Salicylic Vs Glycolic Acid
Salicylic and glycolic acids are the most commonly used exfoliants to treat various skin concerns. While their primary goal is to help the skin shed its dead skin cells, they work in different ways and depending on your skin type and skin condition may or may not be suitable for you.
Glycolic acid sheds off dead skin cells on the surface of the skin making it an effective solution for surface layer pigmentation like dark spots and smoothing skin texture. Salicylic acid on the other hand penetrates the skin pores to dilute sebum and unclog pores. This makes it a suitable acne treatment option.
To know which of these acids to pick, it is important to understand how they differ and what benefits both of these acids have.
Difference Between Glycolic Acid And Salicylic Acid
The primary difference between salicylic acid vs glycolic acid lies in their chemical classification. While glycolic acid is an alpha hydroxy acid (AHA), salicylic acid is a beta hydroxy acid (BHA). This distinction influences how they work on the skin, with each offering unique benefits for different skin types and concerns.
Chemical Structure And Origin Between Salicylic Acid Vs Glycolic Acid
Glycolic acid is an alpha hydroxy acid naturally derived from sugarcane. Due to its water-soluble nature, it doesn’t get into the skin pores, however, its small molecular structure allows it to penetrate the upper layers of the skin effectively. This helps to exfoliate dead skin cells, promoting cell turnover and a brighter complexion. Of all AHAs, glycolic acid offers the deepest exfoliation.
On the other hand, salicylic acid, a beta-hydroxy acid, is oil-soluble and derived from willow bark. Although it has a larger molecular structure, its lipophilic nature allows it to penetrate deeper into the pores to and push gunk out. This makes it ideal for oily and acne-prone skin.
Mechanism Of Action
Glycolic acid primarily works by exfoliating the surface of the skin. It dissolves the bonds between dead skin cells, enabling them to shed more easily and revealing smoother, more radiant skin underneath. Glycolic acid is widely used for improving skin texture, and tone, and addressing fine lines.
Salicylic acid, on the other hand, penetrates the pores and dissolves the sebum (oil) and dirt trapped inside. It works deeper within the skin, making it highly effective for reducing blackheads, and whiteheads, and preventing breakouts.
Common Uses
Due to its exfoliating properties, glycolic acid is used to brighten the skin be it dullness from dehydration or hyperpigmentation. However, it equally has anti-ageing benefits by boosting collagen production in the skin. For this reason, glycolic acid is also considered an anti-ageing treatment. By loosening dead skin cells it helps improve skin texture and skin tone.
Salicylic acid is mostly used as an acne treatment due to pore unclogging capacity. This exfoliant works from within to push out excess sebum preventing acne-causing bacteria from festering. It equally helps reduce the amount of sebum produced in the skin which is ideal for oily skin types. Its anti-inflammatory properties equally help soothe inflammatory skin conditions.
Is Salicylic Acid Better Than Glycolic Acid?
When comparing these two acids it is essential to keep in mind that both excel in different areas however, depending on what your major concern is one will be better than the other.
Effectiveness For Acne-Prone Skin
For those with oily/acne-prone skin salicylic acid is generally more effective. Its ability to penetrate the pores and dissolve oil makes it perfect for controlling breakouts, clearing blackheads, and preventing future acne, especially inflammatory forms. Glycolic acid, while helpful in brightening the skin, may not be as effective in managing acne as salicylic acid. Nevertheless, for comedonal acne (whiteheads, blackheads) it may be a good option, especially for dry skin types.
Best For Anti-Aging And Texture
If you want to improve fine lines, wrinkles, or skin texture, glycolic acid is the better option. It encourages cell turnover, smooths uneven texture, and improves skin elasticity. Regular use of glycolic acid can lead to a more youthful and radiant complexion over time.
Skin Type Considerations
Salicylic acid will be more suitable for you if you have oily or combination skin. By reducing sebum in pores it reduces the frequency of acne breakouts. Glycolic acid on the other hand is best for dry skin which tends to be dull and flaky. It is also suitable for mature skin with wrinkles and fine lines.
