Can I use Lactic Acid after Salicylic Acid Cleanser?
Even if you are confident and have used these acids before, there is still a chance you can overdo it. Don’t worry though, it happens to the best of us, and today we will be looking into how to use lactic acid after salicylic acid cleanser.
But before we get stuck in, if you are wanting to know more about these acids you can find out more over on our Skin School.
What is Lactic Acid?
What is Salicylic Acid?
What cleanser should I use with lactic acid?
When it comes to finding a cleanser to use with lactic acid, you need to take into consideration what skin type you have. For example, those with an oily and blemish-prone skin will benefit by having a salicylic acid enriched cleanser followed with a toner or serum containing lactic acid. This will combat build-up of dirt and bacteria whilst regulating the production of sebum (natural oil found in the skin)
As for those with skin that is dry or suffering from mild sensitivity it is best to have lactic acid as the main chemical exfoliant. You can then team with this a hydrating humectant ingredient, such as hyaluronic acid or niacinamide to ensure moisture is locked into the surface of the skin.
With lactic acid being the mildest of the chemical exfoliants you can team it easily with stronger acids without the worry of overly drying the skin and causing irritation. One of the main benefits of lactic acid is the fact it is one of the gentlest alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) making it suitable for almost all skin types to use in their daily routine. Much like all skincare ingredients however, I still suggest you consult with a doctor or dermatologist before introducing lactic acid into your regime. Once you have established the best formulas and products to use you will reap the rewards of a working skincare routine.
What can you not mix with salicylic acid cleanser?
It is considered best to avoid using retinol and salicylic acid together. However, the percentage of active levels of salicylic acid in cleanser formulas tends to be lower than that found in serums.
If you are wanting to use these ingredients together in your routine you can, it simply requires you to use them at the best time during the day. For example, use a salicylic acid cleanser in the morning followed with a retinol enriched serum during your evening routine. This leaves enough time in between applications to see the results without the drying or irritated side effects. If you wanted to find out more, check out our blog post about what can you not mix with salicylic acid?
Is it OK to use lactic acid every day?
Although lactic acid is mild, it is still not advisable to use high levels of active lactic acid every day. As for cleansers and other products that rinse off the skin, these are considered perfectly fine to use daily. For formulas that are more potent and remain on the skin, such as serums and moisturisers should be alternated with other products containing complimentary ingredients.
Can you put lactic acid on pimples?
Yes, you can, but it is known that the most effective form of lactic acid to use when combating pimples is in a chemical peel form. With the potency of the acid at a medical grade, you’ll be hard pressed to find an over the counter (OTC) with the same active level of lactic acid.
If you are wanting quick results and reducing the appearance of blemished and breakouts, I suggest a chemical peel. For gentle and effective results that can be achieved at home over a matter of weeks opt for exfoliating toners, cleansers, or serums to combat any flare-ups in spots or frequent acne concerns.
Can you mix salicylic acid and lactic acid?
Yes, you can, if your skin is happy with you using a mixture of AHAs and BHA.
With salicylic acid’s small molecular size, it can reach the furthest into the pores and helping to unclog them easily. Lactic acid works on the outer layer of the skin sloughing away the build-up of dead skin cells that often leads to breakouts and patches of flaking skin. Lactic acid is unable to penetrate as far as salicylic acid meaning each acid are able work in different areas. This potent concoction needs to be used methodically to ensure your skin reaps the rewards and doesn’t suffer.
Does lactic acid help with blackheads? Lactic acid is an effective exfoliating ingredient, but there are more acids available that deliver faster results and make light work of blackheads, such as glycolic acid or salicylic acid. These acids are more potent and can combat signs of excess sebum, bacteria, debris, and other impurities. The drawback however is the higher the potency, the higher the chance you have of suffering from skin irritation. Before using any new acids or skincare formula for the first time it is important to perform a patch test for 24 hours before applying it all over the face. When would you use lactic acid? You would use lactic acid in your routine when you are experiencing certain skin concerns, such as hyperpigmentation, flaky patches and lack lustre complexion to name a few. If you are wanting to address these concerns and have not yet used any form of chemical exfoliant, lactic acid is a great starting point, especially if you have a sensitive skin type that is prone to being dry. You will find that lactic acid is formulated into several skincare products, from face wash, cleansers, exfoliating toners, serums, moisturisers, and face masks. This certainly ensures you would find the best product, formulation and active levels of lactic acid that would benefit you and your skin type. So, I hope that today has cleared up some questions you were wondering about using lactic acid after salicylic acid cleanser. Remembering of course the correct order to apply your skincare products, from thinnest to thickest is an important part of an effective routine. Don’t forget to come and follow us on Instagram for more skincare tips, exclusive discounts, and new product launches.
