Can I use a salicylic acid cleanser with lactic acid?
When it comes to skincare formulas, you have undoubtedly heard of the terms AHA and BHA. Over the past few years, our knowledge and love of these chemical peels has taken over the beauty world, and now it is difficult to imagine a skincare routine without at least one acid.
Now, if you want to learn more about what AHAs and BHAs are and what benefits they bring to the skin, you can read our blog post. In today’s blog post, we will take a look together at whether you can use a salicylic acid cleanser with lactic acid.
What not to mix with lactic acid?
If you use lactic acid, it is best not to apply it to the skin together with vitamin C. The reason for this is that the pH level of each ingredient is low, as they are both acidic. When layering products, it is important to remember that the effective combination of ingredients depends on the complementary pH levels. However, a reasonable skincare routine should actually contain both vitamin C and lactic acid. If you want to use both at the same time, I recommend using a serum enriched with vitamin C in the morning. The antioxidants in the formula help fight free radical damage, such as from UV radiation, pollution, and environmental influences. You can use lactic acid supplements in your nighttime routine to remove impurities, dirt, bacteria, and dead skin cells that build up on your skin.
Should I use a cleanser with salicylic acid?
Yes and no, it depends a lot on your skin type. Those with oily or blemish-prone skin can incorporate salicylic acid into their daily regimen without causing irritation. For the most effective formula, face washes and cleansers should contain between 0.5% and 2%. This active salicylic acid content penetrates the lower layers of the skin and deep into the pores to remove excess sebum, impurities, dirt, and bacteria.
The benefit of using a cleanser with salicylic acid is that it rinses off the skin. This means that the potent acid does not remain on the skin and cause dryness and irritation.
Can I use a cleanser with salicylic acid and AHA?
Yes, but be careful. If you have dry skin that tends to be sensitive, you should avoid over-exfoliating your skin when using salicylic acid and other fruit acids like lactic acid to avoid over-exfoliating your skin.
If you have combination or oily skin, a blend of acids may be your secret to clear skin. Since lactic acid is one of the gentlest AHAs, it won’t penetrate too deeply into the skin to cause irritation. It also has the unique advantage of drawing water to the skin’s surface and locking it there, keeping the barrier fully functioning and at its healthiest. In order to use both ingredients in your daily routine and reap the benefits, it’s important to allow about 15 minutes between applications. This is generally considered the correct application time to allow the skin’s pH to rebalance.
Is it OK to drink lactic acid every day?
It is not recommended to use large amounts of lactic acid every day. However, lower percentages in rinse-off formulas such as face washes, cleansers, and exfoliating toners are considered sufficient to effectively cleanse the skin with minimal side effects. Even if you find that your skin is fairly strong and you’re used to using acids in your daily routine, you should immediately stop using the product and consult a doctor or healthcare professional if even the slightest redness, dryness, irritation, or peeling of the skin occurs. For more information, see the dedicated blog post on lactic acid on the Skin School blog.
Is it OK to use salicylic acid every day?
Only use salicylic acid daily if you are sure your skin can tolerate regular use. Since this BHA is one of the most effective chemical peels, I recommend using it three times a week at first. If there are no signs of irritation, hot flashes, redness, or dryness, you can use it more frequently if necessary. If you have any concerns or questions about using salicylic acid, consult your primary care physician to better understand and ensure your skin can tolerate regular use of salicylic acid. If you want to learn more about salicylic acid, you can read a dedicated blog post about all its benefits.
Can I use lactic acid every night?
Yes, it is widely believed that using chemical peels at night is the best way to get the full benefits. Because while you sleep, the acid can work on the surface of the skin to remove impurities and deposits without having to fight free radical damage and the effects of UV rays and pollution.
If you use lactic acid at night, I recommend combining it with a serum rich in hyaluronic acid. This provides the ultimate hydration boost to the skin and ensures that the protective barrier is filled with the right levels of water and oil.
Can I use lactic acid on acne?
Yes, you can. While salicylic acid is considered the most effective ingredient for fighting acne, lactic acid is a great alternative for those with dry but not pristine skin. Lactic acid gently removes bacteria and dead skin cells from the skin that can cause breakouts and acne.
Now that you know, hopefully I’ve cleared up some of your confusion about whether or not you can use a salicylic cleanser with lactic acid. Follow us on Instagram for new product launches, discounts, and skin expert tips!
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.
