How to Mix Salicylic Acid With Other Skincare Actives | Skincare.com powered by L'Oréal (2024)

FAQs

Can I use salicylic acid with other actives? ›

Avoid layering your salicylic acid serum with retinol products, as this combination may be too harsh for your skin. You can either use it on alternate days or use one active in the AM and the other in the PM routine.

Dr. Engelman advises against using salicylic acid in conjunction with other strong exfoliants like glycolic acid. Doing so may lead to over-exfoliation. “For patients who are interested in using both of these ingredients, I recommend using them at different times of the day, or on different days,” she says.

Salicylic Acid + Benzoyl Peroxide. The combination can cause excessive dryness, peeling, and redness.

Combining salicylic acid with ingredients such as niacinamide & AHAs works well to clear pores, reduce acne, and control sebum production. This serum contains 2% salicylic acid and 3% niacinamide.

Layering of salicylic acid

Layering too many products or using too many actives at once is doing more harm than good. Listen to your skin always. The best way to use Salicylic acid is as cleansers, which I would suggest using twice a day maximum.

However, if you are using an exfoliant that has salicylic acid in the formula, Dr. Hu advised only using the product three times per week to avoid over-exfoliating the skin and drying it out. Products containing between 1 to 2 percent of salicylic acid are effective.

Avoid the eye area and any open wounds or inflamed skin. Wait for the salicylic acid to fully absorb into the skin. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes. Apply your moisturizer to help hydrate the skin and lock in the salicylic acid.

Salicylic acid can be drying to the skin, so it's important to moisturize your skin after using it. Look for a moisturizer that is lightweight, non-comedogenic, and free of fragrances and other irritants. Moisturizing after using salicylic acid can help to soothe the skin and prevent dryness and irritation.

Yes, a combination of niacinamide and salicylic acid can provide a myriad of benefits when properly incorporated into a consistent skin care regimen. Using niacinamide and salicylic acid together can help reduce the appearance of redness, inflammation, and clogged pores.

Should I use salicylic acid on wet or dry skin? ›

If using the pads, wash the affected skin with a mild cleanser, then pat dry. Wipe the pad gently onto the skin to apply the medication, usually 1 to 3 times a day or as directed by your doctor. Wash hands after use. If using cleansers containing salicylic acid, wet the affected area.

The general rule of thumb is to apply the thinnest consistency products first and work up to thicker textures. For those who need the exfoliating benefits of salicylic acid daily, cleanse with SA Smoothing Cleanser with Ceramides, then follow with Hydrating Hyaluronic Acid Serum to enhance hydration.

Retinoids or retinol and salicylic acid

Generally, it's recommended you don't mix retinol and salicylic acid in your skincare routine due to the risk of redness or potentially irritating side effects [3].

Lactic Acid + Salicylic Acid

This duo may be great for those with breakout-prone skin to treat acne through every stage — from active breakouts to hyperpigmentation that can be leftover. However, because they're both exfoliants, make sure to maintain hydration daily so your skin barrier doesn't become irritated.

Like most products with active ingredients, there are certain ingredients that this solution can't be combined with. The Ordinary advise against using the solution in the same routine as peptides, other exfoliating acids, retinoids, vitamin C, or EUK 134 0.1%.

Using skincare acids in excess can cause burning. Yes, The Ordinary's AHA BHA peel mixes skincare acids, but you don't want to apply too many things. So, when using this peel, you'll want to avoid using other BHAs/salicylic acids and AHAs.

Salicylic acid and niacinamide complement each other and can provide synergistic results when used together. After you cleanse your skin, apply a salicylic acid product. Then, follow that with niacinamide, and finish by moisturizing and adding sun protection.

' Yes, you can use these two ingredients together. But before incorporating salicylic acid and vitamin C into your skincare regimen, we suggest identifying your skin type to assess how you might tolerate this pairing – those with particularly dry or sensitive skin may find this combination too harsh.