1. How does your skin usually feel by mid-day?
A. A little oily or prone to breakouts
B. Dry or tight
C. Both—dry in some places, oily in others
D. Calm but dull
E. Easily irritated or inflamed
2. What’s your top skin goal right now?
A. Clear up breakouts and prevent congestion
B. Hydrate and smooth fine lines
C. Balance my skin without triggering it
D. Boost radiance and even tone
E. Calm redness and sensitivity
3. How does your skin respond to new products or actives?
A. Pretty resilient—I can handle strong formulas
B. I do better with slow, steady changes
C. Depends on the formula and how it’s layered
D. Sometimes reactive, especially with strong stuff
E. I have to be super careful—I’m easily irritated
4. What does your skin look/feel like right now?
A. Congested or bumpy
B. Rough, dry, or textured
C. Uneven tone and dry/oily patches
D. Dull, tired, or uneven
E. Red, inflamed, or reactive
5. If your ideal skin result had a theme, what would it be?
A. Clear, smooth, and shine-free
B. Soft, plump, and hydrated
C. Balanced and predictable
D. Bright, polished, and glowing
E. Calm, soothed, and protected
🔮 Results:
Not all chemical exfoliants are created equal.
And if you’ve ever used one that felt too strong, didn’t work, or left you wondering what went wrong—you’re not alone.
Your skin’s needs are unique, which is why choosing the right exfoliating acid makes all the difference. This quiz helps you figure out which ingredient fits your skin like a glove (not like a sandblaster).
🌿 Your Result: What Your Skin’s Asking For
Mostly A’s → Salicylic Acid
Your skin is craving clarity.
Salicylic acid is oil-soluble, which means it can travel deep into pores to dissolve the congestion that causes breakouts, blackheads, and those annoying under-the-skin bumps.
Perfect for:
- Oily or acne-prone skin
- Clogged pores or keratosis pilaris
- Red, inflamed blemishes
✨ Catherine’s Tip:
Use salicylic in moderation—2–3x/week max in leave-on products, or as part of a professional peel when deeper exfoliation is needed.
Mostly B’s → Lactic Acid
Your skin is craving hydration and renewal.
Lactic acid is the gentlest of the alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs). It exfoliates while pulling moisture into the skin, making it ideal for drier complexions and skin that needs a glow-up without over-stripping.
Perfect for:
- Dry, flaky, or textured skin
- Fine lines and dullness
- Clients over 35 or with early signs of aging
✨ Catherine’s Tip:
Lactic acid is your go-to for regular maintenance. It’s especially powerful when paired with barrier-repair products and hydration.
Mostly C’s → Mandelic Acid
Your skin is craving balance.
Mandelic acid has one of the largest molecule sizes, which means it penetrates the skin slowly and gently. It’s ideal for combination, sensitive, and melanin-rich skin that needs results without risk.
Perfect for:
- Uneven tone or dark spots
- Combination skin with occasional breakouts
- Clients who react easily to other acids
✨ Catherine’s Tip:
Mandelic is a favorite in summer-friendly treatments—it works well in a series of peels or in your at-home routine to prep for more active treatments later.
Mostly D’s → Glycolic Acid
Your skin is craving a reset.
Glycolic acid is the most powerful of the AHAs. It works fast and goes deep, but it’s best reserved for skin that’s resilient and not overly sensitive.
Perfect for:
- Thick, textured, or sun-damaged skin
- Clients who feel like their routine isn’t “doing enough”
- Brightening and retexturizing in a big way
✨ Catherine’s Tip:
Use glycolic with caution. It can deliver stunning results—but only when your barrier is strong and your sun protection game is airtight.
Mostly E’s → Azelaic Acid
Your skin is craving calm.
Azelaic acid isn’t technically an exfoliant, but it gently clears buildup, reduces redness, and supports a healthier skin barrier—without causing peeling or irritation.
Perfect for:
- Rosacea, sensitivity, or redness
- Post-acne marks or uneven texture
- Clients who can’t tolerate stronger actives
✨ Catherine’s Tip:
Azelaic acid is safe year-round and pairs beautifully with calming facials and LED therapy for clients focused on long-term skin recovery.
🌞 Final Thought
Just because an acid is “popular” doesn’t mean it’s right for your skin right now.
Listen to what your skin is asking for—and if you’re not sure? That’s exactly what I’m here for.