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.

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.

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