For dry or sensitive skin, glycolic acid is a better choice, while for oily or blemish-prone skin, salicylic acid is the go.
Glycolic acid is better for addressing hyperpigmentation, uneven skin texture, and signs of aging, while salicylic acid is better for addressing acne, blackheads, and clogged pores.
Using salicylic acid for cracked heels is a great option as well, because BHA is naturally soothing. Glycolic acid for feet: Glycolic acid is the AHA top dog. When formulated in a foot exfoliator, glycolic acid exfoliates and draws moisture into the skin. This makes it a must-have for dry, parched feet.
Glycolic Acid
Glycolic acid, derived from sugarcane, is one of the most popular alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs). Its small molecular structure allows it to penetrate deep into the skin, making it effective in exfoliating dead skin cells and unclogging pores.
Unlike many other skin care ingredients out there, like lactic acid and retinol, glycolic acid and salicylic acid play well together. However, because you are using twice the active exfoliating ingredients, it's even more important to start slow and pay attention to any sensitivity that may occur.
One of the best ways to get both benefits in your skincare routine is to use salicylic acid in the morning and glycolic acid at night. You can adjust the frequency of both to suit your skin.
Alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) and beta hydroxy acid (BHA) are two main classes of hydroxy acids. AHA is used in the treatment of several skin conditions such as acne, scar, pigmentation, skin dryness and wrinkles.
For glass skin, look for serums with niacinamide, vitamin C, or hyaluronic acid.
Everyday usage is acceptable while using a rinse-off product, like a cleanser with glycolic acid. But, while using a leave-on glycolic acid product (such as a serum, gel, cream, mask, or peel), one should only apply it one to three times per week.
Some moisturizers contain urea, salicylic acid or alpha hydroxy acid. These are skin-softening agents that may help remove dead skin.
Best Splurge: Tenoverten The Sole Mate Foot Balm, $36. Best Budget: Burt's Bees Coconut Oil Foot Cream, $12. Best Quick-Absorbing: Ahava Dead Sea Water Mineral Foot Cream, $24. Best Multitasker: Bliss Aloe Leaf & Peppermint Foot Cream, $16.
For sensitive skin, start with salicylic acid, since it's less likely to cause irritation. If you're already using an oral or topical treatment for acne, benzoyl peroxide might be a more effective option — but start with a lower concentration and gradually move up from there to see what your skin can tolerate.
Glycolic Acid
Studies show that AHAs can help fade the look of skin concerns like dark spots, premature ageing from sun exposure (also known as photoageing) and acne.
On a chemical level, glycolic acid and salicylic acid are very comparable. The two can shed dead skin leaving your skin smooth and delicate, and help treat and forestall clogged pores. The two make your skin composition more brilliant and firm, even out the skin tone, and limit the fine lines.
Hence, get intensely hydrated and brightened skin with lemon essence-enriched serum-in-lotion. You can also get Korean glass skin by using a charcoal serum face mask or green-tea serum sheet mask. Yes, you read it right! Face masks are a staple in Korean skincare as they help to hydrate nourish skin.
Glycolic Acid
It sloughs off dead cells to disperse surface pigment and directly inhibits melanin formation in melanocytes, contributing to a brighter complexion.
K-Beauty Products Without Niacinamide - Serum
Collagen, Panthenol, Squalane and 4 types of Hyaluronic Acid work to counteract the effects of retinol and hydrate the skin, while licorice root extract helps with areas of dark discoloration.
For dry or sensitive skin, glycolic acid is a better choice, while for oily or blemish-prone skin, salicylic acid is the go.
Benzoyl peroxide works as an antiseptic to reduce the number of bacteria on the surface of the skin. It also helps to reduce the number of whiteheads and blackheads, and has an anti-inflammatory effect.
Q: Which ingredient works the fastest for dark spots? A: Hydroquinone (available by prescription) is one of the most potent options, but retinol, vitamin C, and glycolic acid also deliver visible results with consistent use.
Drugs that contain retinoic acids or tretinoin are often useful for moderate acne. These come as creams, gels and lotions. Examples include tretinoin (Avita, Retin-A, others), adapalene (Differin) and tazarotene (Tazorac, Avage, others).