DQH Can I use salicylic acid first and then vitamin C?
It’s easy to create a skincare routine, but knowing how to use it is another thing entirely. In most cases, if you’re not getting the desired skin results, it could be due to the layering of conflicting ingredients. So, is it possible that salicylic acid and vitamin C are such ingredients? Or are these active ingredients the duo that’s been missing from your skincare routine? If you want answers, stick around because today we are going to explain the benefits of salicylic acid and vitamin C and how they can be used in your daily life.
What are the benefits of salicylic acid for skin?
Salicylic acid is one of the most commonly used beta hydroxy acids and is favored by many people with oily, acne-prone skin. This acid is derived from willow bark, and unlike its water-soluble relatives (called alpha-hydroxy acids), salicylic acid is oil-soluble, which means it can penetrate deeper into the lower layers of the skin. Once it reaches the lower layers, it can help unclog pores of excess sebum, dirt, bacteria, debris, and impurities. This results in clearer skin tones and greater definition.
Not only does salicylic acid benefit the underlying layers, but the outer surface of the skin benefits as well. When applied to the skin, salicylic acid removes the buildup of dead skin cells. This is accomplished by breaking the bonds that hold dead cells to the surface. Over time, this can cause the complexion to look dull and prone to acne, blackheads, and other blemishes.
If you’d like to learn more about salicylic acid and how it can improve your skin, check out this dedicated blog post from a beauty insider.
What are the benefits of vitamin C for skin?
Vitamin C is considered one of the most powerful antioxidants, which means it is very effective at fighting free radicals and preventing them from causing further skin damage. Examples of free radicals include pollution, central heating, UV rays and harsh climate. They attack proteins, fats and cell membranes as soon as they come into contact with the skin, causing signs of premature aging such as fine lines and wrinkles as well as hyperpigmentation, flaky patches of skin and loss of elasticity.
Many people usually prefer to use vitamin C in their morning routine as this ingredient gives the complexion a radiant glow. You’ll also find that vitamin C can target areas of hyperpigmentation, plumping the skin and reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
The thing about vitamin C is that there are a lot of outdated studies going back to the 1950s that describe vitamin C as an unstable skin component. Thanks to improvements in modern technology, this is no longer the case as all products now contain a stable form of vitamin C.
Visit The Beauty Insider to learn more about vitamin C. So please check out our blog post.
Can I use salicylic acid first and then vitamin C?
Yes, you absolutely can. In fact, it’s thought that using salicylic acid before using vitamin C ensures it penetrates faster and works faster.
This is an efficient way to utilize two power sources, and the reason has to do with pH. For example, the skin’s natural pH is about 4.7, making it slightly acidic. Salicylic acid and vitamin C are also both acidic, and you’ll find that vitamin C is absorbed quickly into the skin. Therefore, using salicylic acid beforehand can increase the acidity of the skin and allow vitamin C to penetrate into the skin faster.
While this is considered an effective way to combine two powerful ingredients, you need to be aware of your skin type and how it reacts to certain active ingredients. Even people with perfect, normal skin can experience skin sensitivity and irritation. Therefore, always consult a doctor or dermatologist before using any new products on your skin.
It’s also important to follow skin application rules. In this case, you need to use the product correctly to ensure you get the best results for your skin. If you’re not sure what I mean, the basic rule for skin is to start with the thinnest consistency and work your way up to the thickest consistency. This prevents a barrier from forming on the surface, preventing other active ingredients from penetrating the skin.
Can I use salicylic acid at night and vitamin C in the morning?
Yes, absolutely, this is considered the most effective way to get returns without any adverse side effects. This is because there is enough time between applications to ensure that the skin’s pH levels return to balance.
You’ll also find that Vitamin C is rich in antioxidants and is perfect for use in the morning to ensure your skin is protected and looking its healthiest. Due to the small size of salicylic acid molecules, it is an acid that is able to reach the deepest parts of the skin. While this is effective at keeping skin clear, it also increases the risk of irritation and photosensitivity. Therefore, many people prefer to use powerful BHAs in their evening routine without exposure to UV rays, pollution, or harsh weather.
Warning: If you avoid using sunscreen every day, none of these ingredients will do what your skin needs. The combination of chemical peels and powerful ingredients increases the risk of further damage to the skin’s surface. Use SPF 50 every day to keep your skin protected and your lipid barrier healthy, even on cloudy days, keeping your skin in top condition.
