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Salicylic acid and hyaluronic acid are two popular skincare ingredients that have a range of benefits for the skin. salicylic acid is a beta hydroxy acid that helps to exfoliate the skin and remove dead cells, while hyaluronic acid is a humectant that helps to retain moisture in the skin. These two powerful ingredients are commonly found in skincare products such as cleansers, toners, serums, and moisturizers. But you might be wondering if you can use salicylic acid and hyaluronic acid together? Keep on reading to find out if you can use these two ingredients together in your routine.
What Is Salicylic Acid
Salicylic acid is a type of beta hydroxy acid (BHA) that is derived from willow bark. It has been used for centuries as an anti-inflammatory and pain reliever. The active ingredient in aspirin, acetylsalicylic acid, is a synthetic form of salicylic acid.
It’s one of the most common ingredients in acne-fighting products, both OTC and prescription products.
Salicylic acid works by dissolving the “glue” that holds dead skin cells together. This action helps to open clogged pores and prevents new ones from forming. It also has anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties that can help to reduce redness and swelling associated with acne.
What makes it so incredible for acne and oily skin is that it’s an oil-soluble ingredient which means it can cut through all the oils on your skin and penetrate deeper into your pores to unclog and prevent acne.
Salicylic acid can help to dissolve dead skin cells and unclog pores, decrease blackheads, regulate oil production, and shrink pores. BHA’s are capable of going deep into the pore and cleaning it out, making them superior for treating acne than glycolic or other AHA’s.
Related post: Does Salicylic Acid Make You Break Out
Benefits Of Salicylic Acid
- Treats active acne– salicylic acid has anti-inflammatory properties which helps to decrease inflammation associated with pimples and can help to heal them quicker
- Prevents acne– BHA can treat active acne, but it also prevents new acne from forming by killing acne causing bacteria, balancing oil production and unclogging pores. It’s a comedolytic agent which means it prevents comedolytic acne like blackheads orclosed comedones
- Smooths skin– salicylic acid is akeratolytic agentwhich means it can break down the outer layer of dead skin. This can help with stubborn closed comedones and smooth out rough skin texture
- Decreases oil production– salicylic acid is known for its ability to help balance and regulate oil production. It does so byregulating sebocytes, which are the cells that produce the sebum on your skin
- Minimizes pores– salicylic acid helps to keep pores clear and when pores are clear, they appear smaller
What Is Hyaluronic Acid
Although it has acid in the same, hyaluronic acid isn’t actually an acid. Hyaluronic acid is a sugar molecule that is naturally produced by the bodies to hydrate our skin, joints and eyes.
Hyaluronic acid is a humectant, meaning it attracts water and helps the skin to retain moisture. It can hold up to 1000x its weight in water making it an extremely powerful hydrating ingredient.
When applied topically, hyaluronic acid creates a plump, hydrated and youthful appearance within seconds. It provides a temporary plumping effect that can help to minimize pores, fine lines and wrinkles.
It’s found in most skincare products from toners to moisturizers because of its incredible benefits for the skin. Hyaluronic acid can help to stimulate collagen production, smooth and plump skin, and deeply hydrate which can keep your skin barrier healthy and strong.
Benefits of Hyaluronic Acid
While hyaluronic acid has some incredible benefits, its main benefit is keeping the skin hydrated. It doesn’t have as many benefits of niacinamide, but it’s still an incredible skincare ingredient that everyone can benefit from. Here is where hyaluronic acid really shines:
- Hydration – as mentioned earlier, HA can keep skin hydrated by holding lots of water. This helps to plump the skin and prevent transepidermal water loss
- Heals Wounds – it’s been found that hyaluronic acid can also help speed up wound healing from cuts to acne. It does so by regulating the levels of inflammation in the skin and promoting tissue repair
- Smooths texture – A study found that topical HA helped significantly improve rough skin texture
- Anti-aging – Hyaluronic acid helps to diminish fine lines and wrinkles by plumping the skin
- Stimulates collagen – HA is also involved in collagen synthesis, which over time, can help reduce wrinkles, sagging skin, increase firmness and elasticity
- Helps Acne – It’s been found that HA may indirectly help with acne thanks to its anti-inflammatory properties
- Strengthen’s the skin barrier – HA helps to keep the skin’s protective barrier strong so it can defend itself against irritants and pathogens while protecting skin against damage
Related post: Does Hyaluronic Acid Help Acne?
