Some say that using moisturizers containing Alpha Hydroxy Acids may be the best use and best combo of the two products. From my experience, this is true. I’ve tried chemical peels (mild ones) at home and I’ve tried moisturizers with AHAs, and the quickest results can be seen from the moisturizer. However, Best results will be found after using both. Use a mild chemical peel if you do at all, or just play it safe and go to a beauty school (or even safer; a spa).
a) First, I use a mild Salicylic Acid Chemical peel (which is the only existing BHA- that’s right, there’s only one!) and leave it on for the recommended minute duration. (Afterwards I rinse my face with cold water profusely, again as recommended, until I no longer feel stinging)
b) My second step is to follow up with a glycolic acid (AHA) chemical peel, again a Mild one. I leave it on for, again, one minute. I always time myself because its just too dangerous to overlook this detail. Then I repeat the cold water rinse.
My first time using a chemical peel entailed only using the Salicylic Acid- it is recommended because BHA is both milder and gentle. Not until after using the BHA chemical peel once a week for a month did I add the AHA peel.
When I first started this regimen I did not see a change in my skin right away. After a couple weeks, however, I noticed my skin beginning to peel. Then it was rather difficult to manage, and embarrassing- my skin was peeling even at work during the day, no matter how hard I kept up with manual exfoliation (chemical peels are considered a chemical exfoliant; manual exfoliation=using a scrub). After many cases of unnecessary hanging my head in embarrassment, I discovered an amazing product- Moisturizer with both AHA & BHA. The best part is the price. It’s so affordable, and easy to find- despite only seeing it at one store, Sally’s Beauty Supply. There is one large drawback to using this product, but many, many advantages. The drawback (and also a hidden advantage) is how rapidly it allowed my skin to “shed” so to speak.
If I use this moisturizer now just about anytime my skin automatically exfoliates- and its SO gross. Just nasty really. I’m talking, dead skin somehow binding with the moisturizer, peeling off in large chunks, coming off in my hands AS I moisturize. Obviously I cannot moisturize with this product in public. The great thing about it is, no skin more than what is already dead comes “loose”; it is not in the least painful, but rather feels refreshing from reducing pressure from tight, dead skin; and that skin has gotta come off sometime. I’d rather it be in my hand, in private, rather than in the middle of the day while at my job in public.
A [Few] {Very Important} Words to the Wise
Cleansers with AHAs are a B-i-g W-a-s-t-e…of Space, Money, & Time. AHAs must be absorbed into the skin; if they are washed off immediately in such a small concentration, nothing is getting absorbed- trust me.
AHAs of any shape or form Must be followed up with Sunscreen. AHAs will make your skin much more sensitive than it was prior to the AHA use to sunlight. Let’s not get started on the many dangers sun exposure presents.
Consult your dermatologist. Everything about skin care has everything to do with Chemistry, and I’m talking far beyond what you learned in Highschool Chem Lab. He (or she) spent lots of time and other resources studying this stuff. Just pay the guy already! 
It’ll be worth it in the end.
A Few Common AHA & BHA Questions, Concerns, & Misconceptions
Q: Can’t I just kill two birds with one stone and use an AHA with Sunscreen in it?
A: No such products exist. It’s a Chemistry thing; Something about Sunscreen & AHAs having opposite pH levels. So any product with sunscreen, were AHAs added, wouldn’t allow the AHA to be effective. Basically, the AHA would be rendered useless.
Q: What should I look for when I buy products with AHAs?
A: Don’t worry about it.
Why?
Manufacturers of these products are not required to “publish” anywhere on the package concentrations of Alpha Hydroxy A’s. And even then, just because its “got AHA” doesn’t mean that it’ll work effectively.
What I suggest is don’t worry about chemistry; you’ll have a chem degree by the time you learn what you need to know. Or become a dermatologist Just pay attention to changes in your skin before and after. Your skin should feel firmer, but not uncomfortable- less tight. Your skin should absorb moisturizer more effectively. Your skin should gradually become brighter. You may even notice scarring less or discolorations are fading. If you notice these things, you are using a good product. Keep using products that produce good results. That’s all you have to worry about.
Should you decide to trek on a journey toward better face circulation (the benefits are undeniable) and try virtually any AHA or BHA product, remember- BE CAREFUL. Be aware of any and all such products in every beauty cream, cleanser, and ointment you let touch your face. They add up! …And will, undoubtedly, irritate your skin if used too often or in too large amounts/concentrations. These irritations can lead to acne, surprisingly enough, which will lead to scarring, which can only be removed by microdermabrasion, dermabrasion, lasers, or… chemical peels! And the cycle continues.
