Salicylic acid and retinol are both popular skincare ingredients that can provide numerous benefits for your skin. Salicylic acid is a type of beta-hydroxy acid (BHA) that exfoliates the skin and unclogs pores, making it an effective treatment for acne and blackheads. Retinol, on the other hand, is a form of vitamin A that can help improve skin texture, reduce fine lines and wrinkles, and boost collagen production.
While using both of these ingredients together can potentially provide great results, it’s important to do so with caution. Start by introducing each ingredient separately into your skincare routine, and only use them together once your skin has adjusted to each one individually. Also, be mindful of the concentration levels of each ingredient as using them in high concentrations can cause irritation and dryness.
If you’re using both salicylic acid and retinol in your routine, it’s generally recommended to use them at different times of the day. Salicylic acid can be used in the morning as part of your daytime routine, while retinol should be used at night as it can increase sensitivity to sunlight.
Overall, using salicylic acid and retinol together can provide great benefits for your skin, but it’s important to use them properly and with caution to avoid any potential irritation or adverse effects.
Can you use retinol and salicylic acid at the same time?
Absolutely yes, as long as you take steps to keep your skin hydrated and avoid irritation. Both ingredients are incredibly effective at what they do, so combining them can help clear up your skin and make it appear more youthful, radiant and smooth.
Can I use retinol after salicylic acid cleanser?
It’s smart to be cautious about combining potent acne-fighting ingredients — but using salicylic acid and retinol together in your routine is perfectly safe. In fact, exfoliating with salicylic acid can help retinol reach deeper, making it more effective.
What can you not mix salicylic acid with?
AHAs and BHAs, such as glycolic, salicylic, and lactic acids should never be used with Vitamin C. Vitamin C is an acid, too, and is unstable, so the pH balance will be thrown off by layering these ingredients together and might as well be useless.
How long after using salicylic acid can you use retinol?
Generally speaking, if it’s a salicylic acid enriched cleanser you’re using it’s best to wait about 30minutes before you apply your retinol product. This is considered the best amount of time that ensures the BHA can work at sloughing away dead skin cells, dirt, debris, and impurities.
Can you use retinol and salicylic acid in same day?
If you choose this route, try not to apply them at the same time. Use Salicylic Acid in the morning and Retinol at night. Those with more sensitive skin may need to use these products on alternate days, or reduce Salicylic Acid use to once a week or on an as-needed basis.
Does retinol or salicylic acid go first?
Two of my favorites are salicylic acid and retinol, which CAN be used together, as long as you’re paying attention to your skin. Start slowly, and try your salicylic acid in a cleanser, which is rinsed off, then apply your topical retinol. As always, only use retinoids at night and be sure to wear sunscreen daily.
What goes first retinol or salicylic acid?
If you are planning to use retinol and BHA together, to maintain optimal skin health and pH, Dr. Henry recommends alternating use of the two ingredients: salicylic acid in the morning and then retinoic acid at night.
What products should you not mix with retinol?
Don’t Mix: Retinol with vitamin C, benzoyl peroxide, and AHA/BHA acids. AHA and BHA acids are exfoliating, which can dry out the skin and cause further irritation if your skincare routine already includes retinol. As for benzoyl peroxide and retinol, they cancel each other out.
What should you not use with salicylic acid?
BEWARE: Retinol + Salicylic Acid
“You do not want to use two potent ingredients that have the same effect on your skin. For example, retinol and salicylic acid can each cause skin irritation when used on its own,” Dr. Yu says. “Combining these items might make your skin feel dry and sensitive, especially to light.”
Can I use salicylic acid with retinol and niacinamide?
Yes, you can, but ensuring you apply them in the correct way. When using salicylic acid and retinol together you will find they are both great at combating any skin concerns that include breakouts or blemish.
Can I put retinol over salicylic acid?
It may come as a surprise to discover that it is both safe and effective to use Retinol with Salicylic Acid to treat breakouts and help reduce the appearance of skin aging, without causing irritation.
What goes first acid or retinol?
What Goes First: Retinol or Hyaluronic Acid. Hyaluronic acid should be layered before retinol in case of dry or sensitive skin, as it helps create a barrier between retinol and your skin, offsetting irritation.
In what order do you put retinol on?
The reason we recommend applying retinol in between hyaluronic acid and niacinamide is because layering your retinol between moisturizing ingredients (also referred to as the sandwich technique) can help your skin avoid any irritating side effects.
Should I use salicylic acid or retinol?
Retinol is known for smoothing skin and targeting blemishes, while salicylic acid is primarily used as an exfoliator that unclogs pores. Used together, these two ingredients work together for smooth, clear, glowing skin.
Can I mix vitamin C and salicylic acid?
The short answer is, yes — you can combine these two hero ingredients. In fact, these two ingredients can enhance each other and help your skin look brighter and clearer. As with all concentrated skincare ingredients, it’s important to combine Salicylic Acid and Vitamin C the right way to get the best results.
Can I mix niacinamide with salicylic acid?
Can niacinamide and salicylic acid be used together? The simple answer is yes. They complement each other well. Being oil soluble, salicylic acid can penetrate deeper into the skin layers, but it can also dehydrate and irritate skin.
What can be used along with salicylic acid?
The salicylic acid works in combination with glycolic, lactic and malic acids to even out skin texture and brighten skin. If you have oily skin this gentle toner will be the ticket for you to mattify your skin and refine your pores.
Can I mix salicylic acid and hyaluronic acid?
You can definitely use both. In fact, applying hyaluronic acid with your salicylic acid is a very good idea. Salicylic acid can be a little drying to the skin because it’s job is to absord excess oil.
What is safe to mix with salicylic acid?
Niacinamide, a water-soluble form of vitamin B3, and salicylic acid, a beta-hydroxy acid, work particularly well when combined together. Both have anti-aging and anti-acne effects and offer some level of UV protection.
When should you not use salicylic acid?
Salicylic acid should not be applied to large areas of the body, used for long periods of time, or used under occlusive dressing (air-tight covering, such as kitchen plastic wrap) in children. Use of salicylic acid topical in children younger than 2 years of age is not recommended.