Salicylic Acid And Hyaluronic Acid
Now that we know all about the incredible benefits of salicylic acid and hyaluronic acid, you’re probably wanting to introduce both of these ingredients into your skincare routine pronto. But before we do, can salicylic acid and hyaluronic acid be used together? How do you layer them? Let’s dive in and find out how to use both of these ingredients together in your routine.
Can you use salicylic acid and hyaluronic acid together?
Both salicylic acid and hyaluronic acid are incredible ingredients that can offer a multitude of benefits for the skin but can they be used together? The answer is yes! In fact, these two ingredients complement each other perfectly.
Salicylic acid helps to clear out pores and fight acne while hyaluronic acid can help to hydrate the skin to keep it from getting too dried out from the salicylic acid. When used together, these two ingredients can help to give you clear, hydrated and healthy skin.
Related post: Can You Use Lactic Acid And Niacinamide Together
How To Use Salicylic Acid And Hyaluronic Acid Together
Now let’s find out how to use salicylic acid with hyaluronic acid. It will depend a little on what types of products you are using (serums, toners, etc).
Hyaluronic acid is best used on damp skin which helps it to attract and hold onto water. Salicylic acid, on the other hand, is best used on dry skin. This is important because the water can help the product penetrate deeper into the skin, which is good thing for hyaluronic acid but not so much salicylic acid as it can cause irritation and dryness.
So what does that mean for using hyaluronic acid and salicylic acid together? Don’t fret, you can still use these ingredients in the same routine.
As always, you’ll want to follow the thinnest to thickest rule, which means you need to apply the thinnest product first, followed by the thicker products. This prevents any pilling and ensures that each product can penetrate the skin and do its job properly.
So if you’re using a salicylic acid serum and a hyaluronic acid serum, you would use whichever product is thinner.
For example, if the salicylic acid serum is thinner, you would wash and dry your face as usual and wait a few minutes before applying your salicylic acid serum to ensure your skin is good and dry. Once you apply the salicylic acid serum, wait a few more minutes before applying the hyaluronic acid serum. You can use a facial mist to dampen the skin before applying to help it penetrate better.
If your hyaluronic acid serum is thinner, wash your face as normal and don’t pat dry and go ahead and apply your hyaluronic acid serum. Wait a few minutes for it to fully absorb and then apply your salicylic acid.
These guidelines can be used no matter what kind of product you are using, whether it’s salicylic acid toner and a hyaluronic acid moisturizer – just follow the rules above and you’ll be good to go!
Do I use hyaluronic acid before or after salicylic acid?
This is a common question and it really depends on the type of product you are using.
As we mentioned before, salicylic acid should be used on dry skin while hyaluronic acid should be used on damp skin. So if you’re using a salicylic acid toner and a hyaluronic acid serum, you’ll want to apply the toner first, followed by the serum.
Salicylic Acid And Hyaluronic Acid Order
While many actives tend to have a specific order they need to be applied in, especially if you’re combining different acids. However, since hyaluronic acid isn’t actually an active, there’s no need to worry about the order in which you use it. You can apply it before or after other actives without any issues.
The same goes for salicylic acid, although it’s always best to follow the general rule of thinnest to thickest when layering products.
There is no set order that you have to apply salicylic acid and hyaluronic acid in. It all depends on the products you are using and your skin.
Can I use hyaluronic acid after salicylic acid face wash?
Yes, you can use hyaluronic acid after salicylic acid face wash. In fact, using hyaluronic acid after any kind of cleansing is a good idea as it can help to replenish the skin’s moisture levels and prep the skin for the rest of your skincare routine.
Can salicylic acid be used with hyaluronic acid and vitamin C?
Yes, salicylic acid can be used with hyaluronic acid and vitamin C without any issues. However, do keep in mind that salicylic acid and vitamin c are powerful actives so it’s always best to start slow and build up to using them together.
Vitamin C is best used in the morning and salicylic acid and hyaluronic acid can be used anytime, so I would recommend using Vitamin C and hyaluronic acid in the morning and Salicylic acid and hyaluronic acid at night. This will just help prevent any irritation and dryness.
Can You Use Salicylic Acid With Hyaluronic Acid? Wrap Up
When salicylic acid and hyaluronic acid are used together, they can create a powerhouse duo that can help to clear up acne, hydrate the skin and give you overall healthier skin. Salicylic acid and hyaluronic acid are two powerful ingredients that can be used together in your skincare routine for amazing results. In fact, it’s one of the best duos you can use, especially for those with oily skin! Salicylic acid helps to unclog pores and clear skin, while hyaluronic acid hydrates and reduces any irritation from the salicylic acid. These two ingredients can be used together in your routine and can be layered together easily, morning and night.
