Digital Clinic for Skin & Hair Care That Works!

Menu
  • Home
  • Skin Care
  • Beauty
  • Health
Home
Beauty
Expert Tips on Using Glycolic and Salicylic Acid Safely
Beauty

Expert Tips on Using Glycolic and Salicylic Acid Safely

10 April 2025


Glycolic Acid vs. Salicylic Acid: Derms Explain the Difference




The thought of using skincare acids might sound intense at first, but salicylic acid and glycolic acid can work wonders for your skin, so you might just want to give them a chance. Both are standout exfoliators, but you might use them for different reasons. Glycolic acid tends to be great on the surface, helping with dryness, removing dead skin, addressing fine lines, and enhancing your glow. Meanwhile, salicylic acid helps clear pores, reduce oil production, and treat acne. Some people even use both, depending on their skin’s needs. Read on to learn more about glycolic and salicylic acid, from the difference between them to the benefits and how to best incorporate them into your skincare routine.



Meet the Experts




Lori Aliksanian, MD, is a board-certified physician and the founder of MedBeautyLA.



Dendy Engelman, MD, is a board-certified cosmetic dermatologist at Shafer Clinic.




Melanie Palm, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist and cosmetic surgeon at Art of Skin MD.



What Is Glycolic Acid?




“Glycolic acid is a type of alpha hydroxy acid (AHA), a group of natural plant and animal-derived acids that are commonly used for skin conditions such as acne, dryness, and aging skin,” says board-certified dermatologist Melanie Palm, MD. “Due to your natural skin cell cycle slowing down as you age, dead skin cells can accumulate, making your complexion look [more] dull.” She says that you can apply glycolic acid to exfoliate and remove the top layers of dead skin cells, making way for your skin to generate new skin cells.



Board-certified physician Lori Aliksanian, MD, says to think of glycolic acid as a light, gentle chemical peel. “It brightens the skin and can help remove superficial pigment from sun damage as well as reduce the appearance of fine lines,” she says.




What Is Salicylic Acid?



“Salicylic acid is a beta hydroxy acid (BHA) that has been used for over 2.000 years to chemically exfoliate the skin,” Aliksanian says. “Topical preparations can be naturally derived from willow bark or chemically derived.” Board-certified dermatologist Dendy Engelman, MD, adds that it works inside your pores to shed the top layer of skin, preventing them from becoming clogged.




Benefits and Uses



Glycolic Acid




Glycolic acid has many potential benefits, with a few of the main ones being as follows:



Helps with dryness: Glycolic acid has the ability to help eliminate dry, flaky skin, leaving you with a smoother complexion.




Evens and brightens tone: The exfoliating properties of glycolic acid mean it can be helpful in reducing uneven tone and boosting brightness and glow.



Reduces the appearance of fine lines: With the increased cell turnover that occurs when using glycolic acid, you might find that signs of aging including fine lines are less noticeable.




Reduces dark spots and hyperpigmentation: “It can also improve hyperpigmentation and fade dark spots,” Engelman says.



Salicylic Acid




Like glycolic acid, salicylic acid has many benefits in the skincare department:



Clear skin and unclog pores: “Salicylic acid is commonly used to gently exfoliate the skin, unclog pores, clear out dead cells, and treat acne,” Engelman says.




Evens tone and texture: Just like glycolic acid, salicylic acid can reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, as well as have a brightening effect, according to Engelman.



Regulates oil production: If you have acne-prone skin, salicylic acid can help improve it over time in addition to treating current breakouts, as Engelman tells us that it can regulate excess sebum production.




Which Skin Types Should Use Each?



Glycolic Acid




Glycolic acid is a good option for people with normal, combination, and oily skin types. It’s generally well-tolerated, but it can cause irritation for those with sensitive skin. When you first start using glycolic acid, it’s normal to experience a bit of itching or irritation as your skin adjusts.



“Those with acne-prone or dull skin types are more likely to benefit from incorporating glycolic acid into their skincare routines,” Palm says. “People with psoriasis, eczema, rosacea, or sensitive skin types may find glycolic acid too irritating, so I always recommend patch-testing a new skincare ingredient or product before applying it all over your face or body.”




Salicylic Acid



Salicylic acid is generally safe for all skin types, but it tends to work best for oily, acne-prone skin. This is because of its ability to unclog pores, balance sebum production, and reduce breakouts. Salicylic acid can sometimes cause irritation for people with particularly dry or sensitive skin or who are prone to eczema, rosacea, or psoriasis.




“Like any other exfoliating product, people with sensitive or extremely dry skin should start slowly with low concentration preparations to see how their skin tolerates it,” Aliksanian says. Additionally, if you’re pregnant or breastfeeding, Palm emphasizes that it’s important to check with your doctor before using products that contain salicylic acid.

Potential Side Effects and Precautions

Glycolic Acid

Some of the most common side effects you might experience when using glycolic acid include mild irritation, slight itching, and sensitivity.1 Typically, these types of reactions subside after using the product a few times. “If you’re experiencing any side effects beyond [this], glycolic acid may not be for you,” Palm says. As when trying any new skincare product, it’s important to slowly introduce glycolic acid into your skincare routine to see how your skin reacts.

