Exfoliate less in winter. PHA is safest.

You should exfoliate less in winter, and if you must, use PHA (polyhydroxy acids) over lactic acid.

Cold air, dry indoor heat, and wind strip your skin barrier. Exfoliation further compromises that barrier, leading to irritation, redness, and even more dryness. Your skin needs protection and hydration right now, not cell turnover. So scale back: once every 7–10 days instead of 2–3 times a week.

If you absolutely need to exfoliate (flaky patches, texture bothering you), go with PHA. Gluconolactone or lactobionic acid are large molecules that sit on the surface, slowly dissolving dead skin without penetrating deep. They also act as humectants—they pull in moisture. Lactic acid is smaller and can sting if your barrier is already shot. It works, but it’s riskier in winter. Stick to concentrations under 5% if you use lactic acid.

One more thing: stop exfoliating if you feel any stinging or tightness. That means your barrier needs repair, not removal.

Your skin isn’t asking for more exfoliation right now—it’s asking for ceramides and petroleum jelly.