Glycolic Acid vs Salicylic Acid: Which Is Better For Your Skin

Glycolic acid and salicylic acid are two effective skincare ingredients renowned for their transformative effects and distinct benefits. Glycolic acid, a water-soluble AHA, comes from sugarcane. On the other hand, salicylic acid is an oil-soluble beta-hydroxy acid (BHA) derived from willow bark. AHAs and BHAs have exceptional exfoliating properties and offer unique solutions for different skin concerns and types. We’ll delve into understanding What is glycolic acid, the Benefits & side effects, how to use it, and the comparison with salicylic acid. Let’s also explore – can we use salicylic acid and glycolic acid together, or how can you integrate them into your skincare routine?

Glycolic Acid vs Salicylic Acid: Which Is Better For Your Skin?

Both glycolic acid and salicylic acid are effective ingredients one can incorporate into their daily skincare routine. Often used to treat hyperpigmentation and ageing concerns, glycolic acid benefits for skin are more visible in people with sensitive and dry skin types. On the other hand, those with oily and acne-prone skin, can opt for salicylic acid to help with skin redness and irritation.

Pros and Cons

Glycolic acid and salicylic acid address a range of skin issues. Here are some pros and cons of using these skincare ingredients.

Glycolic Acid:

Pros

• Reduces fine lines and wrinkles
• Excellent for improving skin tone and texture
• Treats hyperpigmentation and skin damage from the sun

Cons

• May cause redness and irritation, especially in sensitive skin
• Causes an increase in sensitivity towards the sun

Salicylic Acid:

Pros

• Excellent for treating acne
• Highly effective in reducing inflammation and redness
• Removes debris and excess oil

Cons

• Causes peeling and dryness
• Not recommended for dry and sensitive skin

Understanding Exfoliating Acids

Think of AHAs and BHAs as two of the main classes of hydroxy acids used in skincare. They work as chemical exfoliants in skincare products such as facial serums, cleansers, toners, body lotions, and more. The challenge may be discovering the right product for your skin concern and type. To choose the most suited product, you may also speak to an expert who can recommend the safest product by diagnosing your skin condition. [1]

What is Salicylic Acid?

Salicylic acid, derived from willow bark, is a natural exfoliator. The salicylic acid benefits on skin involve exfoliating dead skin cells, treating acne, and reducing inflammation. Understanding what is salicylic acid and the uses of salicylic acid on face can help in the effective management of oily and acne-prone skin. However, salicylic acid side effects may include irritation, peeling, and dryness.

Salicylic Acid Benefits:

• Reduces acne
• Decreases blackheads and whiteheads
• Reduces dark spots
• Controls oil
• Reduces inflammation
• Reduces skin irritation
• Improves skin elasticity
• Enhances skin texture
• Exfoliates dead skin cells [2]

Salicylic Acid Side Effects:

• Dryness
• Peeling
• Scaling
• Irritation
• Itchiness
• Shedding
• Stinging
• Redness
• Sensitivity to sunlight [3]

What Is Glycolic Acid?

Glycolic acid, derived from sugar cane, is oil-soluble. Glycolic acid benefits for skin include reducing fine lines, improving texture and tone, and treating hyperpigmentation. However, a few glycolic acid side effects include redness, irritation and increased sensitivity to sunlight. Knowing what is glycolic acid and how to use glycolic acid correctly is crucial if you want to maximise results and minimise side effects. [4]

Glycolic Acid Benefits:

• Enhances skin tone and texture
• Reduces enlarged pores
• Reveals smooth and radiant skin
• Fades hyperpigmentation [5]
• Improves moisture retention
• Sheds dead skin cells
• Maintains skin’s lipids
• Decreases fine lines and wrinkles [6]

Glycolic Acid Side Effects:

• Redness
• Irritation
• Dryness
• Peeling
• Increased sun sensitivity
• Burning sensation
• Itchiness
• Skin rash

