will appreciate the pore penetrating and unclogging powers of BHAs—the most well-known of which is salicylic acid. Finally, PHAs like lactobionic acid are also on the gentler side and suitable for reactive skin and those looking to soften the look of fine lines and wrinkles.