Can salicylic acid and glycolic acid be used together?
If you know anything about skin care, you already know how these two powerful ingredients work on the skin and what benefits you can expect. However, the question we ask ourselves is: Can salicylic acid and glycolic acid be used together? Let’s explore this in more detail and learn more about how to benefit most effectively from this skin-rejuvenating duo.
In the next section, you will get a quick overview of how these ingredients work on the skin. Once you know what glycolic acid and salicylic acid are, you can move on to the next section.
What is glycolic acid?
Derived from sugar cane, glycolic acid is one of the most commonly used alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs). This effective chemical exfoliant is often included in many skin care formulas to remove the layer of dead skin cells on the surface of the skin. Signs of aging such as fine lines and wrinkles are visibly reduced, hyperpigmentation and dark spots are minimized, blemishes and spots appear less frequently, and skin appears clearer.
Once the layer of dead skin cells is removed, you will notice a noticeable change in the overall appearance of your complexion and the health of your skin. If you want to learn more about glycolic acid and its benefits, read our dedicated blog post.
What is salicylic acid?
People often think that salicylic acid works similarly to glycolic acid, but they are actually cousins rather than siblings. The main difference between these acids is that salicylic acid is oil-soluble, which means it can penetrate deep into the pores. It can remove dirt, deposits, and excess sebum from the pores. When the pores become clogged with these impurities, you’ll find your skin is covered in blemishes such as blackheads and pimples. Those with oily skin and prone to frequent rashes will benefit the most from salicylic acid.
Because its molecular size is significantly smaller than other acids, it can penetrate deeper, which means that people with dry and sensitive skin may experience severe dryness and irritation. Therefore, we always recommend consulting your doctor or primary care provider to ensure that you are using the best ingredients for your skin. In addition, you can also do a 24-hour patch test to check if adding salicylic acid to your skincare routine is beneficial.
If you want to learn more about salicylic acid, read our dedicated blog post on smart BHAs.
Now that we have a quick summary, let’s get straight to more information about these acids and their uses.
Can glycolic acid be mixed with salicylic acid?
You can certainly use glycolic acid and salicylic acid together, but we recommend not mixing them. This is because a combination of such strong ingredients can cause a severe reaction in the skin and can damage the skin barrier. Once the skin’s protective barrier is compromised, you’ll find it more vulnerable to free radical damage, such as from UV rays, pollution, central heating and other environmental aggressors.
You can effectively combine them by alternating the phases of your skin care routine. If you wait at least 10 minutes between applications to allow the pH of your skin to balance and stabilize, you can avoid unnecessary irritation.
Can salicylic acid and glycolic acid be used on the same day?
Yes, you can, but as I suggested, you need to give your skin enough time to prepare for the next application. Some people find that the best way to use glycolic acid and salicylic acid on the same day is to use a cleanser or exfoliating toner with glycolic acid in the morning and then a salicylic acid serum in the evening.
This works for many people because the toner with glycolic acid clears the surface of dead skin cells, leaving the skin fully receptive to the next steps in the routine. By using salicylic acid at night, its effects won’t be interfered with by other free radicals, such as UV rays and pollution. When you wake up, you’ll notice a refreshed, radiant complexion with clear, receptive skin. Just apply SPF 30 or above daily to protect against UV damage.
Can I use salicylic acid in the morning and glycolic acid at night?
Of course, as I mentioned in the previous section, alternating the ingredients is an easy way to benefit from the properties of each acid. Although I described in the previous section that using salicylic acid at night is less problematic, many people find that using it in the morning works best for their routine. Using salicylic acid in the morning is especially helpful for oily skin because the BHA can penetrate deep into the pores and help regulate sebum production. This means that skin stays matte longer and makeup stays in place.
Whichever method works for you, just make sure you use the right ingredients and the best formula for you and your skin. Just because a product works wonders for a friend, doesn’t mean it will work for you, too. Pay close attention to how your skin reacts.
Can I use two products with salicylic acid?
Not really. Too many products with salicylic acid can cause unnecessary skin irritation. This is because a few percentages of the powerful BHA are too harsh for the skin. Even people with oily skin or a tolerance to salicylic acid can experience redness, rashes and increased sensitivity.
For more information on what not to use salicylic acid with, see the previous blog post where everything is explained in more detail.
There you will find more details on using salicylic and glycolic acid together. If you have any further questions, don’t forget to find 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.