Choosing the Right Acid for Your Skin: Glycolic Acid vs. Salicylic Acid
You can choose the component that will work best for your skin if you have a better grasp of both.
Skincare product ingredients are very important in enhancing the health of your skin. The two components that are very frequently found in many skincare products, including toners and cleansers, are salicylic acid and glycolic acid. Which of these two acids glycolic acid or salicylic acid should you pick for your skin type and why? Which of these will benefit your skin the most, even if they are both beneficial to it? Continue reading this article to find out more.
Glycolic Acid: What Is It?
Alpha-hydroxy acids are a class of chemical compounds that include glycolic acid (AHAs). This substance is typically present in sweet and sour fruits including melons, sugarcane, and citrus fruits like lemons. These acids are used as exfoliants and are water-soluble.
Salicylic Acid: What Is It?
In addition to willow bark and plants including broccoli, cucumber, and mushrooms, salicylic acid can also be found in willow roots. This is a member of the class of beta hydroxy acids (BHAs). Oil-soluble acids known as BHAs can be used as exfoliants.
Now that you know what these substances are, let's discuss which one is best for your skin based on the state of your skin.
Case Study: Salicylic Acid vs. Glycolic Acid For Skin Conditions
Some skin disorders may prefer one ingredient over the other since salicylic acid is oil-soluble and glycolic acid is water-soluble.
Acne Treatment
Acne-related inflammation can be reduced and soothed by the anti-inflammatory effects of glycolic acidsΒ
(1). Salicylic acid also aids in the treatment of acne by clearing clogged pores by removing extra debrisΒ
(2). Both appear to work, but studies indicate that if you have oily or acne-prone skin, salicylic acid may be preferableΒ
(3). Salicylic acid and glycolic acid were used to treat acne in research on volunteers.
In comparison to those who received glycolic acid treatment, those who received salicylic acid treatment saw a 74% reduction in acne. To treat your acne, you can use an exfoliant with salicylic acid.
If you have dry skin, glycolic acid can be used to treat acne. Acne treatment may benefit from using skincare products containing glycolic acid, such as glycolic acid Facewash and glycolic acid Lotion.
To Peel Chemically
Peels with glycolic acid or salicylic acid are both good for exfoliating. Salicylic acid peels are mostly appropriate for oily skin types, whereas glycolic acid-based chemical peels offer an advantage over their counterparts in that they may be utilized on all skin types. Additionally, glycolic acid-based peels assist in keeping your skin moisturized by controlling its pH level.
Β
Treating Keratosis Pilaris
Salicylic acid penetrates deeply into the pores and unclogs the debris since it is a keratolytic agent (prevents extra keratin development). A skin disorder called keratosis pilaris results in an overproduction of keratin, which plugs pores and hair follicles. According to studies, this issue may be treated with salicylic acid exfoliants and peels because they can help break down keratin. Salicylic acid is more appropriate in this situation to treat this issue.
Skincare for sun-damaged skin
Glycolic acid or salicylic acid-containing skincare products can be used to treat sun-damaged skin. Sunscreens frequently contain salicylates, a derivative of salicylic acid, which can help against UV-induced disorders .. Salicylic acid-based products, however, are a better option because glycolic acid-based products can make your skin more sensitive to heat and sunshine, which could be uncomfortableΒ Salicylic acid should also be avoided before and following any type of laser or light therapy for your skin because of this.
These are a few of the skin issues that glycolic acid and salicylic acid can help with. Let's examine a few of these components' additional advantages.
Β
Salicylic and Glycolic Acid Benefits
Since almost a couple of centuries ago, hydroxy acids like glycolic and salicylic acid have been utilized to treat skin conditions. These are used as active components in modern skincare and cosmetics products. In light of that, the shared advantages of these components are listed below.
Could Benefit Anti-Aging
According to studies, glycolic acid or salicylic acid, two active chemicals in anti-aging skincare products, may help lessen wrinkles and fine lines. Although the precise science behind this is unknown, there is a basic theory that has gained widespread acceptance. This idea states that these components assist in eliminating calcium ions that age-related skin deposits. The removal of this extra calcium aids in the promotion of cell development. This aids in making the skin look smoother and youngerΒ Salicylic acid peels can reduce the appearance of fine wrinkles and smooth out the texture of the skin.
may aid in whitening the skin
Your skin's texture could be improved and become lighter and brighter by using glycolic acid to help shrink pores. According to studies, using glycolic acid-containing creams and peels may also help lower the risk of hyperpigmentation, which results in dark spots. Additionally, studies indicate that employing chemical peels with salicylic acid helps lighten skin and help minimize hyperpigmentation.
Which skincare product is best for your skin type, even though using products with these substances is wonderful for the health of your skin and a fantastic addition to your skincare routine? Find out in the section that follows.
What Skin Types Does It Suit?
Your skin type should always be taken into account when using any skin care product because different products will have varying effects on different skin types.
Use items with glycolic acid in them if you:
possess dry skin or non-oily skin.
have discolored skin or desire to lessen hyperpigmentation.
wish to lessen the effects of aging on the skin.
desire to lessen the effects of acne.
On the other hand, products containing salicylic acid are the best to use if you:
possess greasy skin
possess blocked pores.
wish to lessen the effects of aging on the skin.
Β
Skincare items using glycolic acid and salicylic acid as active ingredients can be found as creams, serums, toners, cleansers, face masks, and peels. They are practical for both daytime and nighttime use. For nocturnal use, some products may be designed as creams, peels, or masks. To get rid of dead skin cells and unclog pores, use products like serums and cleansers whenever you want. Some salicylic acid-based products might not be advised for usage during the daytime since they can make your skinΒ
The popular acids glycolic and salicylic are found in many skin care products. Applying glycolic and salicylic acids to your skin could help lighten and smooth out wrinkles and fine lines. Understanding which of these acids may be best for a certain skin type is crucial, though. Salicylic acid is suitable for oily skin whereas glycolic acid is suitable for dry skin because it is water soluble. Salicylic and glycolic acids can be found in skin care items like toners, cleansers, and face masks. The argument between glycolic acid and salicylic acid should now be settled, we hope.
Questions and Answers
Which is better for blackheads, salicylic acid or glycolic acid?
Salicylic acid is a more potent alternative to get rid of blackheads because it gets deeper into the skin to clean out your pores of impurities. These contaminants clog your skin's pores and cause blackheads and whiteheads.
Glycolic acid: Does it darken skin?
The overuse of glycolic acid and other AHAs on dark skin is usually thought to stimulate melanocytes (cells that produce melanin) and cause post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. To balance out skin tone, glycolic acid is more efficient in removing dead skin cells from scars and dark areas.
When should I apply glycolic acid and salicylic acid?
Salicylic acid should be used in the morning to unclog pores and prevent acne, while glycolic acid should be used at night to exfoliate, remove dead skin cells, and minimize pores.
Main Points
Salicylic acid is an oil-soluble organic chemical that is a member of the BHAs group while glycolic acid is an organic compound that is water-soluble and belongs to the AHAs group.
Both have the ability to treat acne, however, salicylic acid works better on oily and acne-prone skin.
Salicylic acid peels are mostly appropriate for oily skin, but chemical peels based on glycolic acid can be used on all skin types. Products with glycolic acid are better suitable for dry skin, while those with salicylic acid are better suited for oily skin.
