
Can You use Salicylic Acid Cleansers with Retinol?
Salicylic acid and retinol, two highly potent and impressive skincare ingredients that deliver impressive and effective skin results. The downside? They are both highly potent and if used in the incorrect way can lead to several negative side effects, such as severe dryness to the skin, irritation, and allergic reactions.
Now, the thing is, I wouldn’t blame you for wanting to team these powerhouse ingredients together in your daily routine. Especially if you are prone to breakouts and regular acne flare-ups. But how exactly can you use them together to reap the rewards whilst avoiding the unwanted skin irritation. Stick around, as today we will be investigating if you can use salicylic acid cleansers with retinol.
How long after using salicylic acid can you use retinol?
As I have already mentioned, using salicylic acid and retinol together could be a recipe for disaster. Therefore, it’s important to apply them in the right order and leave enough time between applications to avoid unwanted reactions.
Generally speaking, if it’s a salicylic acid enriched cleanser you’re using it’s best to wait about 30minutes before you apply your retinol product. This is considered the best amount of time that ensures the BHA can work at sloughing away dead skin cells, dirt, debris, and impurities. It will also allow the skin pH levels to rebalance itself ready for you to apply the retinol. As tempting as it may be to use two serums packed with salicylic acid and retinol, I would advise against using these as it will be too harsh for the skin.
Remember, before using any new skincare products you must perform a patch test for 24 hours, if there is no signs of redness or rashes you are able to apply the product to the face.
What cleanser can I use with retinol?
When deciding on the best cleanser with retinol, remember to opt for a gentle, non-foaming formula that will keep the skin clean without stripping it of the vital oil it needs to remain healthy and balanced. Aim for formulas that contain ingredients such as hyaluronic acid or lactic acid as these can work with retinol effectively without any side effect. If you have a skin type that is oily and prone to breakouts, you may find that salicylic acid is a better option for your cleanser.
The bonus of cleansers is the fact they don’t remain on the skin surface for an extended amount of time, unlike serums and moisturisers, as they are rinsed off. This makes them a handy product to use if you are wanting to use more potent ingredients, such as salicylic acid, whilst avoiding any dryness or irritation. If you have any concerns with introducing any new products into your daily routine, consult with a doctor or dermatologist for peace of mind you are using the most beneficial formula for you and your skin.
Is it OK to use salicylic acid cleanser with tretinoin?
No, it is considered best to completely avoid using any product containing salicylic acid with tretinoin. Unless specified by your doctor, even if you felt as though your skin would cope with using these powerful ingredients together focus on applying tretinoin as advised by your doctor until any signs of acne or breakouts are cleared.
If you are wanting to know more about tretinoin, check out our dedicated blog post about the benefits you can expect to see.
How do you incorporate salicylic acid and retinol?
The most effective way of incorporating salicylic acid and retinol into your daily skincare routine, is to alternate when you apply them onto the face. For example, if you are using a salicylic acid cleanser, you can use it during your morning routine and then follow this in the evening with retinol. If you prefer using a serum enriched in salicylic acid, then you can apply it on the evenings you aren’t using your retinol.
This may feel a little challenging and a little complicated, but once you have got the hang of it, you’ll reap the rewards leaving you with an all-over improved complexion that has perfect clarity and a youthful bounce.
Can you use salicylic acid and retinol in the same routine?
In a word, no. It is perfectly effective to use both skincare ingredients on their own but combining them together will be too harsh for the skin. This will cause the skin to become stripped of the sebum (the natural oil found in the skin) becoming dry and overtime result in the overproduction of sebum. This imbalance will result in frequent breakouts, enlarged pores, and other skincare products unable to deliver the best results.
If you are wanting to use salicylic acid and retinol in the same routine, follow the advice I suggested in the previous section and alternate applications.
Can I use salicylic acid in the morning?
Absolutely, salicylic acid is beneficial to use in the morning and evenings, especially if your skin type is one that is oily and prone to continuous spots and breakouts. As it is one of the most used BHA, you’ll find that it is able to penetrate deeply into the lower layers of the skin and unclog pores. Another benefit is its ability to exfoliate the surface of the skin ridding it of any build-up of dead skin cells, impurities, and dirt revealing new skin cells giving you a glowing, healthy complexion. Just don’t forget to apply your daily SPF of 30 and above to protect the sensitive skin cells from UV exposure.
If you are wanting to know a little more detailed information about both of these ingredients, there are two blog posts for you to read and gain a better understanding of how salicylic acid and retinol work on the skin. You can also find out more over in our Skin School section that you’ll find over on our website.
Don’t forget, if you have any skincare questions, you can come and follow us over on the Procoal 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.