Related Posts:
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- Can You Use Salicylic Acid With Niacinamide?
- Salicylic Acid Vs Glycolic Acid
- Retinol Vs Hyaluronic Acid
- Squalane Vs Hyaluronic Acid
- Salicylic Acid Vs Lactic Acid
Elizabeth
Elizabeth is the owner of The Blushing Bliss, a skincare and beauty blog that she started to order to help others navigate the overwhelming world of skincare. With skincare trends constantly changing, there’s one thing that will always be true: science. Elizabeth is here to help decode the science behind skincare and with a background in chemistry and microbiology, she's a pro at deconstructing scientific studies and medical jargon. She’s on a mission to tell you what works and what doesn’t do you can save time and money and get the skin of your dreams.
FAQs
Can I use both hyaluronic acid and salicylic acid together? ›
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. So adding hyaluronic acid to your regimen will give your skin the hydration that you do need to keep your skin hydrated and balanced.
What do I apply first salicylic acid or hyaluronic acid? ›It will appear that applying hyaluronic acid after salicylic acid is a natural step that occurs when applying your skincare routine.
Can you use more than one acid on your face? ›Short answer – yes, but not for everyone. Combining them can cause irritation, so if you are prone to dry skin, sensitivity or redness, stick to just one. On the other hand, if you have oily skin, combining BHAs and AHAs may be safe and even beneficial. The key to layering acids comes down to pH levels.
What do you layer on top of salicylic acid? ›In fact, combining your salicylic acid with hyaluronic acid is a great idea. Because its role is to absorb excess oil, salicylic acid can be a touch drying to the skin.
What should you not layer 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.”
“Hyaluronic acid plays well with most ingredients, while caution must be taken when using retinol in combination with alpha hydroxy and beta hydroxy acids, benzoyl peroxide, and some types of vitamin C.” Linkner echoes the tip about avoiding vitamin C.
Is salicylic acid good for wrinkles? ›The exfoliating properties of salicylic acid boost skin cell renewal. This, in turn, stimulates collagen production and reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
Do I need to moisturize after salicylic acid? ›Salicylic acid will unblock pores, so you need to hydrate your skin with a layer of moisturizer. Thus, it is suggested to use moisturizing or hydrating ingredients such as hyaluronic acid.
Can you use hyaluronic acid everyday? ›Is it ok to use hyaluronic acid every day? The hero ingredient of any skincare routine, hyaluronic is perfectly safe to use every day. In fact, most experts would encourage you to apply it twice a day, every day, as part of your morning and evening rituals.
Which acid is best for glowing skin? ›Glycolic acid is the most popular alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA) used in skin care. It comes from sugar cane, and is the smallest AHA, so it's the most effective at getting into the skin. Glycolic acid is a fantastic anti-aging agent that seems to do it all.
How many times should I put hyaluronic acid on my face? ›
Use a moisturizer infused with hyaluronic acid at the time when you'd usually moisturize. Ideally, this would be 2 times a day and always after cleansing, exfoliating, or applying serums.
What happens if you use too much hyaluronic acid on your face? ›Can You Overuse Hyaluronic Acid? No, it is advised not to overuse HA. It is a humectant (draws moisture from the environment); excess HA in skincare can cause retention of more hydration than needed. Research suggested that overuse of HA can cause redness and inflammation.
What pairs well with salicylic acid? ›A powerful way to treat acne and promote healthy, glowing skin is by combining niacinamide with your salicylic acid product. While salicylic acid will help treat the acne, the niacinamide helps to repair damage.
Do you put salicylic acid all over your face? ›If you're using salicylic acid serum or gel to treat pustules or pimples, use it as a spot treatment on the blemishes themselves. Using high-concentration salicylic acid on your entire face can dry your skin out.
Where should salicylic acid go in routine? ›Do you apply salicylic acid before or after moisturiser? Generally speaking, the most potent skin products containing salicylic acid are those such as serums, spot treatments and cleansers, all of which are applied before moisturisers.
What is the best moisturizer to use with salicylic acid? ›- The Best Drugstore Salicylic Acid Moisturizer: Aveeno Positively Radiant Clear Complexion.
- The Best Lightweight Salicylic Acid Moisturizer: Lancôme Hydra Zen Gel Moisturizer.
