A beta hydroxy acid (BHA) that can penetrate the skin to help remove excess oil and unclog the pores, salicylic acid possesses keratolytic properties that enable it to exfoliate dead skin cells and improve texture and tone, noted board-certified dermatologist Marisa Garshick, MD.
Salicylic acid is considered a keratolytic medication, which means that it's perfect for supreme exfoliation. "Keratolytic medications cause softening and sloughing of the top layer of skin cells," says Rachel Nazarian, M.D., a board-certified dermatologist in New York City.
Chemical exfoliation for softer skin
To begin, glycolic acid can help to improve skin texture because glycolic acid is one of the best ingredients for gently and effectively exfoliating the skin.
Salicylic acid dries out excess oils (sebum) in your pores. However, it could remove too much oil, making your face unusually dry.
Conclusion. Whether glycolic, lactic or salicylic, acids only thin out your uppermost layer of dead skin cells—which is exactly what you want. They don't make your skin thinner overall. However, your skin might appear thinner, if you've been overdoing it.
I started applying salicylic acid after the cleansing and toning steps and before moisturising. It is important that you let your skin absorb the product. While applying salicylic acid, I massage the product into my skin in a circular motion. I also make sure to keep the product away from my eyes and mouth.
Glycolic acid is an incredibly popular treatment because of the many benefits it has for the skin. It has effective skin-renewing properties, so it is often used in anti-aging products. It can help smooth fine wrinkles and improve the skin's tone and texture.
Is it okay to use salicylic acid every day? While it is okay to use salicylic acid every day, it could cause irritation. Many dermatologists, therefore, recommend using the acid in moderation, beginning by applying it three times a week and working up from there.
You can definitely use both. In fact, applying hyaluronic acid with your salicylic acid is a very good idea. Salicylic acid can be a little drying to the skin because it's job is to absord excess oil.
Salicylic acid can be useful in helping to even the skin tone and reduce discoloration due to its astringent properties [3].
"Salicylic acid is oil soluble, meaning it's able to get inside pores to gently push out dead skin, bacteria, sebum, and any other pore-clogging debris." By removing that debris from your pores, your pores will appear smaller.
The exfoliating properties of salicylic acid boost skin cell renewal. This, in turn, stimulates collagen production and reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
Being oil soluble, salicylic acid can penetrate deeper into the skin layers, but it can also dehydrate and irritate skin. Niacinamide, on the other hand, reduces inflammation and boosts skin's natural moisturization. Niacinamide is a very accommodating ingredient.
Their most important difference is their mechanism of action. Also, salicylic acid doesn't help hydrate the skin whereas niacinamide does. Sure, salicylic acid may help your moisturiser work better but it can't hydrate the skin on its own. The truth is one isn't better than the other.
It will appear that applying hyaluronic acid after salicylic acid is a natural step that occurs when applying your skincare routine.
Use Salicylic Acid in the morning and Retinol at night. Those with more sensitive skin may need to use these products on alternate days, or reduce Salicylic Acid use to once a week or as and when needed.
Salicylic acid is the preferred ingredient for treating blackheads and whiteheads because it breaks down the materials that clog pores: excess oil. dead skin cells.
Products with salicylic acid can be used either morning or night. When using products with salicylic acid during the day, it is recommended to apply a daily SPF as the last step in your skincare regimen.
Glycolic acid is an effective exfoliant, meaning it can remove dead skin cells. It's well suited to reducing hyperpigmentation, fine lines, and uneven skin tone. If you have acne-prone skin, salicylic acid is usually a better option. It can get rid of excess sebum and prevent or treat acne.
Topical salicylic acid treats acne by reducing swelling and redness and unplugging blocked skin pores to allow pimples to shrink. It treats other skin conditions by softening and loosening dry, scaly, or thickened skin so that it falls off or can be removed easily.
Hyaluronic acid supplements can help increase skin moisture and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Topical treatments can soothe redness and dermatitis, while injections can make skin appear firmer.
Can I leave salicylic acid overnight? Yes, you can, but only once you have built the skin's tolerance. For those with a skin type that is oily and prone to acne and breakouts, salicylic acid is the best ingredient to use to combat any concerns.
“At levels available over the counter, salicylic acid will give better anti-acne benefits than retinol.” However, he noted that prescription-strength retinols “are much more potent on the skin.”
Salicylic acid
It's considered to be one of the best treatments for acne scars. You can add products with salicylic acid into your daily routine or your skin care specialist may use it for less frequent chemical peels.