How to use Salicylic Acid and Retinol
As a skincare lover you are probably wondering how to use your products and if you can layer certain ingredients together.
It can seem like a bit of a minefield, so I hope the below helps!
Benefits of using Salicylic Acid and Retinol together
Salicylic acid is a BHA (beta hydroxy acid), an oil soluble chemical exfoliant which can penetrate deep into the skin to remove dead skin cells and excess sebum.
Retinol, also commonly known as vitamin A, is a powerhouse ingredient that targets most skin concerns such as fine lines and wrinkles and improving skin texture.
Salicylic Acid benefits
Reduces whiteheads and blackheads
Improves skin texture
Reduces signs of post-breakout hyperpigmentation
Helps remove excess sebum causing impurities
Retinol benefits
Reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles
Minimizes pigmentation and evens skin tone
Improves skin texture through increasing cell turnover
Helps to create visibly firmer skin
Can you mix Salicylic Acid and Retinol?
Yes you can use them in your skincare routines but not at the same time. They are both active ingredients and should be applied in the correct way in order to avoid irritation.
How to use Salicylic Acid and Retinol
Salicylic acid is to be applied in your daytime routine, after cleansing and toning, before your moisturizer. If you are using it in a serum form, a few drops is sufficient to cover the entire face.
Retinol should be used after all of your first few skincare routine steps, i.e after cleansing, toning, and serum. Apply a pea sized amount, avoiding the skin directly under the eyes and apply your moisturizer on after.
Alexa Tip 💡
As they are both active and powerful ingredients, layering them together can cause irritation. Using Salicylic Acid in your daytime routine will remove the dead build up of skin cells and allow retinol in the evening to be absorbed better.
When to use salicylic acid and retinol
Salicylic Acid - daytime routine after cleansing and toning and always follow up with SPF. Start with a lower % strength before building up to a higher strength.
Retinol - night time routine - after all of your first few steps and before your moisturizer. Use a couple times a week until tolerance is built for daily use.
In summary
As mentioned above, Salicylic Acid helps get rid of those dead skin cells and allows retinol to penetrate deeper into your skin.
You could also try applying Salicylic Acid, wait for it to dry and apply moisturizer before then applying Retinol, this is almost like a buffer between the two to avoid irritation.
However, in case your skin does show signs of irritation I would either start using them on alternate days, a bit like skin cycling, or use Salicylic Acid in the morning and Retinol in the evening.
Pay attention to your skin and see what works the best for you, you may find that using both on different days a few times a week is enough to see an improvement in your skin.
Whichever way your skin allows you to use these amazing ingredients, you won’t regret it!
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