Everyone desires to have a glowing, young-looking complexion, and there are plenty of beauty products out there that will promise to deliver these results. With so many choices available, how do you know which products live up to their claims? The best way to determine if a product will give you the results you are looking for is to check the ingredient list and see what it contains, and then do some research to see what benefits each ingredient provides.
Two beneficial ingredients found in quality skincare products today are salicylic acid and glycolic acid, which both can improve the texture and appearance of your skin. Today, we are going to look at glycolic acid vs salicylic acid, discuss their benefits, determine whether you can use salicylic acid and glycolic acid together, and discuss what you should avoid when using them.
What Is Salicylic Acid?
This beta-hydroxy acid (BHA) comes from willow bark and wintergreen leaves and can penetrate deep into your pores. It is often used in acne treatments because it can dissolve oil and dead skin cells that can clog your pores and cause breakouts. Additionally, salicylic acid has anti-inflammatory properties, which help reduce the redness and swelling that are often caused by acne. Some of the biggest benefits of salicylic acid include:
- It helps prevent and treat blackheads and whiteheads, which keeps the pores from getting clogged;
- It removes dead skin cells from the surface of the skin to promote a clearer, more radiant complexion;
- It soothes irritated skin and reduces redness.
What Is Glycolic Acid?
Glycolic acid is a form of alpha-hydroxy acid and is sourced primarily from sugarcane. It has a small molecular structure, so it can easily sink deep into the skin’s layers to help exfoliate and remove dead skin cells. It can help reverse sun damage, the visible signs of aging, and damage resulting from acne. Some of the biggest benefits of glycolic acid include:
- It is a great exfoliant and helps rid your face of dead skin cells that make your skin look dull and gives you a brighter-looking complexion;
- It smooths out areas of uneven texture and reduces the appearance of small lines;
- It helps fade age spots and areas of hyperpigmentation.
Glycolic Acid vs. Salicylic Acid: What Are The Differences?
Glycolic Acid vs Salicylic Acid Chart
| Glycolic Acid | Salicylic Acid | |
|---|---|---|
| Type of acid | Alpha-Hydroxy Acid (AHA) | Beta-Hydroxy Acid (BHA) |
| Sourced from | Sugarcane | Willow bark, wintergreen leaves. |
| Skin absorption | Can penetrate deeper into the skin’s layers and is water-soluble. | It works on the skin’s surface and is oil-soluble, so it helps unclog pores. |
| Skin type | Works well for dry, sun-damaged, or aging skin. | Works well for oily or acne-prone skin. |
| Main benefits | Exfoliates the skin’s surface, smooths texture, and brightens skin tone. | It unclogs pores, reduces acne, exfoliates inside pores, and offers anti-inflammatory benefits. |
| Irritation potential | May cause irritation on the surface for those with very sensitive skin. | Less likely to cause surface irritation, but can cause dryness. |
| Sun sensitivity | Makes skin significantly more sensitive to the sun, so broad-spectrum sunscreen is essential. | May cause some sensitivity to the sun, so sunscreen is recommended. |
| Commonly used for | Improving skin texture, fading dark spots, and reducing fine lines. | Reducing blackheads, whiteheads, and excess oil. |
Is It Safe To Use Salicylic Acid And Glycolic Acid Together?
It is safe to use salicylic acid or glycolic acid separately as long as you are cautious about sun exposure and monitor your skin for irritation. It is not recommended that you use your own blend of salicylic acid and glycolic acid together because you can cause damage to your skin. Both of these types of acids exfoliate your skin, but they penetrate the skin and work in different ways.
Quality skincare products that contain a blend of both are specially formulated to provide a balance between these two acids that is safe. When blended together properly, they can target both the surface area as well as the deeper layers of the skin.
What Should You Keep In Mind When Using Salicylic Acid And Glycolic Acid Together?
When using these acids, it is important to read the labels of other treatments or products you are considering so you do not cause serious irritation to your skin. Other exfoliating treatments, scrubs, or retinoids may be too harsh on your skin if combined with salicylic acid and glycolic acid and may cause dryness or peeling. Additionally, ingredients like alcohol, benzoyl peroxide, etc., can be too harsh if combined with these acids, so it is always a good idea to talk with your skincare specialist about the best products for your skin type.
The most important thing to keep in mind when using salicylic acid and glycolic acid together is that sun protection is a must. Both of these acids can make your skin more sensitive to the sun and increase your risk of sunburn significantly, so while it is always important to use sunscreen, it becomes critical when using these acids. Applying a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 can help keep you protected because UV rays are out there regardless of how overcast it may look outside.
Where Can I Find Quality Skin Care Products That Work And Are Safe For My Skin Type?
Dr. Angelina Postoev is a triple board-certified cosmetic surgeon at SurgiCare Arts & Aesthetics who works with patients every day to enhance their natural beauty. She developed an exceptional line of skin care products specifically designed to target the most common concerns that her patients experience.
ORI-OR skin care products can be purchased directly at SurgiCare Arts & Aesthetics, or you can conveniently purchase them online and have them shipped right to your door.
A client favorite is the ORI-OR Glycolic & Salicylic Acid Moisturizer because it is formulated for all skin types and helps to remove dead skin cells and even out the skin’s texture. It also contains a blend of other beneficial ingredients that help protect the skin from damage, lock in moisture, and stimulate the production of new collagen.
Talk With A SurgiCare Arts & Aesthetics Specialist Today
If you would like to learn more about the best products to use for a beautiful complexion, contact SurgiCare Arts & Aesthetics and speak to one of our knowledgeable professionals. They will be happy to answer any questions about the ORI OR skincare line or speak with you about other cosmetic concerns you may have.
We also offer a wide selection of cosmetic procedures that can take care of deeper cosmetic concerns like microneedling, microdermabrasion, facials, laser treatments, and more. Set up a personal consultation and learn more about how you can achieve the aesthetic look you desire.
