Can I exfoliate and use salicylic acid?
Salicylic acid is one of the most well-known skin ingredients. Many people love it for its effectiveness in providing clarity, especially for those who are acne-prone and often breakout.
With such a powerful ingredient in your daily routine, we can’t help but wonder if further exfoliation can help or hurt the health, look, and feel of your complexion. That’s exactly what we want to explore in today’s blog post, and with any luck, we’ll answer all of your questions about exfoliation and using salicylic acid.
For those of you who are still a little confused about what salicylic acid is and how it benefits your skin, the next section is for you. If you already know all about skin care, you can move on to the next section.
What is salicylic acid?
Salicylic acid, also known as the acne buster, is one of the most commonly used members of the beta-hydroxy acid (BHA) family. It’s a favorite among dermatologists for skin problems that often show up with breakouts and blemishes. This acid works on the surface of the skin to remove the buildup of dead skin cells. If these cells are left behind, you’ll find your face is covered in blemishes like pimples and blackheads as excess sebum, dirt, bacteria, and debris clog your pores. You’ll also find that salicylic acid is oil-soluble, which means it can penetrate sebum (the natural oil in your skin). Compared to other acids, salicylic acid has a smaller molecule size, which allows it to penetrate the lower layers of the skin and get deeper into the pores.
The beauty of salicylic acid is that it’s found in a range of formulas, from over-the-counter to prescription products, in varying proportions. This not only makes BHAs easy to find, but it also allows you to find the best product for your skin. Salicylic acid is known to damage dry and sensitive skin. For these skin types, a face wash or toner works best, as it typically contains less acid than a serum.
If you want to learn more about salicylic acid and its benefits, read our dedicated blog post.
Do I need to exfoliate if I use salicylic acid?
No, not really, because salicylic acid is an exfoliant in its own right. As I mentioned before, it’s an ingredient in a wide range of skincare products, from face washes to serums. This results in the acid being used regularly as an exfoliant in your daily skincare routine. Using a salicylic acid-rich product along with another exfoliant may cause severe skin irritation and reactions.
If you want to continue using salicylic acid products in conjunction with a physical exfoliant such as a scrub, I recommend alternating the use of each product in order to benefit from these products. For example, use a salicylic acid face cleanser in the morning and a physical exfoliant in the evening.
Can I use cleansing and exfoliating products containing salicylic acid?
No, avoid using cleansing and exfoliating products containing salicylic acid as this can cause extreme irritation and dryness. As I said before, if you want to use both products in your skincare routine, it is most effective to alternate the use of each product.
Once your skin has developed a tolerance to salicylic acid, you can use salicylic acid twice a day in your skincare routine. This means you can use a BHA-rich product when it suits you, ensuring you are not exfoliating in your routine.
For physical facial exfoliants, I recommend using them at night as the abrasive action can temporarily cause the skin to become sensitive. You’ll find that she can calm down better at night when she’s not exposed to free radicals like UV rays, pollution, and other environmental factors. Apply a serum with moisturizing ingredients like hyaluronic acid after exfoliating to replenish skin with moisture and nutrients to combat chronic dryness and irritation.
Is salicylic acid an exfoliant?
Yes, it is, just like other chemical peels like glycolic, lactic, and malic acids. Salicylic acid exfoliates the skin without the use of physical facial peels, some of which often contain nut shell fragments, pumice, and other abrasive particles.
You’ll also find that salicylic acid has a smaller molecular size and is oil-soluble. This allows the acid to penetrate the lower layers of the skin. When salicylic acid reaches the pores, it can deeply exfoliate and work on areas of the skin that facial peels can’t reach.
What type of scrub should I use?
There are a ton of different peels that are suitable for a variety of skin types. The following sections will help you understand which products are right for your skin type.
Oily Skin Type
Oily skin is prone to breakouts and may also be prone to acne due to excess sebum on the skin’s surface. Therefore, thorough exfoliation is needed, which can be done through physical exfoliation (such as a physical exfoliator or cleansing device) or chemical exfoliation (such as salicylic acid).
Acne-Prone Skin Type
For acne-prone skin, it is best to choose products with chemical exfoliants, such as salicylic acid and glycolic acid. Although it may be tempting to exfoliate your skin to the point of being unrecognizable, this can be damaging to your skin because it not only spreads bacteria, leading to more breakouts, but it also strips your skin’s protective barrier of essential oils and water. It needs to stay healthy, hydrated, and radiant.
Dry Skin Type
To avoid unnecessary irritation, dry skin especially benefits from thick, creamy textures that are enriched with gentle acids such as lactic acid and polyhydroxy acids. You may also benefit from physical facial peels, which also have a richer, creamier consistency.
Combination Skin Type
Since combination skin types have a mix of oily and dry skin areas, chemical peels are recommended as the best formula. Physical peels and physical devices should be avoided as they can cause increased sensitivity and irritation.
I hope this has answered some of your questions about exfoliation and using salicylic acid. Don’t forget, you can find us on Instagram if you have any other questions.
DQH Knowledge drop: In your 20s, your skin cell turnover decreases. (Cell turnover is a key component in keeping your skin youthful.) You know what else slows down? Your collagen production. Starting in your 20s, collagen decreases by about 1 percent per year. Should you want to prevent fine lines and wrinkles, start by eliminating behaviors that contribute to premature aging. “If it’s bad for you, it’s bad for your skin,” says dermatologist Michel Somenek.
“Cigarette smoking reduces blood flow to the skin and causes premature wrinkling and a dull skin texture. Making the repeated pursed motion to inhale can also cause smoker’s lines. Alcohol and recreational drugs are toxins for the skin that damage its cellular structure and DNA,” Somenek tells us. “The faster you eliminate vices while you are young, the better chance your skin and body have to recuperate.” Also, adopting an anti-aging routine in your 20s is key. After all, the best offense is a good defense. We spoke to Somenek and experts Joshua Ross and Audrey Kunin to find out more.
