Is salicylic acid AHA or BHA?

Author: Olen Welch  |  Last update: Tuesday, May 3, 2022

Salicylic acid, which is a type of BHA, is a common ingredient in acne products. Different BHAs include: salicylic acid.

Is salicylic acid a BHA?

BHA stands for beta-hydroxy acid. That ever-popular acne-busting ingredient, salicylic acid? Yep, that's a BHA. "BHAs are organic carboxylic acids that work on skin's surface and deep inside the pore," explains Markowitz.

Can you use salicylic acid with AHA and BHA?

“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.

Is BHA or AHA better for acne?

AHA is best for dry skin and surface-level skin concerns like acne scars. BHAs are best for oily and acne-prone skin types. You can use both by buying products with both ingredients, or by alternating products. Below are 10 AHA/BHA products worth checking out, and where you can find them.

Which is better AHA or BHA?

The final word on AHA vs BHA

If you don't have sun damage but do have enlarged pores or acne-prone skin, you likely only need a BHA-containing product. If you have sun damage and acne-prone skin or enlarged pores, a combination AHA/BHA product would be the most comprehensive solution.

Can I Use Salicylic Acid And BHA Together?

Is salicylic acid an exfoliant?

Like glycolic acid, salicylic acid has an exfoliating effect on the skin. It can also remove excess sebum (oil) and reduce sebum production, making it an excellent ingredient for unclogging pores. Plus, salicylic acid has mild anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties.

Is salicylic acid good for acne?

It's well-known for reducing acne by exfoliating the skin and keeping pores clear. You can find salicylic acid in a variety of over-the-counter (OTC) products. It's also available in prescription-strength formulas. Salicylic acid works best for mild acne (blackheads and whiteheads).

Can I use BHA if I have acne?

They help new skin cells replace old ones, exfoliate the top layer of skin and dissolve excess oil and sebum, an oily wax found in congested pores. Given their exfoliating nature, BHAs are best suited for those with oily or acne-prone skin, but they aren't exclusively useful to any one skin type.

Can I mix BHA with niacinamide?

Yes, it is safe to use niacinamide and BHA together. Both formulas are effective yet gentle and contain additional calming and restoring antioxidants. Some people with extra-sensitive skin may find that alternating them by using one in the morning and one at night works best.

Is niacinamide good for acne?

Niacinamide helps build cells in the skin while also protecting them from environmental stresses, such as sunlight, pollution, and toxins. Treats acne. Niacinamide may be helpful for severe acne, especially inflammatory forms like papules and pustules. Over time, you may see fewer lesions and improved skin texture.

Can I use salicylic acid with niacinamide?

Can niacinamide and salicylic acid be used together? The simple answer is yes. They complement each other well. Being oil soluble, salicylic acid can penetrate deeper into the skin layers, but it can also dehydrate and irritate skin.

Is it OK to use salicylic acid everyday?

It is safe to use products with salicylic acid every day, unless it is specified otherwise on the product usage guidelines or by your health care professional. CeraVe's SA Smoothing Cream and SA Smoothing Cleanser are suitable for daily use.

What should you not use with salicylic acid?

But overall, stick to using water-based products and serums together. 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.

Is salicylic acid an alpha-hydroxy acid?

Salicylic acid is a beta-hydroxy acid (BHA), a type of acid that is derived from natural sources such as willow tree bark, wintergreen leaves or sweet birch bark.

Should I moisturize after salicylic acid?

Can I apply moisturizer after using salicylic acid? Yes. Moisturizers can help hydrate and repair skin, making it a good step to do after using an exfoliating treatment with salicylic acid.

Is salicylic acid good for blackheads?

Although salicylic acid is best known for its ability to treat whiteheads and blackheads, it can also help eliminate buildup and scaling on the skin caused by psoriasis, warts, calluses and dandruff, said Garshick.

Should I use niacinamide or salicylic acid first?

What goes first salicylic acid or niacinamide? It is considered the best idea to apply niacinamide before salicylic acid. This is because the humectant traits of niacinamide ensure the natural skin barrier contains the correct levels of water.

Which is better for acne niacinamide or salicylic acid?

Niacinamide and salicylic acid are both great ingredients for treating acne and have a variety of other benefits as well. Salicylic acid is the better option for treating acne, while niacinamide is great for fading scarring and hyperpigmentation.

Can I use niacinamide after salicylic acid face wash?

Luckily for us, yes, niacinamide is perfectly safe to use with salicylic acid due to the fact it contains humectant properties. This allows the ingredient to absorb moisture from the surrounding atmosphere and other product formulas and locking them into the different layers of the skin.

Is hyaluronic acid AHA or BHA?

Hyaluronic acid doesn't function like an AHA or BHA in that it does not strip your skin — it's actually highly nourishing and hydrating, so having “acid” in the name is a bit misleading. Hyaluronic acid is great for applying after any exfoliating acids.

Can I use the ordinary AHA BHA with niacinamide?

Short answer is: Yes! You certainly can. To make niacinamide and AHAs/BHA work together, layer them on your cleansed face—just 30 minutes apart. You can also use them at different times of day, use niacinamide in the morning and AHAs/BHA at night.

Does AHA treat acne?

AHAs may also help treat and prevent recurring acne. Acne pimples occur when your pores are clogged with a combination of dead skin cells, oil (sebum), and bacteria. Exfoliating with AHAs can help loosen and remove the clog. Continued use may also prevent future clogs from forming.

Can I use a salicylic acid cleanser and exfoliator?

Can I use a salicylic acid cleanser and exfoliator? No, avoid using a salicylic acid cleanser and exfoliator as this can cause extreme irritation and dryness.

Whats better for acne benzoyl or salicylic?

If you have blackheads and whiteheads, salicylic acid alone should work well to clear out your pores. If your acne tends to be inflammatory, such as papules and pustules, opt for benzoyl peroxide to stop outbreaks at the source. For sensitive skin, start with salicylic acid, since it's less likely to cause irritation.

Can salicylic acid make acne worse?

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.

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