This doesn’t mean that if you have oily skin you should not use glycolic acid or that if your skin is dry you should not use salicylic acid. Both exfoliants when used together can provide incredible results. It’s mostly a matter of choosing what will work best with the goal you are trying to achieve.
Can You Use Glycolic Acid And Salicylic Acid Together?
It is possible to enjoy the combined benefits of salicylic and glycolic acid for both deep and surface-level exfoliation. However, this should be done with care as these are potent actives.
Best Practices For Combining Salicylic Acid And Glycolic Acid
To avoid irritation, you can alternate between using salicylic acid and glycolic acid on different days. Another option is to use salicylic acid in the morning (for acne control) and glycolic acid at night (for anti-ageing and brightening). However you choose to incorporate these actives in your routine, remember not to exfoliate more than 3x a week. Always follow up with a good moisturizer and sunscreen, as exfoliated skin is more susceptible to UV damage.
Risks Of Irritation
As is the case with most potent actives, glycolic and salicylic acid present a risk of irritation. Whether used separately or together, it is imperative to go overboard with applying to your skin. Both present side effects such as burning, tingling, irritation bumps, redness, and skin dryness.
Note that if you have dry skin salicylic acid may dry you out further. If you have dry and acne-prone skin and would like to use salicylic acid-based products, it is important to have other hydrating products in your routine to mitigate the risk of dryness. You either choose products with concentrations of salicylic acid below 2% or select those that blend salicylic acid with other AHAs like lactic acid which is also a humectant.
Is Glycolic Acid Better Than Salicylic Acid For Keratosis Pilaris?
Keratosis pilaris (KP), or "chicken skin," is a skin condition caused by excess keratin buildup in hair follicles. This usually results in tiny dark brown or reddish bumps appearing on affected areas of the skin. KP is mainly managed by exfoliating the skin and glycolic acid is generally more effective to break down the surface of the skin. It offers surface-level exfoliation that removes the excess buildup that causes the rough texture.
However, Salicylic acid can also be used for this condition, as it has keratolytic properties. It acts by dissolving the excess keratin build-up within the skin pores and equally soothes the itchiness that sometimes accompanies KP flare-ups.
The best choice between both will mostly depend on how your skin reacts to either of these acids. I have had the best results with using products that blend both actives like the Olay Skin Solutions Body Wash with AHA/BHA Complex
Is Glycolic Acid Better Than Salicylic Acid For Hair?
Both acids have applications in hair care, but glycolic acid is often better for improving scalp health by exfoliating dead skin cells and promoting cell renewal. It can help with scalp dryness and dandruff.
Salicylic acid, however, is more effective for oily scalps and treating conditions like seborrheic dermatitis, as it clears oil and debris from the scalp.
Final Verdict On Salicylic Vs Glycolic Acid
Ultimately the choice between salicylic acid and glycolic acid depends on your skin type and what concerns you are trying to address. If your main aim is to reduce the excess sebum, unclog your pores or manage your acne, will exfoliating and brightening your skin salicylic acid will be your go-to.
On the other hand, if you are more concerned about getting rid of rough texture, dullness, fine lines and wrinkles glycolic acid is that girl. The cherry on the top is if you have all of these skin concerns together, using products that combine both exfoliants can work too. Just be careful not to overwhelm your skin and start introducing these actives slowly and work your way up.
Frequently Asked Questions About Salicylic Vs Glycolic Acid
Is Salicylic Acid Better Than Glycolic Acid?
Salicylic acid is better for acne-prone and oily skin, while glycolic acid is superior for anti-ageing and improving skin texture.
Can You Use Glycolic Acid And Salicylic Acid Together?
Yes, you can use both acids together, but be mindful of the potential for irritation. Consider alternating their use or applying them at different times of the day.
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