Where to Add Salicylic Acid in Your Skincare Routine: A Step-by-Step Guide

Where in My Skincare Routine Do I Need to Add Salicylic Acid?

When you start using salicylic acid in your skincare routine, figuring out where to place it can feel a bit overwhelming.

But once you understand its role and how it works with other products, it becomes much easier. Let’s break it down!

What Is Salicylic Acid?

Salicylic acid is a type of beta hydroxy acid (BHA) that works wonders for those dealing with acne, blackheads, or general breakouts.

Unlike alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) like glycolic acid, which work on the surface of the skin, salicylic acid penetrates deep into the pores due to its small molecular size.

This allows it to break down excess oil and debris inside the pores, which can cause acne.

It’s also oil-soluble, meaning it can effectively clear out oil, bacteria, and dead skin cells from deep within your pores while also helping with surface-level exfoliation.

This makes it perfect for acne-prone skin.

Where Does Salicylic Acid Go in Your Routine?

When incorporating salicylic acid into your routine, remember the general skincare rule: apply products in order of their consistency, from thinnest to thickest.

So, whether you’re using a cleanser, toner, or serum, it all depends on the product formulation.

1. Salicylic Acid in Cleansers

Salicylic acid is commonly found in cleansers, which you apply first in your routine. A salicylic acid cleanser will help rid your skin of dirt, oil, and makeup while starting the exfoliation process.

You’d use this right after removing makeup or any other residue on your skin.

2. Salicylic Acid in Toners

Toners are often the next step after cleansing. If you’re using a salicylic acid toner, apply it directly after cleansing.

These toners work by sloughing off dead skin cells, preventing clogged pores, and helping reduce acne.

A salicylic acid toner is effective because it stays on your skin for a shorter period, meaning it’s less likely to cause irritation.

Since toners are thinner and more lightweight than serums or moisturizers, they should be used earlier in your routine.

3. Salicylic Acid Serums

Serums are typically more potent than toners and are meant to address more specific skincare concerns, such as acne.

Once your skin has built a tolerance to salicylic acid (which may take a few weeks), you can start using salicylic acid serum.

However, use it sparingly, especially at first, as serums are stronger and stay on your skin for longer periods.

Start by using the serum once or twice a week in the evening, and increase the frequency as your skin gets used to it.

What Else Can You Use with Salicylic Acid?

Salicylic acid works well in combination with several other ingredients, but not all should be layered together. Here are some combinations that work well:

Ingredients That Pair Well with Salicylic Acid:

Niacinamide: Niacinamide is great for calming the skin and regulating oil production, which is especially helpful for acne-prone skin.

You can use salicylic acid first to exfoliate and then apply niacinamide to help soothe and balance your skin.

Hyaluronic Acid: Hyaluronic acid is a humectant, meaning it draws moisture into the skin.

Applying salicylic acid first clears your pores, and then you can lock in moisture with hyaluronic acid for smooth, hydrated skin.

Peptides and Ceramides: These ingredients help restore the skin barrier, which can sometimes be compromised by exfoliating acids like salicylic acid.

So, adding them into your routine can help keep your skin healthy and balanced.

Ingredients to Use Sparingly with Salicylic Acid:

Retinol: Retinol and salicylic acid both promote skin cell turnover, but using them together may lead to irritation or dryness.

It’s best to use retinol at night on alternate days from salicylic acid or on separate days entirely.

Glycolic Acid: Like salicylic acid, glycolic acid is also an exfoliant, but it works at the skin’s surface.

Using both at the same time can be too harsh for your skin, so alternate their use—salicylic acid in the morning, glycolic acid at night, for example.

Which Goes First: Salicylic Acid or Hyaluronic Acid?

For best results, you should apply salicylic acid first, followed by hyaluronic acid. Salicylic acid helps remove dead skin cells and clear out the pores, revealing fresh skin.

This makes your skin more absorbent and primed for other products. Hyaluronic acid can then be applied to hydrate and lock moisture in, keeping your skin smooth and balanced.

This combination is perfect for acne-prone skin because it exfoliates and hydrates simultaneously, helping maintain a healthy moisture balance while treating blemishes.

How to Introduce Salicylic Acid to Your Routine

If you’re new to salicylic acid, it’s best to start slow. Begin with a salicylic acid toner or a gentle cleanser once or twice a week to let your skin get accustomed to it.

Over time, you can increase the frequency as your skin builds tolerance.

Once your skin is used to salicylic acid, you can begin using more concentrated products, such as serums or spot treatments, which can be applied as needed to target specific areas.

Remember to apply salicylic acid products at night initially, as it can make your skin more sensitive to the sun. Always apply sunscreen during the day, especially when using acids in your routine.

Should I Use Salicylic Acid Before Niacinamide?

Yes, you can use salicylic acid before niacinamide in your routine. Niacinamide helps reduce inflammation and balances oil production, which is ideal for acne-prone skin.

Salicylic acid will clear out the pores and exfoliate the skin, while niacinamide will calm and soothe it, helping with any redness or irritation.

Final Thoughts

Integrating salicylic acid into your skincare routine can significantly improve your skin’s clarity and texture, especially if you have acne-prone skin.

The key is to introduce it slowly, layering it correctly with other ingredients, and ensuring you’re using it in the proper order.

Be patient and allow your skin time to adjust, and always remember to protect your skin from the sun!

Feel free to reach out if you need more advice on how to make salicylic acid work for you. Let me know if you need help refining your routine!

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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