As the old saying goes: An acid a day (or, uh, every few days if you're sensitive) keeps breakouts, fine lines, and dullness away. And no, we don't mean that kind of acid. In this episode, we're talking about AHAs and BHAs — the acids commonly used in skin care to help slough off dead cells and keep complexions bright. First, Michelle and Jenny try a product that proves how powerful acids can be — and completely gross-out their loved ones in the process. Then, dermatologist Laurel Naversen Geraghty (who — fun fact! — is a former Allure editor) stops by to help make sense of when and how to use these powerful skin-care ingredients.

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This episode of Allure: The Science of Beauty is presented by Olay.