Keep reading for the best anti-aging products for your 20s, according to skincare professionals.
Sunscreen
“We all know that the sun is the number one cause of skin aging and starting the prevention in your 20s is very important,” Ross says. “The majority of your sun damage won’t start to appear until you’re in your 30s, so don’t wait until you see it surface or you’ll be behind the curve. Stay ahead of it with a good-quality zinc-based sunscreen worn daily.”
Farmacy Green Defense Daily Mineral Sunscreen
An invisible sunscreen with SPF 30, plus botanical extracts meant to protect skin with tons of antioxidants. Bonus: It’s clean and fine to use under makeup.
Bareminerals Complexion Rescue™ Tinted Moisturizer Broad Spectrum SPF 30
Although we recommend you use your SPF and moisturizer separately, we also understand moments when you don’t have time or energy for that extra step. For those times, this bareMinerals moisturizer is a great thing to have on hand.
Vitamin C Serum
“A great introduction to anti-aging is to start with a vitamin C serum in your morning skincare routine,” Ross says. “It’s a powerful antioxidant that will neutralize free radicals and brighten the skin.” He adds that it’s a great way to counteract the effects of the sun’s harmful rays, which, as previously mentioned, are among the biggest causes of premature aging.
Drunk Elephant C-Firma™ Vitamin C Day Serum
The Drunk Elephant C-Firma is a lightweight serum that promises to give skin a glow by combining the brightening powers of vitamin C with ferulic acid, l-ascorbic acid, and vitamin E. The included sodium hyaluronate is meant to replace hydration loss, so you shouldn’t have to deal with any irritation.
Sunday Riley C.E.O. Rapid Flash Brightening Serum
This potent serum is jam-packed with vitamin C (15 percent, to be exact), which means it’s a potential superstar at both brightening skin and dousing it in antioxidants.
Peptides
Using peptides on your skin has many benefits, says Somenek. “The skin barrier is what defends the body against pollution, UV rays, bacteria, and toxins. It can be damaged by several everyday factors. Using topical peptides aids in building a stronger barrier,” he says. “Peptides comprise elastic fibers, which are a type of protein. These fibers help to make skin appear taut and firm. Peptides can also help repair damaged skin, relieve inflammation, and even out skin tone. Some peptides can kill acne-causing bacteria that is common in 20-somethings.”
Kunin agrees, saying, “Peptides are an excellent entry point for supporting collagen.” She recommends looking for face and eye treatments that contain these collagen-boosting powerhouses.
Charlotte Tilbury Magic Eye Rescue Cream
This Charlotte Tilbury super-emollient eye cream has a base of coconut oil and shea butter (read: it’s incredibly hydrating). Botanicals plus peptides are meant to help reduce dark circles and boost collagen, respectively.
This creamy moisturizer serves up potent collagen-boosting peptides and pycnogenol, and antioxidant-rich vitamin C. “Instead of sitting on top of the skin, peptides penetrate the outer layer so they go deep. The ‘signals’ they send tell the cells to produce elastin and collagen, which are needed for youthful-looking skin,” explains Somenek.
At-Home Peel Pads
Remember that skin cell turnover fiasco we talked about earlier? One way to help support it is by exfoliating. “Exfoliation is important to help keep skin fresh and luminous,” Kunin says. She recommends using at-home peel pads as an easy and effective way to exfoliate.
“The goal in your 20s is to fight the slowing pace of cell turnover. It is wise to use products that gently exfoliate, yet still remove oil and other impurities. Products that have Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHA) or Beta Hydroxy Acids (BHA) are a good choice.”
According to Somenek, you should only exfoliate two to three times a week. “People of all ages are guilty of over-exfoliating and that can be too much of a good thing,” he says.
Dermadoctor Kakadu C Intensive Vitamin C Peel Pad
A few swipes of this Derma Doctor powerful peel pad promise to leave your skin glowing and smooth, thanks to the seven (yes, seven) types of chemical exfoliants, including AHA and BHA. It also contains vitamin C via Kakadu plum extract for added brightening and antioxidant protection.
KEY INGREDIENTS Kakadu plum extract is sourced from the Kakadu plum, a fruit grown in northern Australia. It contains vitamin C, which restores the skin’s natural barrier, increases collagen production, and soothes irritation.
Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Alpha Beta® Universal Daily Peel Pads
These are the gold standard of peel pads, with a cult following and over 900 five-star reviews on Sephora. They’re easy to use and contain a blend of anti-aging exfoliating acids.
Emollient Night Cream
“In your 20s, you need to start upping the hydration in your skincare routine. You may have been cautious of over-moisturizing because of acne in your teens, but as you enter your 20s, your skin transitions and becomes drier,” Ross says. “I recommend an emollient night cream added into your evening skincare regimen.”
“Twenty-somethings need to make sure that they are not using creams that will clog their pores and cause excess oil production,” says Somenek. Opt for non-comedogenic products.
Cerave Skin Renewing Night Cream
One great choice is the CeraVe Skin Renewing Night Cream, which is a non-comedogenic night cream that leaves skin soft and glowy. It combines the moisturizing powers of ceramides and hyaluronic acid.
RoC Retinol Correxion Max Hydration Creme
“The best night cream ingredients contain retinol, benzoyl peroxide, and/or salicylic acid or hyaluronic acid. The goal is to moisturize, yet remove excess oil,” says Somenek. This Roc Retinol Correxion cream fits the bill as it contains both hyaluronic acid and retinol so it promises to moisturize while also being non-comedogenic.
