Salicylic Acid Vs Glycolic Acid:
The thought of applying any acid on your skin might scares you out. But the use of Glycolic acid and Salicylic acid on your skin can do miracles for your skin. You must give them a chance to see the results by yourself.
Both are very popular ingredient in skin products and are available on various over the counter skin care products like serums, toners and facial cleansers.
Both acids used for the exfoliation of skin and to fight acne. But they are very different from each other in their composition, structure, way of action and benefits.
Chemical Composition:
Glycolic acid is Alpha Hydroxy Acid (AHA) and it can be derived from sugar cane. Its is water soluble acid. Whereas Salicylic Acid is Beta Hydroxy acid (BHA), and it can be derived from Willow tree extracts. Its is oil soluble.
Mechanism of Action:
Glycolic acid is smaller molecule in size. So, it easily penetrates in the deeper skin cells and breaks the bond between dead skin cells.
It removes the dead skin cells from the outmost layer and makes the skin fresher and brighter. On the other hand, Salicylic acid is larger molecule in size.
It efficiently penetrates into the skin pores and clean them. Eliminates excess sebum and controls the production of sebum.
Targeted Skin issues:
Based on different mechanism of actions, Glycolic Acid is mostly used for covering on surface skin issue like, hyperpigmentation, wrinkles, fine lines, premature aging and uneven skin tone. Salicylic Acid is used for addressing under the skin problems like acne, melasma, photodamaged skin, black heads and clogged pores.
Targeted Skin Types:
Because Glycolic Acid is water soluble so it more compatible for normal to dry skin. Salicylic Acid is oil soluble, so it is more appropriate for oily or acne prone skin.
It is essential to note that both Glycolic Acid and Salicylic Acid can be used to improve appearance and texture of the skin. But they both works in totally different ways for different types of skin, so it is always recommended that always consult with dermatologist or skin specialist to decide what type of acid is best for your skin concerns.
Benefits/Pros of using Salicylic and Glycolic Acid:
Glycolic Acid:
It has so many potential benefits, few of the main ones are written below.
Treats Hyperpigmentation:
Glycolic Acid is a great choice to reduce the appearance of pigmentation and dark spots on your skin.
Reduces Fine Lines and Wrinkles:
Glycolic acid ignites the faster cells turnover, so it makes fine lines and wrinkles less apparent.
Evens and Brighten the Skin Tone:
Due to its exfoliating properties Glycolic acid remove the dead skin cells and leaves skin more smooth, bright and boosts glow.
Hydrates the skin:
Glycolic Acid is a humectant, so it significantly increases the skin hydration and helps locks in moisture.
Salicylic Acid:
Clear Clogged pores:
Salicylic acid remove the impurities from pores and keep them clean. It also prevents skin from future breakout and blackheads.
Evens the skin texture:
Just like glycolic acid, salicylic acid also helps in controlling the appearance of dark spots, wrinkles and fine lines.
Controls Sebum Production:
Salicylic acid removes excess sebum form the skin pores and regulates the production of sebum in the skin.
The best way to add glycolic acid and salicylic acid in skincare routine:
Here are some tips on how you can optimize the benefits of glycolic acid and salicylic acid in your daily skin care routine.
Follow usage guidelines:
Follow the directions mentioned on the product label or recommended by your skin specialist or dermatologist. Generally glycolic acid and salicylic acid are used once or twice a week. It depends on the tolerance level or your skin.
Begin with low concentration:
Always start with the low concentration of active ingredient in skin care routine if you are using it for the first time in life. It helps in minimizing the irritation caused by the product and skin adjusts to its exfoliating properties.
Sunscreen is Must:
Glycolic acid and Salicylic acid can make the skin more reactive to the sun rays. So, it is compulsory that always use broad spectrum sunscreen with SPF of at least 30 or more.
Patch Test:
Before applying any new skin care product on the skin, patch test is always recommended to check any kind of allergic reactions on small area of skin. It can be back side neck or arm.
DO not use both actives at same time:
Both products are very beneficial for skin, but it is not recommended to use both actives at the same time. They can over exfoliates the skin and cause irritation.
