What is Salicylic Acid
Salicylic acid is a type of beta hydroxy acid (BHA) that is commonly used in skincare to address a variety of skin concerns. It is derived from willow bark and is chemically similar to aspirin. Salicylic acid is often used in acne treatment products, because it has the ability to penetrate deep into the pores and exfoliate the skin. This differs from alpha hydroxy acids (AHA) like glycolic acid and lactic acid which work primarily on the surface layers of the skin.
Salicylic acid works by breaking down the bonds between dead skin cells, helping to loosen and remove them from the surface of the skin. This helps to unclog pores and reduce the buildup of oil and other impurities that can contribute to the formation of acne and blackheads. Salicylic acid also has anti-inflammatory properties that can help to reduce redness, swelling, and discomfort associated with acne.
Salicylic acid can be used in cleansers, toners, moisturizers, and serums. It can be used to improve the overall appearance of the skin by brightening, exfoliating, and reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
What are the Benefits of Salicylic Acid?
Salicylic acid is a type of beta hydroxy acid (BHA) that is used in products to address a variety of skin concerns on the face and body. Salicylic acid is in the class of chemical exfoliants and is excellent for blemish prone skin. Here are some of the benefits that salicylic acid may provide:
- Best acne treatment: Salicylic acid helps to unclog pores, reduce inflammation, and prevent the formation of acne on the face and body.
- Exfoliation: Salicylic acid helps to gently exfoliate the skin, removing dead skin cells and leaving the skin looking smoother and more even-toned. Exfoliation means that other skincare ingredients will penetrate deeper to keep skin hydrated and keep excess oil in check.
- Brightening: Salicylic acid helps to brighten the skin by removing dead skin cells and revealing the brighter skin underneath.
- Anti-aging: Salicylic acid has anti-inflammatory properties that can help to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles and improve the overall appearance of aging skin.
- Keratosis Pilaris (KP) treatment: Salicylic acid products help to exfoliate the skin and reduce the redness and rough texture associated with Keratosis Pilaris (a common skin condition characterized by small, rough bumps on the skin) on the body.
- Ingrown hair treatment: Salicylic acid can help to exfoliate the skin, unclog pores, reduce inflammation and prevent ingrown hair on the body.
Are there any Side Effects of Salicylic Acid?
Salicylic acid is generally considered safe for use on the face and body when used as directed. However, like any skincare ingredient, it may cause side effects in some individuals. Here are some of the side effects that may occur when using salicylic acid on the face and body:
- Skin irritation: Salicylic acid can cause skin irritation, redness, and dryness, especially if the skin is sensitive or if the product is used in high concentrations.
- Allergic reactions: Some people may develop an allergic reaction to salicylic acid, which can cause symptoms such as itching, redness, and hives.
- Sun sensitivity: Salicylic acid can make the skin more sensitive to the sun, so it's important to use sun protection when using products that contain salicylic acid to protect against free radical damage from uv rays.
- Over-exfoliation: Overuse of salicylic acid can lead to over-exfoliation, which can damage the skin barrier and cause dryness, irritation, and other problems.
What is Vitamin C?
Vitamin C, also known as l ascorbic acid, is a powerful antioxidant that is commonly used to address a variety of skin concerns. It is a natural component of the skin, and it plays an important role in collagen synthesis, promoting youthful and healthy skin. In it's purest form, Vitamin C is a white powder that is soluble in water. Vitamin C is an excellent addition to your skin care routine.
What are the Benefits of Vitamin C?
Here are some of the benefits that vitamin C may provide in skincare:
- Brightening: Vitamin C can help to brighten the skin by inhibiting the production of melanin, which is responsible for skin pigmentation. Vitamin C serum can work to enhance skin texture which improves brightness.
- Anti-aging: Vitamin C can help to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles by stimulating collagen production and promoting skin elasticity. Who doesn't want more collagen?
- Sun Protection: Vitamin C can also help to protect the skin from the damaging effects of UV radiation, and it can also help to repair uv damage and ward against premature aging.
- Acne: Vitamin C has anti-inflammatory properties that can help to reduce the redness, swelling, and discomfort associated with acne. It does this, in part, by reducing the amount of bad bacteria on our skin.
- Hyperpigmentation: Vitamin C can help to even out skin tone by reducing the appearance of dark spots, age spots, and other forms of hyperpigmentation.
Products can contain one of many vitamin C derivatives including l ascorbic acid, ascorbyl palmitate, and magnesium ascorbyl phosphate. It's important to use vitamin C products that are formulated in an appropriate pH range, to ensure that the vitamin C is active, and to avoid using vitamin C products in combination with retinoids or acids. It's also important to store vitamin C products properly, as they can be easily oxidized and lose their effectiveness when exposed to light and air.
Are there any Side Effects of Vitamin C?
