Hyaluronic acid can help rehydrate complexions after a chemical exfoliant like salicylic acid has been applied. This means you can support skin texture and clarity with salicylic acid, followed by hyaluronic acid to nourish and soften the skin.
Thus, it is recommended to layer your skin with moisturizing ingredients such as hyaluronic acid after applying the salicylic serum. It will provide your skin with the required hydration and leave your skin feeling fresh and radiant.
Salicylic acid first, then hyaluronic acid second.
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].
There is little to no downtime following a salicylic acid peel. Skin erythema (redness) with flaking and dryness usually resolve within two to three days. Most candidates return to all normal activities immediately following the treatment. Unscented moisturizer or a topical steroid can aid recovery.
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.
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.
Using Salicylic Acid with Retinol or Benzoyl Peroxide can dry out the skin, causing flakiness and redness.
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.
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.
For example, for oily skin, a salicylic-based cleanser can be used followed by a glycolic acid toner. Generally, glycolic acid is great for dry, dehydrated or combination skin, whereas salicylic acid would be perfect for oily/spot-prone/acne skin.
You might ask, 'can I use vitamin C after salicylic acid? ' As discussed, we do not recommend that you layer salicylic acid and vitamin C directly since this can heighten skin sensitivity and potentially lead to discomfort or a disrupted skin moisture barrier.
Layering of salicylic acid
Always go slow on introducing actives on your skin, go stepwise i.e one at a time. Layering too many products or using too many actives at once is doing more harm than good. Listen to your skin always.
The 4-2-4 rule is a detailed cleansing routine that involves a four-minute oil massage, a two-minute cleanse with a water-based cleanser and a four-minute rinse with warm and cold water. Read ahead to know about the Japanese double cleanse routine, and what experts have to say about it.
Follow up with a hyaluronic acid serum to drench your skin in hydration. This step is crucial, especially since salicylic acid can be drying. Hyaluronic acid acts like a big drink of water for your skin, plumping it up and reducing the appearance of fine lines. Next, add your skin-brightening agents.
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.
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.
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.
Skin purging is temporary! Since it occurs as a result of cell turnover and movement of deeper clogs to the surface, purging should last for about one complete skin cycle, which is about 28-40 days or four to six weeks. Dr.
A salicylic acid peel uses beta-hydroxy acid to do the same thing as the glycolic peel – remove the outermost layer of skin and eliminate imperfections to reveal more youthful skin. After your chemical peel, you will be in recovery for 1-2 weeks, with days 3 and 4 being the worst in terms of peeling.