“AHAs and BHAs can certainly be combined. For example, for oily skin, a salicylic-based cleanser can be used followed by a glycolic acid toner. Generally, a glycolic acid is great for dry, dehydrated or combination skin, whereas salicylic acid would be perfect for oily/spot-prone/acne skin.
Some find that the best way of using glycolic acid and salicylic acid on the same day is to opt for applying a face wash or exfoliating toner enriched in glycolic acid during your morning routine, followed by a serum packed with salicylic acid in the evening.
Unlike many other skin care ingredients out there, like lactic acid and retinol, glycolic acid and salicylic acid play well together. However, because you are using twice the active exfoliating ingredients, it's even more important to start slow and pay attention to any sensitivity that may occur.
AHAs and BHAs, such as glycolic, salicylic, and lactic acids should never be used with Vitamin C. Vitamin C is an acid, too, and is unstable, so the pH balance will be thrown off by layering these ingredients together and might as well be useless.
Combining salicylic acid with ingredients such as niacinamide & AHAs works well to clear pores, reduce acne, and control sebum production. This serum contains 2% salicylic acid and 3% niacinamide. Salicylic acid and Niacinamide are an unique combo that works well on pores, blackheads, and whiteheads.
BEWARE: Retinol + Salicylic Acid
“You do not want to use two potent ingredients that have the same effect on your skin. For example, retinol and salicylic acid can each cause skin irritation when used on its own,” Dr. Yu says. “Combining these items might make your skin feel dry and sensitive, especially to light.”
Salicylic acid works more effectively when layered with niacinamide. Niacinamide is an antioxidant that reduces inflammation and helps with acne. It's always good to use salicylic acid in a cleanser or a face mask and layer it with niacinamide.
To double down on anti-aging benefits, pair glycolic acid with either lactic acid or malic acid, both of which unblock pores so that exfoliation is more effective.
After applying glycolic acid, you'll want to apply a hydrating serum or gel. For some, glycolic acid can make their skin feel dry afterwards despite its hydrating effects. So any gel or hydrating moisturizer should help to seal in moisture after the fact.
“AHAs and BHAs can certainly be combined. For example, for oily skin, a salicylic-based cleanser can be used followed by a glycolic acid toner. Generally, a glycolic acid is great for dry, dehydrated or combination skin, whereas salicylic acid would be perfect for oily/spot-prone/acne skin.
The main difference between glycolic acid and salicylic acid is its size. Glycolic acid is a small molecule, which means it can penetrate deeper into the skin. Salicylic acid is a larger molecule, so it stays on the surface of the skin. Glycolic acid is also an AHA, while salicylic acid is a BHA.
Having two different cleansers for morning and night sounds unnecessary, but Jaliman says it's good to mix it up. “You can use a salicylic acid–based cleanser in the morning to unclog pores and avoid acne and a glycolic acid–based cleanser at night to exfoliate your skin and get rid of dead skin cells,” notes Jailman.
If you have acne, both ingredients can have a beneficial effect on your skin. But in general, salicylic acid is the better choice. Unlike glycolic acid, salicylic acid decreases sebum in the skin. This is important because sebum can clog pores, which increases your risk of an acne breakout.
As for whether you should apply glycolic acid morning or night, we recommend applying it as part of your evening skincare routine. Glycolic acid can cause “photosensitivity,” which means it makes your skin more sensitive to the sun's UV rays, upping your chances of a sunburn or skin damage.
AHAs (glycolic acid, lactic acid, malic acid, mandelic acid) and BHAs (salicylic acid): You can start seeing results within minutes of the first application, but peak results — such as anti-aging effects — don't appear until 12 weeks.
Don't Mix: AHA/BHA acids with retinol. "I strongly caution those also using retinoids for acne or anti-aging as the combination with various acids may cause excessive skin sensitivity, irritation, and redness. In fact, AHA and BHA should not typically be used together with retinoids on the same day," explains Dr.
Glycolic Peel Before And After Results
It can take up to two weeks for new skin cells to regenerate. Over the following week, you'll notice fresh, radiant skin.
If you are using something that contains lactic acid, salicylic acid, glycolic acid, or retinoids, Dr. Nagler recommended that skin purging typically lasts six to eight weeks. If your acne does not improve after that time, it is probably time to drop it from your daily regimen.
It is recommended that new users begin with 1-3 layers for a light/medium peel. Generally 4-6 layers will result in a medium/deep peel and 7-8 layers can result in a deep peel.
"If salicylic acid is an ingredient in your cleanser, it is fine to use it every day." However, if you are using an exfoliant that has salicylic acid in the formula, Dr. Hu advises only using the product three times per week, to avoid over-exfoliating the skin and drying it out.
Salicylic acid will help open up your pores, and the newly unclogged pores will require proper hydration to keep your skin healthy and fresh. Thus, it is recommended to layer your skin with moisturizing ingredients such as hyaluronic acid after applying the salicylic serum.
Acne treatments — especially those that contain active ingredients like benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid — are drying and a bit harsh on your skin. If you use too many treatments at the same time, your skin may become irritated, and you may actually suffer more breakouts as a result.
Although salicylic acid is considered safe overall, it may cause skin irritation when first starting. It may also remove too much oil, resulting in dryness and potential irritation. Other potential side effects include : skin tingling or stinging.
Benefits of Glycolic Acid
By helping the skin accelerate the removal of dead skin cells and natural sebum secreted by your skin, the application of this acid as part of your skin care routine, helps reduce acne and pimple causing bacteria, helping the skin stay as clear and healthy in its appearance.