Can salicylic acid and hyaluronic acid used together

Every week we get bombarded with the ‘newist and best acne treatment ever, gaurneteed to get rid of acne in 10 hours or less’.

You know these claims are not true because nothing gets rid of acne in 10 hours, even squeezing acne (please don’t) doesn’t get rid of it.

It leaves you with an inflamed red and painful spot that will more than likely scar and cause post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation in years to come. Rant over.

But the fact remains it doesn’t get rid of your acne, it makes the probelm different and potentially worse, but the acne remains.

Do you know what has been scientifically proven to help reduce acne over a course of weeks with continuous and diligent use?

Salicylic acid, also known as a beta-hydroxy acid (BHA). This acne-fighting acid is an exfoliant that slough off dead skin cells removes excess sebum (oil) and can with time reduce whiteheads and blackheads, in other words, acne.

Working with skincare acids can be tricky. Becasue salicylic acid is already an exfoliant you shouldn’t use 2 exfoliants at a time as this can cause irratation.

No one wants to cause more skin irritation. Fortunately despite being an acid hyaluronic acid doesn’t exfoliate the skin.

Here’s what you need to know about using these two acids together. 

Great news you can use both acids. Hyaluronic acid is a skin hydrator that pulls water to your skin and hold sit there. Salicylic acid is an exfoliator that can dry out your skin. Using them together works because they balance out there effects on your skin.

What is Salicylic Acid?

Salicylic acid is a (BHA) and is common in acne treatments. It’s a type of beta-hydroxy acid (BHA) or a natural exfoliant. The acid is excellent for people with oily and acne-prone skin because it eliminates dead skin cells and breaks up excess oil.

BHAs in skincare are lipid and oil-soluble, which means they blend with the oil in your skin instead of repelling it. You know that oil and water don’t mix so to treat oily skin you need a skincare product that blends with oil. Salicylic acid is perfect for oily skin. It exfoliates the skin at the surface level and also penetrates deep into your pores to unclog them from inside-out. 

Another benefit is that the BHAs have anti-inflammatory properties. BHAs can soothe redness, irritation and inflammation.

BHAs are common in acne treatment products. You will find them in cleansers and toners as well as creams gels and serums. They reduce the congestion of dead skin cells and can also help with dark spots, hyperpigmentation and sun damage. 

Salicylic acid is a gentle alternative to benzoyl peroxide, which is sometimes tough on sensitive skin.  

What is Hyaluronic Acid?

Hyaluronic acid (HA) is a popular skincare ingredient for serious moisture. Made from sugar, it hydrates the skin, adds volume, and helps to retain moisture. Despite being an acid it does not exfoliate the skin.

Alpha hydroxy acids like glycolic acid and lactic acid dislodge dead skin cell and help clean out clogged pores, these are great for improving acne and improving skin texture.

But HA is all about hydration. You have probably heard that it hold up to 1000x its own weight in water, that is true. It attracts moisture and water from the air, pulling it into your skin and locking it in place. The result is softer, plumper skin. There are many benefits to hyaluronic acid including reducing the appearance of fine lines on the skin’s surface and reducing uneven skin tone.

Everyone, at any age, looks better with hydrated skin and that is what HA is all about.

Salicyclic Acid Vs Hyaluronic Acid?

There is a huge difference in how these two acids function with your skin.

BHAs bind to oil in your skin and break down the buildup of dead skin cells unclog pores and kill bacteria, preventing breakouts. They work on a deep level.

Hyaluronic acid is a skin hydrator that pulls water to the surface of the skin locks moisture in place, protecting your skin from dehydration and maintaining a healthy barrier.

Why You Should Use the Acids Together

Using Salicyclic acid with Hyaluronic acid is a match made in skin heaven. If your skin becomes dry by using salicylic acid, HA swoops into action and drenches your skin in hydration.

BHAs also exfoliate, whereas HA does not. Together, they won’t over-exfoliate your skin. 

If you incorporate any anti-aging products or use BHAs, the HA counteracts the drying effects they can produce.

How to Use Salicylic and Hyaluronic Acid in Your Skincare Routine

Layering acids in your skincare routine can get complicated, however, with these two it’s pretty simple.

The best skincare routine contains active ingredients to protect, replenish, and renew your skin. Too much of anything can become bad quickly. For example, if you exfoliate too often, you may strip your skin too harshly and the result is red sensitive irritated skin. But you don’t have to worry about that with these acids.

To use them together, begin by using your BHA product first. If it’s a cleanser, wash your face. Pat dry. If it is in a cream-gel or serum apply it after cleansing. Add hyaluronic acid as a top coat to seal in moisture. If you are using it in the morning add sunscreen as your last step.

If your skin can tolerate it you can use salicylic acid twice a day as a cleanser or spot treatment cream. It is best to only apply it the areas of your face where you have acne and not to your entire face. It can be drying and where there is acne there will be excess oil that will be helped with salicylic acid. Applying it to skin that doesn’t have acne will be very drying on the skin and you risk irritating hat skin for no benefit.

Hyaluronic acid is very well tolerated and doesn’t cause irritation or purging so you should be fine to apply it twice a day or as often as like.

Summing Up Acid Use in Skincare

Acids are an excellent way to get the skin you want. Using BHAs and HAs together is perfectly safe and beneficial to your skin. Combined they produce the acne-fighting punch without drying and irritating the skin.

You don’t need to have acne to benefit from using these to in together. They can be used on oily and textured skin to provide benefits,

Remember that results take time.You skin is on a constant cycle of renewal every 28ish days. You will not see dramatic results instantly, but with a little patience and a little consistent use and you will see a difference within a few days.

Looking after your skin is a long term strategy. your skin changes al the time and is effected by age as well as seasons, environment, pollution levels, hormones, genetics and diet.

Caring for your skin is something you can do a lot of or a little of and as you get older its needs will change.

One thing you can do that will always benefit your skin no matter your age or types to wear sunscreen. Preferably an SPF 30 broad spectrum every day.

Even when you think its not sunny or you’re not going outside.

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