Popular ingredients in many trending skincare formulas, glycolic and salicylic acid are hydroxy acids with skin rejuvenation and exfoliation properties. While they have some overlapping benefits, these ingredients have different mechanisms of action and offer unique advantages for the complexion. In this article, we’ll explore glycolic acid vs salicylic acid in detail to help you decide which is ideal for you, and explain how to incorporate them into your skincare routine.

Overview of Glycolic Acid

Included in some of the best dermal exfoliation, acne, and anti-aging formulas, this alpha hydroxy acid is small enough to easily penetrate the skin barrier. What does glycolic acid do?

This ingredient may remove dead skin cells, excess oil, and dirt from the top layer of your skin, resulting in a brighter, fresher, more vibrant complexion and hydrating to prevent dryness.

Exfoliation of the surface layer helps fade dark spots and areas of hyperpigmentation and even out skin tone. It may also smooth blemishes, scarring, wrinkles, and fine lines. In addition, glycolic acid stimulates collagen synthesis,[1] helping to keep the skin firm, youthful, and free of signs of aging.

Among the many glycolic acid benefits, this powerful AHA destroys acne-causing bacteria and decreases redness and inflammation to reduce and prevent breakouts. In addition, it may protect the skin from UVB rays.

Who Should Use Glycolic Acid?

Skincare products that include glycolic acid like Glowpeel - Dermal Exfoliation Serum are ideal for people who have acne-prone skin, dark spots, areas of hyperpigmentation, or signs of photoaging like wrinkles and fine lines [2]. However, incorporating this ingredient into your routine before these aging indicators appear can also help keep your skin youthful for longer.

If you are getting a chemical peel, glycolic acid is by far the best choice, as it works on the surface of your skin, exfoliating and removing the top layer to reveal a fresher complexion while maintaining hydration. Salicylic acid can cause dryness, so it is not ideal for this procedure.

Glycolic acid is suitable for most skin types but could irritate those with a very sensitive complexion. It also makes your skin more sensitive to the sun, so it's essential to follow up the application with sunscreen during the day. We’ll explain how to use glycolic acid in more detail in a later section.

Overview of Salicylic Acid

While glycolic acid works primarily on the top layer of the skin, salicylic acid delves deeper under the surface, removing dead cells, dirt, and excess oil to unclog the pores. In addition, it slows sebum production, kills acne-causing bacteria, and reduces inflammation.

Regular application of salicylic acid may help heal acne breakouts, decreasing pimples, blackheads, and whiteheads and preventing their reappearance. In addition, its powerful exfoliation benefits help reduce dark spots, hyperpigmentation, and acne scarring.

Glowpeel

Can Salicylic Acid Cause Acne?

Can salicylic acid cause acne to get worse? Salicylic acid can sometimes lead to a temporary increase in acne called ‘skin purging’ in response to the sudden cell turnover boost. As your skin is purging dead skin cells, it may produce small bumps or blackheads that disappear more quickly than regular acne. While salicylic acid rarely causes serious inflammation or large pimples, this may sometimes occur.

Who Should Use Salicylic Acid?

Salicylic acid is ideal for oily skin, as it slows sebum production, and for people with acne. When it comes to glycolic acid vs salicylic acid, the better deep acne ingredient is salicylic. While glycolic acid is also effective, studies show the benefits of salicylic acid for more persistent inflammatory acne vulgaris [3]. In addition, this ingredient can reduce dark spots or areas of hyperpigmentation, although glycolic acid is the better choice.

Salicylic acid is not suitable for everyone, particularly those with dry or sensitive skin. While it provides some hydration, in some cases, it can cause dryness, irritation, and redness.

Glycolic Acid and Salicylic Acid: Which is Best For You Overall?

Glycolic acid vs salicylic acid: which is best for your skin? Choosing between glycolic acid and salicylic acid depends on your skin type and concerns. If you have dry or sun-damaged skin and want to address fine lines or uneven texture, glycolic acid may be the better choice.

If you have oily or acne-prone skin and want to target blackheads or breakouts, salicylic acid could be more suitable. It's essential to start with a lower concentration and gradually introduce either acid into your routine to assess your skin's tolerance. As always, apply sunscreen daily when using exfoliating acids to protect your skin from potential sensitivity to sunlight.

