So, as a recap, all of The Ordinary's acids should be used at night, but with three exceptions. You can use the azelaic acid during the day, the salicylic acid masks during the day, and you can use the salicylic acid during the day, but again with any acid always make sure you're wearing sunscreen.
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 may be used morning and night. Because it's so gentle, it may also be applied as a midday spot treatment.
It's generally recommended to wait until your vitamin C serum absorbs before using other products like sunscreens or moisturizers. Then, in the evening, you can use your salicylic acid product. Serums and toners can work, or you can use a cleanser that contains the ingredient.
Can I use salicylic acid every day? You can use your salicylic acid cleanser every day, but you should not use an exfoliant that contains salicylic acid more than three times per week to avoid drying your skin.
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.
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.
The general rule to apply this type of leave-on exfoliant after cleansing and toning. You would then follow with the rest of your skincare routine. During the day, the last product you apply should always be sunscreen. Salicylic acid is mostly recommended for those with combination to oily or acne-prone skin.
Yes, it's considered best for your skin and the protective skin barrier to apply a moisturiser after using salicylic acid.
Salicylic acid creams that are only 1% or 2% in strength, you can leave it overnight on the skin and rinse it off in the morning. Remember to use a good broad spectrum sunscreen because salicylic acid can make your skin sensitive.
Yes it is considered ok to use salicylic acid every day, however, due to it sometimes resulting in the skin becoming irritated many skin experts and dermatologists suggest using the acid in moderation, starting by applying it 3 times a week and if there are no signs of any reactions, you can build up the usage by one ...
A hydrating serum is a great option for morning to ensure the skin is moisturized.
Day Serums
A facial serum containing vitamin C is best used during the daytime. Since vitamin C is an antioxidant, it's capable of protecting your skin from free radicals (unstable atoms that can damage skin cells) and other pollutants while you're out and about.
You can certainly use both of these two powerhouse ingredients together. In fact, many skincare experts explain how teaming the hydrating hyaluronic acid with the pore-clearing and exfoliating benefits of salicylic acid.
Wait 20 minutes before applying your serum and/or moisturizer to one side, but the other side of your face, apply those next steps immediately.
Acne Treatments: 1 minute
They need to be fully melted into your skin before serums and moisturizers are applied on top for maximum efficacy, Shah says.
“Letting these products work their way into the skin for 60 to 90 seconds will do the job, or clearing pores and removing dead skin cells to provide a healthy glow.”
If you choose this route, try not to apply them at the same time. 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 on an as-needed basis.
In short: morning or evening are both fine, but be sure that you cleanse your pores beforehand. You also only really need to use face serum once per day regardless.
Finding a good moisturizer for acne-prone skin is especially important if you're using a treatment containing benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid, which can dry out the complexion. According to Dr. Hayag, water-based products containing humectants like glycerin or hyaluronic acid are ideal.