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. Choosing a product will help you better understand 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. Another benefit of using a toner rich in salicylic acid is that it doesn’t stay on the skin for a long time, which means it won’t cause severe dryness or irritation to your skin. Other skincare products, such as serums or moisturizers, can stay on the skin for longer and be used at the end of your daily routine. You’ll also notice that this formula contains a higher concentration of powerful substances. Therefore, it’s recommended that you use a serum or moisturizer only after 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 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 to apply 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 will 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 does not irritate the skin too much. Once you have built up a certain 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 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.