If you’re uncertain about which ingredients to choose and or have other concerns or questions about your skin, we recommend making an appointment with a dermatologist.

Glycolic Acid and Salicylic Acid in Your Skincare Routine

Incorporating both glycolic acid and/or salicylic acid into your skincare routine can provide comprehensive exfoliation and target various skin concerns effectively. Follow the product directions for how to use glycolic acid and salicylic acid and how often. In most cases, you should apply exfoliation products 1-2 times weekly.

Here's how you can include these hydroxy acids in your regimen:

  • Begin by Cleansing and Toning: Cleanse your face gently with a powerful natural formula like Dermpura - Hydrating Cleanser, and follow up with your favorite toner before exfoliating.

  • Start Slowly: Begin by introducing one acid at a time to prevent over-exfoliation and irritation. Start with a lower concentration and frequency, such as using glycolic acid or salicylic acid a few times a week.

  • Alternate Days: If you decide to use both acids, consider alternating days for each one. For example, use a product with glycolic acid like Glowpeel - Dermal Exfoliation Serum on one day and a formula with salicylic acid on the next. This helps prevent excessive drying or irritation.

  • Morning vs. Evening Use: While both acids can be used in the morning or evening, some people prefer using them in the evening to avoid potential sensitivity to sunlight. If you apply them in the morning, always add a broad-spectrum sunscreen.

  • Hydration: Exfoliating acids can be drying, so follow up with a hydrating serum or moisturizer to maintain skin barrier health and prevent dryness. We recommend Infusoderm - Deep Hydration Daily Moisturizer for optimal daytime benefits.

  • Listen to Your Skin: Pay attention to how your skin responds to the acids. If you experience redness, stinging, or excessive dryness, reduce the frequency of use or discontinue one of the acids temporarily.

By gradually incorporating glycolic acid and salicylic acid into your routine and adjusting based on your skin's needs, you can effectively target a range of skin concerns while promoting a clear, radiant complexion.

Quiz

Can You Use Glycolic Acid and Salicylic Acid Together?

Yes, you can use glycolic acid and salicylic acid together in your skincare routine, but it's important to do so carefully to avoid any potential irritation. Both acids are known for their exfoliating properties, but as we said, they work in slightly different ways: glycolic acid primarily targets the surface level of the skin, while salicylic acid can penetrate deep into the pores.

By combining these two acids, you can effectively target surface-level concerns like hyperpigmentation and fine lines as well as deeper issues like acne and blackheads. However, start by using them on alternate days to test your skin's tolerance, and always follow up with sunscreen during the day to protect your skin from potential sensitivity to sunlight.

The Final Word

Glycolic acid and salicylic acid are both popular choices in skincare, but they have distinct differences that make each better suited for certain skin types. Glycolic acid breaks down dead skin cells on the surface and promotes cell turnover, revealing brighter, smoother skin and addressing dullness, fine lines, and hyperpigmentation. Salicylic acid penetrates deep into the pores and is particularly effective for treating acne and blackheads.

If you are still uncertain about glycolic acid vs salicylic acid or have other concerns, consult with a dermatologist for advice and recommendations. Incorporate one or both products into your skincare regimen according to our recommendations, and you should soon experience the benefits of glowing, even-toned, youthful skin.

References

1] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7891644/
2] https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/9598014/
3] https://jurnal.ugm.ac.id/bik/article/view/4189

Dr. Ahmed Zayad

Dr. Ahmed Zayad

Dr. Zayed, has years of experience in the field and has been contributing to public health awareness. Dr. Ahmed Zayed holds a baccalaureate of Medicine and Surgery. Egypt. Dr. Zayed believes in providing knowledgeable information to readers. His articles were featured on many websites like HuffingtonPost, Chicagotribune . Other than his passion for writing, Dr. Zayed spends his time outside the hospital, either reading or at the gym.

Written by Dr. Ahmed Zayad

More stories

Healing Over-Exfoliated Skin: Steps to Restoring Radiance

Exfoliation is a vital step in your skincare routine, as it can renew the skin's surface by removing dead cells and revealing a fresh, radiant comp...

Exosomes: The Ingredient Transforming Your Skincare Routine

In recent years, the skincare industry has seen a surge of interest in innovative ingredients, and one of the hottest topics is exosomes. You may h...