- The Best Luxe Salicylic Acid Moisturizer: Lancer The Method: Nourish Oily-Congested Skin.
- Retinoid or Retinol and Alpha Hydroxy Acid. ...
- Retinoid or Retinol and Benzoyl Peroxide. ...
- Retinoid or Retinol and Vitamin C. ...
- Retinoid or Retinol and Salicylic Acid. ...
- Soap-Based Cleanser and Vitamin C. ...
- Two Products With the Same Actives.
After cleansing, follow with our Salicylic Acid 2% Daily Treatment. You'll be amazed as you leave it on for a few minutes as you can actually watch your pores get lighter and tighter – it's awesome. After 1-3 minutes, rinse face with cool water.
Should hyaluronic acid be used alone? ›The ingredient needs to be used in conjunction with other moisturizers; hyaluronic acid alone will not provide the necessary hydration skin needs. "It's really meant as a temporary hydrator, when applied to damp skin," Dr. Shamban says. "If your skin is already dry, you could actually be doing more harm than good."
Can I skip moisturizer if I use hyaluronic acid? ›Hyaluronic acid should be used in a moisturizer in order for it to work. When you add moisture to the skin, you're giving the HA added water to absorb and hold onto, rather than pulling moisture out of dry skin.
What serum can I mix with hyaluronic acid? ›
“AHA, BHA, retinol and benzoyl peroxide can be mixed with moisturizing ingredients like hyaluronic acid, ceramides and rosehip oil to get effective results — just ensure you are not using retinol as well as AHA or BHA's during the day," says Graf.
What acid gets rid of wrinkles? ›Hydroxy acids.
Using an AHA product regularly prepares your skin to better absorb other products and stimulates the growth of smooth, evenly pigmented new skin. AHAs , beta hydroxyl acids and a newer form called polyhydroxy acids have also been shown to be effective in reducing fine lines and wrinkles.
In addition to its other remarkable benefits, salicylic acid is also a highly effective astringent that can minimize the appearance of pores by tightening the skin and reducing the oiliness of the skin.
Is salicylic acid good for Crepey skin? ›Over-the-counter treatments
Lactic acid, salicylic acid, glycolic acid, and hyaluronic acid can also help to moisturize the skin and improve the skin's appearance. For crepey skin on your arms or legs, look for a body moisturizer that contains ammonium lactate like Lac-Hydrin or AmLactin.
Wait 20 minutes before applying your serum and/or moisturizer to one side, but the other side of your face, apply those next steps immediately.
What happens if you leave salicylic acid on overnight? ›It is advised by some skincare experts that using a salicylic acid product overnight enables the ingredient to work without being disturbed with the exposure to free radicals, such as pollution or UV rays.
What goes first salicylic acid or moisturizer? ›When To Use Salicylic Acid: As salicylic acid is pH dependent, the order of it in your skincare routine matters very much. You want to use it right after cleanser and before moisturizer.
Should hyaluronic acid be used morning or night? ›When should I use hyaluronic acid? While some skincare ingredients, like retinol, are best used at night and others, like vitamin C, work their magic in the daytime, hyaluronic acid can be used both morning and night. “I recommend use of an HA serum up to twice daily, depending on your skin's needs,” says Abdulla.
Can I leave hyaluronic acid on my face overnight? ›While some skincare ingredients, like retinol, are best used at night and others, like vitamin C, work their magic in the daytime, hyaluronic acid can be used both morning and night. “I recommend use of an HA serum up to twice daily, depending on your skin's needs,” says Abdulla.
Does hyaluronic acid remove dark spots? ›Reduces spots –
Hyaluronic acid helps reduce and prevent dark spots and pigmentation. It prevents your skin from damage caused by the sun and other external aggressors such as dust, pollution and more by acting as a protective barrier to your skin.
Which vitamin makes face glow? ›
Niacin. Also known as vitamin B3, niacin helps to keep your skin soft, healthy and glowing.
Which acid is best for removing dark spots? ›Glycolic acid
Pierre recommends for dark spots is glycolic acid, which is an alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) that helps dissolve and shed the "glue" between dead, discolored skin cells, leaving you with a clearer, brighter, all-around glowier face.
Honey is one of the best instant face glow home remedies. Take a teaspoonful of honey and apply it all over your face for instant radiance. To eliminate marks on your face, take a few drops of lemon juice along with the honey and apply them on your face. This method works instantly, leaving you with flawless skin.
