How to Layer Hyaluronic Acid with Salicylic Acid
We’ve been discussing layering skincare products on The Beauty Insiders blog for a while now, and today we’re focusing on two ingredients that have earned a reputation for being extremely beneficial to the skin in their own way.
With that in mind, it’s time to take a deep dive into how to layer hyaluronic acid with salicylic acid. You’ll be amazed at the results you’ll see on your skin when you combine these two powerful ingredients.
Should I apply salicylic acid or hyaluronic acid first?
When using salicylic acid, it’s best to keep in mind the common drying side effect of this popular salicylic acid. The different percentages of salicylic acid found in different products depend on the product you use, which in turn determines the step you use hyaluronic acid at in your daily application.
As mentioned earlier, salicylic acid is commonly found in a variety of products, including face washes, cleansers, toners, serums, and face oils. If you compare it to hyaluronic acid, you’ll find that this hydrating ingredient is often found in products that are applied at the end of your daily regimen, including serums, moisturizers, and face oils. Using hyaluronic acid after salicylic acid seems like a natural step in your skincare routine.
You may also find that using hyaluronic acid after salicylic acid combats signs of dryness and irritation while locking moisture into the skin’s outer surface and strengthening its protective barrier. Once the skin’s protective barrier is fully functioning, it can prevent free radicals and other environmental influences from causing further damage to the skin.
Can salicylic acid, niacinamide, and hyaluronic acid be used together?
You actually can! The main benefit of using niacinamide and hyaluronic acid together is their ability to moisturize and protect the skin. For example, when hyaluronic acid is applied to the face, it binds the maximum amount of water, hydrating both the outer and lower layers. Applying once in the morning will provide hydration all day and into the evening. Using niacinamide afterward will help balance and regulate natural sebum production. This is an ideal ingredient for those who are prone to blemishes and lack of hydration.
This hydrating combination makes the use of salicylic acid a breeze and significantly reduces the risk of skin irritation or signs of dryness. The result is a hydrated, perfectly clear complexion.
Is hyaluronic acid better or salicylic acid better?
This question is difficult to answer because each ingredient has different benefits for the skin. When using salicylic acid or hyaluronic acid in your daily routine, you need to pay close attention to your skin type as this will determine whether you can use salicylic acid as it is an effective salicylic acid with impressive acne-fighting properties. Hyaluronic acid is one of the very few ingredients that can be safely applied to all skin types. By combining the two, you will reap the benefits of making your skin look and feel better. So why not use both since they are equally effective and have unique benefits for the skin? It is best to perform a 24-hour patch test on your forearm and consult a dermatologist or doctor to avoid any adverse reactions.
What is the order of application of acids?
When using acids, it is best not to apply more than two applications to the skin as this may be too much for the skin and may cause irritation. For example, if a serum contains these acids, I recommend choosing a blend with an active ingredient such as glycolic acid, lactic acid, or salicylic acid first. This allows these effective serums to penetrate into the lower layers of the skin. You can then follow up with a nutrient-rich, hydrating serum with hyaluronic acid to combat dryness or irritation, soothe the skin and lock in moisture to keep the skin hydrated and elastic.
Can I use hyaluronic acid after salicylic acid?
This depends on the consistency of the skincare formula containing these ingredients. For example, if you use a serum after applying your moisturizer or even sunscreen, it will be completely impossible for the potent cocktail of active ingredients in the serum to penetrate the layers below. Remember to apply your products from the thinnest layer to the thickest, as this will allow all active ingredients and formulas to reach the best skin results. As mentioned above, hyaluronic acid is usually found in products that you apply at the end of your skincare routine, such as serums, moisturizers, or creams. This prevents the salicylic acid from drying out the skin and locks in extra moisture in the protective barrier.
When should I use salicylic acid routinely?
There are a variety of ways to incorporate salicylic acid into your daily routine. Since it is commonly found in a variety of skincare products, it is easy to incorporate this powerful ingredient. It is important to incorporate these ingredients into your daily routine whenever possible to avoid irritation. This can be achieved by initially using it every two or three days to build skin tolerance. For more information on adding a salicylic acid serum to your skincare routine, check out our dedicated blog post.
Should I use a salicylic acid serum in the morning or at night?
This depends a lot on your skin type. Regular use of salicylic acid is more beneficial for those with blemish-prone and oily skin. However, salicylic acid serums contain a higher percentage of powerful BHAs and stay on the skin longer. This can cause skin irritation, especially when used twice a day, morning and night. Using salicylic acid at night is more beneficial for the skin because it can be free from free radicals and other daily aggressors that can cause skin imbalance and damage.
Can I use salicylic acid every day?
If your skin can tolerate daily use of salicylic acid, incorporate it into your routine whenever possible to achieve results. Good tip: If you notice your skin starts to feel tight, irritated, or dry, it’s best to alternate your BHAs. Remember, you can have too much of a good thing, so fill your routine with a range of powerful ingredients that work together to deliver impressive results.
Here’s more information on how to layer hyaluronic acid with salicylic acid If you have any questions, 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.
