When you picture exfoliating your skin, you likely think about using a brush or face wash with small beads that physically work to remove dead skin cells from your face.

But that isn't the only option you can include in your skincare routine.

The second kind of exfoliant is a chemical one. That's made up of products that include alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs) or beta-hydroxy acids (BHAs), both of which gently dissolve dead skin cells, according to the American Academy of Dermatology Association (AAD).

How do you know which type to use? And how do you exfoliate properly? Board-certified dermatologist Dr. Mansha Thacker is breaking down all your burning exfoliating questions.

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If your skin is usually dry, sensitive or acne-prone, and/or if you have a darker skin tone, tread lightly with exfoliants, the AAD recommends. Stick to a mild chemical exfoliator to avoid irritation.

"If you have a lot of active acne, maybe you want to go for a chemical exfoliant, because you don't want to be scrubbing on an area that's already broken out," Thacker adds.

For oily skin and lighter skin tones, either a stronger chemical exfoliant or physical exfoliation may work better. These kinds of products are "OK to use as long as you're not overdoing it," Thacker says. She recommends limiting use of physical exfoliants to one or two nights a week.

But using a physical vs. chemical exfoliant can also just be a matter of personal preference, she adds. Serum exfoliants are becoming increasingly common among skincare brands. And several manufacturers are also making toners that include exfoliating benefits.

Regardless of which type of exfoliant you choose, the AAD highlights the importance of being gentle with your application, by working the exfoliant in a small, circular motion for about 30 seconds before rinsing with lukewarm water.

And on nights when you're exfoliating, you should skip any retinol products to make sure you're not overdoing things and irritating your skin, Thacker adds.

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You should be moisturizing after exfoliating, experts say. Your skincare routine should begin with washing your face, followed by any products to target specific desires (exfoliating falls under this one), and then conclude with using a moisturizer.

Washing your face and exfoliating can both be a little irritating or drying to the skin, so finishing things off with a moisturizer helps to ensure you "don't wake up with red, flaky, irritated skin," she adds.

Doing so also helps to lock in any serums or other products in the middle step of your routine that serve to correct a specific issue. "It's like the icing on the top, sealing it all in," Thacker says.