
Can I use Lactic Acid After Salicylic Acid Mask?
The word “acid” will no doubt spark some concern in mind, no matter how knowledgeable you are when it comes to skincare. So, when it comes to mixing, layering, and using these acids together it can feel a little daunting, especially when it comes figuring out the best order of applying various skincare products.
So, with that in mind let’s find out together whether you can use lactic acid after salicylic acid mask?
Can I use salicylic acid and lactic acid together?
Yes, it is considered safe to use salicylic acid and lactic acid together because they work on different areas of the skin and can target various skin concerns, therefore not causing irritation or allergic reaction. Both ingredients are chemical exfoliants and are highly effective at delivering various skin results. Luckily for us, due to the different molecular size you can use salicylic acid and lactic acid together. Lactic acid is a considered the gentlest of the chemical exfoliant family known as Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHAs) this is because the molecular size is very large meaning it is unable to penetrate too far into the skin. Salicylic acid on the other hand has a smaller molecular size and is also oil-soluble meaning it is able reach the lower layers and able to clear out the pores of excess sebum, dirt, bacteria, and build-up of other impurities.
If you are wanting to find out more about both acids, you can find more over on The Beauty Insiders blog.
What is Salicylic Acid?
What is Lactic Acid?
What should I use after salicylic acid mask?
Understanding the best order to apply skincare products will ensure you are getting the best out of the high performing formulas enriched in active ingredients.
It may feel as though using a face mask at the end of your skincare routine would lead to optimal skin results. The truth is, you’d want to apply a face mask, especially if it contains salicylic acid after cleansing the skin before the further steps of your routine.
Here is an example of an evening skincare routine that can be adapted to suit you.
Evening Skincare Routine
Cleanser – Remove any traces of makeup and layer of the day’s impurities. For an evening routine you can also perform a double cleanse to ensure the skin is deeply cleansed. Don’t forget to team your cleanser with a flannel for optimal results.
Face Mask (optimal) – Face masks should be applied to cleansed skin in between the other steps of your skincare routine. It is usually considered best to use a face mask once or twice a week.
Toner – This step can be missed out if you have already used a face mask containing high percentages of salicylic acid. Opt for a toner enriched with PHA or lactic acid to avoid skin irritation.
Serum – Something packed with hyaluronic acid or another hydrating active ingredient will give the skin an added boost in hydration.
Oil – This is another optimal step if you are wanting to supercharge your skin overnight. Choose a formula packed with botanical extracts to nourish and replenish the skin.
Moisturiser – Lock all the goodness of the previous steps in place with a layer of moisturiser, by morning your skin will appear revived, rejuvenated, and restored.
What can you not mix with salicylic acid?
Avoid using retinol and salicylic acid as this can often lead to the skin suffering from intense dryness and discomfort.
If you are wanting to find out more check out our blog post about “What can you not mix with salicylic acid”
Which is stronger salicylic acid or lactic acid?
Out of the two acids, it is considered that salicylic acid is stronger and is most beneficial for those with a combination, oily or blemish-prone skin type. What you will find is that salicylic acid one of the most used BHAs and is often found in potent skincare formulations used to help combat blemishes, spots, and acne. With the fact it is related to aspirin salicylic acid contains anti-inflammatory properties as well as providing exfoliation to the outer surface of the skin. The build-up of dead skin cells, impurities, and bacteria the skin is clear and fresh whilst salicylic acid can also make its way into the lower layers and unclog the pores.
As for lactic acid, this is an AHA known for being gentle and is a favourite chemical exfoliant for those prone to dryness and mild sensitivity. This is because, as I have already mentioned, the molecular size of lactic acid is very large meaning it is only able to work on the outer surface of the skin. Because of this, skin irritation is very uncommon, however, it is still important for you to perform a patch test for 24 hours before applying it all over the face.
Does moisturiser go before salicylic acid? You’ll find that salicylic acid is formulated into various skincare products, from face wash, serums, and oils. This results in salicylic acid being applied to the skin before a moisturiser, but if you are still having trouble just remember the best order to use your skincare products is by starting with the thinnest consistency to the thickest. This will ensure the active ingredients and formulas are able to deliver results without encountering physical barriers of thick product textures. How often use salicylic acid mask? Because the percentage of salicylic acid in a face mask is generally quite high, its best to only use one once or twice a week when needed. By over-using formulas that contain potent levels of salicylic acid you will find the skin becomes dry, tight, and uncomfortable. You may also find that the skin barrier becomes stripped of sebum (natural oil found in the skin) which will result in the skin creating an overproduction which over time will result in a breakout of spots and flare-up in acne. So, there you have it, hopefully I have answered some questions you have about using lactic acid after salicylic acid mask. Don’t forget if you have any questions, or skin is your thing come and follow us on Instagram.
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.