“Glycolic is gently stripping off that top layer of dead skin cells, so treat your freshly exfoliated skin gently,” Aliksanian says. “People on retinol should be cautious when using glycolic acid, as their skin is already being exfoliated.” To avoid irritation, Engelman suggests alternating when you use retinol and when you use glycolic acid. “If you want to use both products, use retinol at night and glycolic acid in the morning,” she says.

Protecting your skin from the sun is a must, as well. “Glycolic acid makes your skin more photosensitive, so it’s important to diligently apply a sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or above daily and avoid direct sunlight if possible,” Palm says.

Salicylic Acid

Similar to glycolic acid, you might experience side effects like dry, irritated, red, or itchy skin as your skin adjusts to using salicylic acid. According to Aliksanian, thoroughly moisturizing your skin after a salicylic acid peel can minimize these side effects. “If your skin is extremely sensitive, you may want to try incorporating salicylic acid with a moisturizer, or use it at a lower concentration,” Engelman says. If side effects worsen, she suggests getting in touch with your dermatologist.

Salycilic acid can increase your sensitivity to the sun, so it’s important to wear SPF 30 or higher every day, even if it’s cloudy. “In addition to diligent SPF application, I wouldn’t recommend applying a salicylic acid treatment more than three times a week, as it can cause irritation and compromise your skin barrier,” Palm adds. “Keep in mind [that] the type of product you use impacts matters, too. Serums and toners may have a heavier concentration of salicylic acid versus a cleanser.” Also, if you have an aspirin allergy, you should avoid salicylic acid because the acid is in the aspirin family.2

Can You Combine Glycolic and Salicylic Acid?

Generally, glycolic and salicylic acid are safe to combine—just pay attention to how your skin reacts and don’t overdo it. “If your skin can tolerate it, using glycolic acid and salicylic acid together can be a powerful duo in minimizing and treating acne while exfoliating and reversing dullness,” Palm says. “That said, keep in mind you’re using two exfoliating properties at the same time—so you may experience more irritation, dryness, and redness than usual.”

If you’re going to combine the two, remember to start slow. Rather than jumping right into using both acids at the same time every day, she suggests applying the combination just once or twice a week to see how your skin reacts.

The Final Takeaway

Glycolic acid and salicylic acid both offer impressive benefits, and you can even work both products into your routine if your skin responds well to each. As with any product, these acids both have some potential side effects, so it’s best to check with a dermatologist before trying them, especially if you have sensitive skin or conditions like rosacea and eczema. Be sure to start slow and consult with a doctor if any concerning reactions occur, but generally, both of these products are safe to use across a range of skin types and can make a notable difference in tone and texture, acne, anti-aging, and more.

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.
Share
Tweet
Email
Prev Article
Next Article

Related Articles

Essential Foods for Every Skin Type: Nourish Your Way to Glowing Skin

Essential Foods for Every Skin Type: Nourish Your Way to Glowing Skin

Using Hyaluronic Acid with Vitamin C Oil: A Powerful Skincare Combo

Using Hyaluronic Acid with Vitamin C Oil: A Powerful Skincare Combo

Recent Posts

  • Cleansing Oil: A Gentle Skincare Essential for All Types
    Cleansing Oil: A Gentle Skincare Essential for …
    3 June 2025 0
  • Skin Cycling Explained: A Smarter Skincare Routine
    Skin Cycling Explained: A Smarter Skincare Routine
    3 June 2025 0
  • Best Skincare Ingredients to Combat Acne and Breakouts
    Best Skincare Ingredients to Combat Acne and …
    3 June 2025 0
  • Skin Benefits and Risks of Drinking Lemon Water Daily
    Skin Benefits and Risks of Drinking Lemon …
    3 June 2025 0
  • How Your Skin Changes After You Stop Retinol Use
    How Your Skin Changes After You Stop …
    3 June 2025 0

Popular Posts

  • Gluconolactone: The Sensitive Skin Hero You Haven’t Tried Yet
    Gluconolactone: The Sensitive Skin Hero You Haven’t …
    1 June 2025 0
  • Retinoic Acid Receptors: Key Drivers of Effective Skincare Treatments
    Retinoic Acid Receptors: Key Drivers of Effective …
    5 May 2025 0
  • Understanding Retinoid Science: How Retinol Transforms Skin Health
    Understanding Retinoid Science: How Retinol Transforms Skin …
    5 May 2025 0
  • Best Retinol Alternatives for Sensitive Skin, Pregnancy, and Acne
    Best Retinol Alternatives for Sensitive Skin, Pregnancy, …
    5 May 2025 0
  • Is Retinol Safe During Pregnancy? Risks, Guidelines, and Alternatives
    Is Retinol Safe During Pregnancy? Risks, Guidelines, …
    5 May 2025 0

Digital Clinic for Skin & Hair Care That Works!

Copyright © 2025 Digital Clinic for Skin & Hair Care That Works!
Theme by MyThemeShop.com

Ad Blocker Detected

Our website is made possible by displaying online advertisements to our visitors. Please consider supporting us by disabling your ad blocker.

Refresh