Benzoyl Peroxide: This active ingredient is particularly effective in treating skin eruptions and blemishes, while salicylic acid is recommended for its exfoliating and comedolytic properties. Together, these two ingredients work in synergy to combat all types of skin imperfections.
Retinoids or retinol and salicylic acid
Generally, it's recommended you don't mix retinol and salicylic acid in your skincare routine due to the risk of redness or potentially irritating side effects [3].
Retinol and Salicylic Acid
Both of these ingredients are two of the most potent blends in the plethora of skincare products. Combining both of these together will act as a super charged, double intense skin nightmare resulting in severe dryness, sensitivity and an increase in skin photosensitivity.
Salicylic acid is an oil-soluble beta hydroxy acid (BHA) that can deeply penetrate pores. This makes it especially effective for oily or acne-prone skin.
To support the work of Salicylic acid, bookend its application with a good cleanser and a water-based, non-comedogenic moisturizer. If you've been wearing makeup or SPF, it's best to double cleanse your skin at night – once to whisk away surface-level grime, and second to really get into your pores.
Yes, a combination of niacinamide and salicylic acid can provide a myriad of benefits when properly incorporated into a consistent skin care regimen. Using niacinamide and salicylic acid together can help reduce the appearance of redness, inflammation, and clogged pores.
Salicylic Acid + Glycolic Acid
Mixing the two together will strip your skin and most likely cause irritation. Using these acids together can also over exfoliate the skin, which can actually speed up the aging process because it slows cell turnover.
There are several reasons retinol and salicylic acid should not be used at the same time. Since retinol is such a potent ingredient, it already creates the potential for temporary dryness, redness and flaking. When applied at the same time with salicylic acid, the chances of these effects are increased.
For those who need the exfoliating benefits of salicylic acid daily, cleanse with SA Smoothing Cleanser with Ceramides, then follow with Hydrating Hyaluronic Acid Serum to enhance hydration.
Retinol: As Retinol and Salicylic Acid are both exfoliating, drying skincare ingredients, using both together in the same routine could lead to serious irritation. Glycolic Acid: Similarly, as an AHA, Glycolic Acid helps exfoliate the top layer of the skin, which is too intense when used alongside Salicylic Acid.
Salicylic acid can be drying to the skin, so it's important to moisturize your skin after using it. Look for a moisturizer that is lightweight, non-comedogenic, and free of fragrances and other irritants. Moisturizing after using salicylic acid can help to soothe the skin and prevent dryness and irritation.
To avoid irritation, do not let this medication come into contact with your eyes, nose, mouth, groin, or any broken skin (such as cuts, scrapes, rashes). If you do get the medication in those areas, flush the area with cool water for 15 minutes.
Actives That Can be Used With Salicylic Acid
She also suggests combining salicylic acid with hyaluronic acid to enhance skin hydration and counteract any dryness resulting from the exfoliation that salicylic acid provides. Another ingredient to use with salicylic acid is vitamin C.
To do so may increase the chance of absorption through the skin and the chance of salicylic acid poisoning. This medicine is for use only on the skin. Do not get any of it in your eyes, nose, or mouth . Rinse it off with water right away if it does get on these areas.
There can always be too much of a good thing and salicylic acid is no different. The main negative side effect when overused is it can irritate and cause excess dryness. If you have sensitive skin, choose your formula carefully as some products contain denatured alcohol, which can be additionally drying.
Layering of salicylic acid
Layering too many products or using too many actives at once is doing more harm than good. Listen to your skin always. The best way to use Salicylic acid is as cleansers, which I would suggest using twice a day maximum.
The following nonprescription or herbal products may interact with topical salicylic acid : methyl salicylate (in some muscle rubs such as BenGay) or aspirin. Be sure to let your doctor and pharmacist know that you are taking these medications before you start using topical salicylic acid.
DON'T MIX: AHA/BHA and niacinamide
Niacinamide is used to treat hyperpigmentation and reduce fine lines and wrinkles, while alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) and beta hydroxy acids (BHAs) are chemical exfoliants. To understand why niacinamide shouldn't be mixed with AHAs and BHAs, you need to consider pH.
On a little damp skin apply niacinamide serum, and then wait for 1–2 mins for it to totally sink in to your skin. Then go for your salicylic acid serum(ideally in 1 or 2% concentration). Layer it up with a good quality moisturizer according to your skin type.
Instead, you can alternate these ingredients across your AM and PM skincare routine. Since vitamin C helps to counteract free radical damage, it is most effective when applied to your skin in the morning. Conversely, salicylic acid is recommended for nighttime use since it can increase photosensitivity.