How long does it take for hyaluronic acid to work on your face? ›Most people who take hyaluronic acid every day in the right dosage see results (such as the improvement of skin elasticity and reduction of skin roughness) in 4-8 weeks. However, everybody is different and some may see results in as little as 2-4 weeks.
How long does hyaluronic acid take to reduce wrinkles? ›Anti-aging
One 2014 study involved women applying hyaluronic acid topically, twice daily, for 8 weeks. The study reported up to a 40% decrease in the depth of wrinkles and an up to 55% increase in skin firmness and elasticity compared with participants who did not apply the acid.
HA can actually make your skin DRIER. Why? Because compared to the environment around you, your skin contains more moisture. So, instead of sucking moisture from the air into your skin, HA pulls moisture from your skin into the air.
What does hyaluronic acid do under eyes? ›Hyaluronic acid injections are the most effective technique on the aesthetic market for filling in the dark circles under the eyes. They offer immediate natural results that last up to 12 months, require no recovery time, cause no side effects, and are totally painless. Rejuvenating your look has never been easier!
What percent hyaluronic acid is best? ›A Perfectly-Balanced Concentration
But when a hyaluronic acid serum is a well-balanced concentration, it uses the water molecules from the serum, holding them in place so that your skin is hydrated — and you look amazing. The percentage of hyaluronic acid to look for in a serum is just over 2%.
According to the experts, the hero ingredient actually needs to be applied to damp skin in order to work. In fact, applying it to a dry face can have the opposite effect of what is intended, and actually leave skin more dehydrated. "Hyaluronic acid is a moisture magnet," says Allies of Skin founder Nicolas Travis.
Can I mix salicylic acid with 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.
Can I use salicylic acid everyday? ›
Salicylic acid is generally considered to be an ingredient that is suitable for daily use, and when applied correctly, can be used in combination with other skincare ingredients.
How do you know if salicylic acid is working? ›Salicylic acid penetrates your skin and works to dissolve the dead skin cells clogging your pores. It can take several weeks of use for you to see its full effect. Check with your dermatologist if you aren't seeing results after 6 weeks .
How many drops of salicylic acid should I use? ›Adults—Use the 0.5 to 2% topical solution one to three times a day. Children 2 years of age and older—Use the 0.5 to 2% topical solution one to three times a day.
Can salicylic acid remove dark spots? ›There are many skin conditions that can be treated with salicylic acid, including acne and dark spots. The reason why it is so effective is that it's not only an anti-inflammatory and antibacterial but also keratolytic, meaning it removes dark spots and breaks down keratin.
What not to layer 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.”
Acne products that contain salicylic acid and/or benzoyl peroxide will remain effective longer when kept in the fridge. Many prescription or antibiotic acne treatments need to be kept refrigerated, such as clindamycin.
Do you put salicylic acid before or after serum? ›For optimal results try applying salicylic acid first as this will rid the skin of any dead skin cell build-up this will reveal fresh skin that is more absorbent ensuring anything applied to the skin after will penetrate the lower layers of the skin quickly.
Is it okay to use two products with hyaluronic acid? ›The answer is yes. Since hyaluronic acid is a sugar molecule — not actually an acid as its name may imply — that already exists in our skin it's safe to use hyaluronic acid skin care and makeup together.
Should you use 2 products with salicylic acid? ›Can I use multiple products with salicylic acid? As already mentioned, salicylic acid is one of the most potent skincare ingredients. By using multiple products containing the BHA is in short, a bad idea.
How long should I wait between salicylic acid and moisturizer? ›The answer is that you don't need to wait. Once a product's pH is established (and if it's a good formula) it will hold steady for while you apply other products afterward, and it takes time for their pH to change.
What to apply after hyaluronic acid? ›
The way you want to use hyaluronic acid in a skincare routine is to start by cleansing your face with a nice simple cleanser. And then, with slightly damp skin or even slightly wet skin, apply the hyaluronic acid serum to your face followed by a moisturizer and sunscreen (during the day).
What happens if you put too much hyaluronic acid on your face? ›With all the fancy HA formulations on the market now (serums, pills, masks, and so much more), it can be tempting to adopt a “more the merrier” mentality. However, some research has shown that overuse of hyaluronic acid can result in redness and inflammation.
Should I use hyaluronic acid in the morning or night? ›When should I use hyaluronic acid? While some skincare ingredients, like retinol, are best used at night and others, like vitamin C, work their magic in the daytime, hyaluronic acid can be used both morning and night. “I recommend use of an HA serum up to twice daily, depending on your skin's needs,” says Abdulla.