What to know
- This is the rinse-off 6 fl. oz. cleanser.
- The AHA/BHA cream is a separate leave-on product.
- The manufacturer's sunburn alert still applies to a cleanser.
Cleansing and exfoliation in one format
The SkinMedica product is a 177 ml / 6 fl. oz. cleanser. The manufacturer describes a combination of alpha-hydroxy acids, beta-hydroxy acid and jojoba spheres, with claims about cleansing and the appearance of skin texture and smoothness.
The important format distinction is that a cleanser is rinsed off. The separately named AHA/BHA Exfoliating Cream is a leave-on product. Their shared initials identify ingredient categories; they do not make the products interchangeable or establish a combined regimen.
Sources: SkinMedica: AHA/BHA Exfoliating Cleanser; SkinMedica: AHA/BHA Exfoliating Cream
The sunburn alert is part of the product
SkinMedica's page includes an AHA sunburn alert. It explains that the product can increase sun sensitivity and calls for sunscreen, protective clothing and limiting sun exposure during use and for a week afterward. That caution belongs with the exfoliating claims rather than being treated as optional fine print.
A rinse-off format does not remove a manufacturer's warning. Read the bottle's current directions and cautions, including any instructions relevant to the areas where you intend to cleanse. A description of gentle exfoliation is not a promise that every skin type will tolerate the product in every routine.
Sources: SkinMedica: AHA/BHA Exfoliating Cleanser; SkinMedica: AHA/BHA Exfoliating Cream
Look for overlap before adding it
List the exfoliating steps already in your routine, including pads, leave-on acids and products whose names do not explicitly say exfoliating. Bring that list when asking whether this cleanser makes sense for you. The useful question is what role it would play, rather than how many exfoliating products can fit on one shelf.
If you are preparing for or recovering from an office procedure, follow that provider's specific cleanser instructions. This guide does not supply a procedure schedule. Our skincare catalog helps you identify the cleanser accurately and distinguish it from the cream before making a purchase.
Sources: SkinMedica: AHA/BHA Exfoliating Cleanser; SkinMedica: AHA/BHA Exfoliating Cream
Sources and further reading
Manufacturer descriptions explain the product or technology. They do not replace an individual assessment or your provider’s instructions.