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.
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.
You don't have to wait at all between salicylic acid and moisturiser. Many reputable sources such as Paula's Choice and dermatologist Dr Dray have also said this. The products are formulated to be stable. They won't break down and become useless the moment you put moisturiser on.
Like most products with active ingredients, there are certain ingredients that this solution can't be combined with. The Ordinary advise against using the solution in the same routine as peptides, other exfoliating acids, retinoids, vitamin C, or EUK 134 0.1%.
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].
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 and vitamin C are both effective products on their own but, when combined, they can be even more beneficial. Whether you're looking to brighten your skin, reduce the likelihood of blemishes or just help slow down the skin's natural aging process, these ingredients may be just what you're looking for.
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.
Avoid the eye area and any open wounds or inflamed skin. Wait for the salicylic acid to fully absorb into the skin. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes. Apply your moisturizer to help hydrate the skin and lock in the salicylic acid.
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.
1)Retinol and Vitamin C
If anything, your face will be left feeling extremely uncomfortable. “Both of these actives have the potential to irritate your skin,” Chan says. Minimise redness and flaking by keeping your favourite retinol and vitamin C serums separate.
Salicylic acid is best applied to dry skin, whereas hyaluronic acid is best applied to damp skin and then sealed in with a thicker moisturizer/occlusive. Damp skin is more porous, allowing skincare components to enter the skin's barrier more easily.
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.
Glycolic acid and salicylic acid are great ingredients used separately (or in pre-formulated blends) but mixing the two yourself could cause a major reaction and compromise your skin barrier.
Niacinamide works well with other skincare ingredients, including retinol and hyaluronic acid. However, some ingredients, like vitamin C, may interact negatively with niacinamide. Therefore, it's recommended to use products containing these ingredients at different times of the day or on alternate days.
Apply after cleansing and toning. A liquid BHA exfoliant is best applied with a cotton pad. Apply a BHA gel or BHA lotion the same way you would a day or night cream. Apply over the entire face, including the eye area (avoid the lower lash line and eyelids).
"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 advised only using the product three times per week to avoid over-exfoliating the skin and drying it out.
Many skincare experts believe it best to avoid mixing vitamin C with niacinamide. This is a topic that creates a lot of debate amongst skincare, and you may find it confusing which one to believe.
Use Niacinamide first followed by Salicylic acid keeping a gap of at least 30 minutes between their individual applications. A day/night separate routine is highly recommended. Use Niacinamide first (in the morning skincare routine) and Salicylic Acid next (in the night skincare routine).
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.
As a chemical exfoliator, Salicylic Acid can take a deep dive into our pores to dissolve dead skin cells, oil, and other sorts of debris. When treating mild acne or blemishes, it is important to remember that this is not an 'overnight fix' and to instead, allow at least 6-8 weeks to notice results.