How do I incorporate salicylic acid into my skin care routine?
When you first start using salicylic acid in your skin care routine, it can often be a little daunting to figure out where to use it and if it fits into your existing routine.
Salicylic acid is one of the most commonly used beta hydroxy acids (BHAs) and is often favored by those with acne-prone skin problems like spots and breakouts. Salicylic acid works on the skin a little differently than popular alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) like glycolic acid because it has a smaller molecule size, allowing it to penetrate deeper into the skin and reach deep into the pores. Salicylic acid is also oil-soluble, which means it unclogs pores and prevents the buildup of excess sebum, bacteria, dirt, debris, and other impurities.
While salicylic acid works on the lower layers of the skin, it removes dead skin cells from the outer surface, which can build up over time and lead to acne and other breakouts if not removed.
If you want more details on how salicylic acid works on the skin, check out this blog post on the skin care benefits of clever BHAs. You’ll also notice that we have a dedicated blog post on how to use salicylic acid serums in your daily routine. Now that we’ve discussed what salicylic acid does for your skin, let’s explore where you can incorporate salicylic acid into your skincare routine.
What role does salicylic acid play in your skincare routine?
This depends on the formulation of the product containing salicylic acid, as a general skincare rule is to apply products in order of consistency from thinnest to thickest. This is considered the best way to reap the benefits of the active ingredients in skincare products. Salicylic acid is commonly found in a range of skincare products, from cleansers to toners to serums. By choosing a product, you can get a better idea of where you can use salicylic acid in your daily routine.
While there are many options, exfoliating toners are considered the most popular.
This is because toners are highly effective products that can help remove dead skin cells, dirt, bacteria, and other impurities from your skin. An added benefit of using a toner rich in salicylic acid is that it doesn’t stay on the skin for long, which means it won’t cause severe dryness or irritation. Other skincare products, like serums or moisturizers, stay on the skin longer and are used at the end of your routine. You’ll also notice that this formula contains a higher concentration of powerful substances. Therefore, it’s recommended that you don’t use a serum or moisturizer until your skin has built up a certain tolerance to BHA. This will help you avoid unnecessary irritation, skin reactions, or severe dryness.
What can salicylic acid be used with?
There are several ingredients that can be used with salicylic acid.
Glycolic acid
Lactic acid
Malic acid
Hyaluronic acid
Niacinamide
Peptides
Ceramides
Retinol
Vitamin C
Since not all of the ingredients listed should be used with salicylic acid, try alternating more potent ingredients like retinol and glycolic acid throughout the day. For example, using a salicylic acid toner in your morning routine can clear away dirt buildup on your skin. If you use retinol in your evening routine, there will be enough time in between to ensure that your skin’s pH is rebalanced and ready to absorb other skincare ingredients.
Before applying any of these formulas to your skin, I highly recommend that you consult with a doctor or dermatologist to find the best product for you and your skin. You can also do a patch test 24 hours before applying products to your face, as this will help avoid unnecessary irritation.
Which comes first, salicylic acid or hyaluronic acid?
For best results, try applying salicylic acid first, as this removes dead skin cells from the skin. This reveals fresh skin that is more easily absorbed and ensures that anything applied to the skin afterwards can quickly penetrate into the underlying layers of the skin. Ideally, you should apply hyaluronic acid afterwards, as the hydrating properties of this acid draw moisture into the skin and lock it there, strengthening the skin barrier as it benefits from a constant flow of moisture. This keeps the barrier healthy and can protect the skin from free radicals such as pollution, UV rays, central heating and other environmental influences.
How is salicylic acid introduced?
Many people find that the best way to introduce salicylic acid into their daily routine is with an exfoliating toner, as this is one of the most effective products and doesn’t irritate the skin too much. Once you’ve built up a tolerance to the stronger products, you can move on to a salicylic acid-infused serum, which contains a higher level of the acid. Remember to initially use salicylic acid products once a week in the evening to protect the skin from excessive UV radiation. This means the skin benefits from the benefits of BHA without any of the side effects.
As I mentioned before, make sure you and your skin are happy with this addition to your routine and try to avoid rashes such as breakouts and irritation.
Should I use salicylic acid before niacinamide?
Yes, you can use salicylic acid before niacinamide. You’ll find that niacinamide has similar skin benefits to hyaluronic acid, with the main difference being its ability to regulate sebum production. This often means that niacinamide is a top choice for people prone to acne, as it helps moisturize the skin and maintain its clarity without interfering with the effects of salicylic acid.
Below is more information on how to incorporate salicylic acid into your skincare routine. If you have any other skin care questions, follow us on Instagram.
