Can You use BHA With Retinol?
It’s perfectly normal to feel a little like a mad scientist when applying your skincare products. If you’ve been around these parts for a while, you may be feeling a little more confident when it comes to which ingredients work together. Don’t worry if you’re new though, as today we will be diving into finding out more about whether or not you can use BHA with retinol?
Let’s have a quick refresher of the benefits you can expect to see when using both BHA and retinol in your daily skincare routine.
What is BHA?
The most used BHA, also known as beta hydroxy acid, is salicylic acid which is derived from willow bark. Favoured by many who are prone to oily and blemish-prone skin due to its abilities to rid the skin surface of dead skin cell build-up, dirt, bacteria, and debris. It is also an acid that has the smallest molecular size and oil-soluble which means it can penetrate deeply into the pores and unclog them of any excess sebum or impurities that can lead to blemishes, such as blackheads and acne. Because of the high potency of this chemical exfoliant it is considered best to use with hydrating and nourishing ingredients, such as hyaluronic acid. If you are wanting to know more about BHAs, particularly salicylic acid, check out this blog post about its benefits on The Beauty Insiders.
What is Retinol?
One of the most potent and used skincare ingredients that is loved by the experts. Also known, as vitamin A, one of its main benefits is its ability to promote the skin cell turnover. This helps to improve the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, uneven skin texture, dark spots, and breakouts. As you can see, retinol is multitalented ingredient and is also known for causing dryness and short-term side effects of itchy, flaky patches of skin. Because of this, retinol requires you to introduce it into your routine slowly and correctly to prevent any severe irritation and avoid potential damage. Find out more about retinol and its skincare benefits over on the blog.
Can you use salicylic acid with retinol?
The short answer is yes, but ensuring you use them in the correct way. You should avoid layering these two powerhouses as they are unable to play nicely together. But that doesn’t mean you need to not use either of them in your routine, it’s just a case of applying them during the optimal times of day.
Many skincare experts recommend using products, such as toners or cleansers containing salicylic acid during your morning routine, just make sure you finish your regime with a daily SPF. You can then follow this in the evening with your retinol product, this is also because retinol is known to lose its potency when exposed to sunlight.
If you are wanting to use salicylic acid in the evening you can, it just requires some more consideration to avoid any unwanted reactions. Ideally you should wait at least 30 minutes in between applications to allow the pH levels of the skin surface to rebalance and ready for the next stage in your skincare routine.
Can you exfoliate while using retinol?
No, it is best to avoid exfoliating when using retinol. This is because with the added chemical and physical exfoliation of the skin followed with an application of retinol will result in the skin becoming stripped of oil. Once the skin experiences this stripping it will begin to panic, and kick start an overproduction of sebum (the natural oil found in the skin). Excess sebum will result in a flare-up in breakouts and an imbalance in the type of skin you have.
Luckily, because it is advised to use retinol every other evening, you can exfoliate the skin the evenings you are not applying retinol. However, I would still suggest you consult with a doctor or dermatologist if you are introducing any new ingredients and products into your routine to avoid unwanted reactions.
Can you use salicylic acid and retinol in the same day?
Yes, you can, but just remember to be thoughtful about your application. As I have already mentioned, to reap the rewards of using both these ingredients you should alternate the time of day you use them. Seeing as retinol shouldn’t be used during the day, opt for a cleanser or toner enriched in salicylic acid during your morning skincare routine.
Remember to keep an eye on how your skin is feeling and if there are any signs of dryness or irritation that aren’t calmed with a hyaluronic acid serum then it’s best to seek the advice of a trained or medical professional.
What can you not mix with salicylic acid?
There are a number of skincare ingredients that should not be mixed with salicylic acid, such as.
Glycolic acid
Lactic acid Benzoyl peroxide Retinol/retinoids Tretinoin Vitamin C Just to clarify what I have already mentioned, just because you are unable to mix any of these ingredients with salicylic acid doesn’t mean you shouldn’t use them in your routine. If there is at least 30 minutes in between applications or apply them during different parts of the day, you’ll be able to reap the rewards. Which is better retinol or salicylic acid? Both ingredients are impressive and effective at combating blemishes and breakouts, but at the same time work slightly differently on the skin. You’ll find that they are both able to reach the lower layers of the epidermis, with retinol helping to boost collagen and elastin production, whilst salicylic acid targets any blocked pores. If its signs of ageing you want to address, retinol is the best ingredient to combat any concerns. As for any concerns with breakouts and blemishes, salicylic acid can make light work of spot causing impurities and bacteria. Deciding which one you would prefer and which more beneficial for your skin is down to personal preference and the skin concerns you are wanting to address. There you have it, hopefully you have a little more clarity on whether you can use BHA with retinol. Don’t forget if you have any further questions, 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.
