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 look at this in more detail and learn more about the most effective ways to benefit from this skin-rejuvenating duo.

In the next section, you will get a quick overview of how these ingredients work on the skin. If you have a good idea of what glycolic acid and salicylic acid are, you can proceed 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 and removes 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 the 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 daily skin care 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 together. This is because such a strong combination of ingredients can cause severe reactions on 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 skin’s pH 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 one of the easy ways to benefit from the properties of each acid. Although I described using salicylic acid at night as less problematic in the previous section, 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 skin stays matte longer and makeup stays in place.

Whichever method works for you, just make sure you’re using 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 certain percentages of strong BHAs are too harsh for the skin. Even people with oily skin or 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 acid and glycolic acid together. If you have any further questions, don’t forget to find us on Instagram.

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.

Related Articles

Ad Blocker Detected