Vitamin C is generally considered safe, but like any skincare ingredient, it may cause side effects in some individuals. Here are some of the side effects that may occur when using vitamin C in skincare:
- Skin irritation: Some people may experience skin irritation, redness, or dryness when using vitamin C products. This is more likely to occur in people with sensitive skin. If you experience irritation, stop use.
- Allergic reactions: Some people may develop an allergic reaction to vitamin C, which can cause symptoms such as itching, redness, and hives.
- Sun sensitivity: Vitamin C may make the skin more sensitive to the sun, so it's important to wear sunscreen when using products that contain vitamin C.
- Discoloration: If the product is not stored properly, exposed to air and light, it can lose its effectiveness and may discolor, turning brown, which is a sign of oxidation.
Salicylic Acid versus Vitamin C
Both salicylic acid and vitamin C are both commonly used in skincare products, but they have different functions and are best used for different concerns. These two ingredients are common skin care ingredients that are naturally occurring and excellent for many skin types and skin textures.
Salicylic acid is a type of BHA derived from willow bark. It is a chemical exfoliant that helps to unclog pores, reduce inflammation, and prevent the formation of acne. Salicylic acid can also help to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, and to brighten the skin.
Vitamin C, also known as ascorbic acid, is a powerful antioxidant that can help to brighten the skin, reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, and protect the skin from the damaging effects of UV radiation. Vitamin C can also help to even out skin tone by reducing the appearance of dark spots and other forms of hyperpigmentation.
Salicylic acid is best used for treating acne and blackheads, and for exfoliating the skin, while vitamin C is best used for brightening the skin, treating hyperpigmentation, and protecting the skin from sun damage. They can be used together in a skincare routine, but it's important to use them at different times of the day and to avoid using them together with other exfoliants or acids.
Does BHA Cancel Out Vitamin C?
BHA (beta hydroxy acid) and Vitamin C are both commonly used in skincare products and both have many benefits, but they are chemically different and have different pH levels. They can complement each other, but it's important to use them at different times of the day, as BHA has a lower pH and Vitamin C is more stable in a neutral to slightly acidic environment.
When using BHA and Vitamin C together, it's generally recommended to use BHA in the morning and Vitamin C in the evening. This is because BHA is photosensitive and may cause sun sensitivity when used during the day, while Vitamin C can help protect the skin from the sun.
Can I Use Salicylic Acid And Ascorbic Acid?
Yes, you can combine salicylic acid and ascorbic acid (vitamin C) together in your skincare routine. Both of these ingredients can provide many benefits for the skin and can help to address a variety of skin concerns. However, it's important to use them at different times of the day and in the right concentrations to avoid irritation. To find the right concentration, start slow and add with gentle skin care products. Combining ingredients works with many different skin care products, but it is important to read directions and test a small patch of skin first.
Salicylic acid is a BHA that is best used in the morning because it can cause sun sensitivity. It's best to use it in a cleanser, toner or spot treatment.
Ascorbic acid (vitamin C) is best used in the evening because it can help to protect the skin from sun damage. It's best to use it in a serum or moisturizer.
Does Salicylic Acid Cancel Out Vitamin C?
No, salicylic acid and vitamin C do not cancel each other out when used in skincare products. They are chemically different and have different pH levels, and they can complement each other when used together in a skincare routine.
What Goes First Salicylic Acid or Vitamin C?
When using salicylic acid and vitamin C together in your skincare routine, it's generally recommended to use salicylic acid in the morning and vitamin C in the evening. This is because salicylic acid is a BHA that can cause sun sensitivity, so it's best to use it in the morning when you have less sun exposure. Vitamin C, also known as ascorbic acid, is a powerful antioxidant that can help protect the skin from sun damage, so it's best to use it in the evening when you have less sun exposure.
When applying these products, it's best to use the BHA product first and then follow it up with the Vitamin C serum. This is because BHA has a lower pH and can exfoliate the skin, so it's best to apply it first to allow it to penetrate deep into the pores and effectively exfoliate the skin. Vitamin C should be applied after BHA, as it is more stable in a neutral to slightly acidic environment. For more sensitive skin, try applying on alternative days.
Salicylic Acid and Vitamin C – The Bottom Line
Both salicylic acid and vitamin C are excellent skincare ingredients to have in your routine. Together they are the best acne treatment for oily skin people looking to keep things simple, gentle and natural. Like with any new products, start small with these two ingredients to avoid over-exfoliation and irritation. Best of luck!
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Author Bio: Jennifer is the president and founder of empyri. Jennifer’s passion for formulation and product development was set ablaze in 2019, when she incorporated the healing power of cannabis roots into her long-standing three-step skin care system. Armed with scientific evidence on the actives in cannabis roots and seeds, a clean and conscious brand was born. Using her masters degree in bio-chemical engineering, Jennifer is forging a path to ...READ FULL BIO |