Salicylic vs Glycolic Acid

Feature	Glycolic Acid	Salicylic Acid
Chemical Classification	Alpha Hydroxy Acid (AHA)	Beta Hydroxy Acid (BHA)
Molecular Size	Smaller	Larger [7]
Source	Derived from sugar cane	Derived from willow bark
Solubility	Water-soluble	Oil-soluble
Exfoliation Method	Dissolves bonds between dead skin cells	Penetrates and cleans out pores
Primary Benefits	Skin brightening, Anti-ageing	Anti-inflammatory, acne treatment
Skin Types	Suitable for dry, sensitive, and ageing skin	Suitable for acne-prone and oily skin [8]
Usage	Nightly or every other night	Daily or as required
Concentration	5-10% in OTC products, up to 70% in peels	0.5-2% in OTC products, higher in peels
pH Level	Typically around 3.5	Typically around 3.0
Sensitivity	Higher potential for irritation	Moderate potential for irritation
Sun Sensitivity	Increases sensitivity	Mild increase in sensitivity
Common Uses	Fine lines, wrinkles, hyperpigmentation	Acne [9], oily skin, blackheads
Precautions	Start with lower concentrations, use sunblock	Avoid overuse, use sunblock
Penetration Depth	Deep penetration	Surface/pore-level penetration
Moisture Retention	Improves hydration	May cause dryness
Anti-Aging Properties	Strong	Moderate
Anti-Inflammatory	Mild	Strong
Comedolytic Properties	Moderate	Strong
Effect on Sebum Production	Minimal	Reduces sebum production
Application Frequency	2-3 times a week	Daily or as needed
Compatibility with Other Ingredients	Varies, avoid with retinol	Varies, avoid with other BHAs/AHAs
Texture Improvement	Significant	Moderate
Post-Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation	Reduces	Reduces
Acne Treatment	Mild to moderate	Strong
Collagen Stimulation	Yes	Minimal
Skin Brightening	Yes	Yes
Formulation Types	Creams, serums, peels	Cleansers, toners, creams
Shelf Life	Varies by formulation	Varies by formulation
Typical Concentrations  in Professional Treatments	Up to 70%	Up to 30%
pH Adjustments	Necessary for stability	Necessary for stability
Odour	Minimal	Minimal
Cost	Generally moderate	Generally moderate

Adding Salicylic and Glycolic Acids to Your Daily Skincare Practice:

When incorporating glycolic acid and salicylic acid together into your skincare regimen, it’s essential to know your skin type and consider the concentration of the products. As a safety precaution, start with lower concentrations. This can help you gauge how your skin reacts, and then you can gradually increase based on your skin’s tolerance. It is always wise to conduct a patch test first to confirm adverse reactions, if any.

Glycolic Acid:

• Glycolic acid benefits for skin include improving tone and texture.
• Use in the nighttime, 2-3 times a week.
• Apply after cleansing and before moisturising.
• As glycolic acid side effects can include increased sun sensitivity, use sunscreen at all times during the day.

Salicylic Acid:

• Salicylic acid benefits on skin include reducing inflammation and treating acne.
• Use daily or as needed.
• Apply after cleansing.
• Use salicylic acid as toners, cleansers, or spot treatments.

Potential Interactions and Sun Protection:

• Avoid using glycolic acid and salicylic acid together initially, as they may potentially irritate.
• Introduce both acids gradually into your routine. Start applying one in the morning and the other at night.
• Follow up with a hydrating moisturiser or serum.
• Avoid using other exfoliants simultaneously to prevent over-exfoliation and irritation.
• Always use sunblock to protect your skin from UV damage.

FAQs on Glycolic Acid And Salicylic Acid

Q1. Can I use glycolic acid and salicylic acid together?

A1. Yes, but start slow and small. You may gradually increase concentration and application based on the skin’s reaction.

Q2. Which acid is best for acne?

A2. Salicylic acid works better for acne due to its anti-inflammatory properties.

Q3. What to avoid with glycolic acid?

A3. Avoid using it with retinol or other strong acids, and make sure you apply sunscreen.

Q4. Which is better? Salicylic acid or glycolic acid?

A4. Salicylic acid is best for treating acne, while glycolic acid works better for anti-ageing.

Q5. Does glycolic acid worsen acne?

A5. Initially, it may cause purging, but acne should not worsen over time.

Q6. Is it OK to use salicylic acid every day?

A6. Yes, you can use salicylic acid every day, especially if yours is acne-prone and oily skin. However, check for dryness and irritation.

Q7. How to use salicylic acid for beginners?

A7. Start gradually and with a lower concentration, using it once daily. Increase as tolerated.

Q8. When to stop using salicylic acid?

A8. If you experience severe irritation or dryness. Stop if your dermatologist recommends it.

Q9. Who should avoid salicylic acid?

A9. People with sensitive or dry skin should avoid using salicylic acid.

Q10. What not to mix with salicylic?

A10. Avoid mixing salicylic acid with retinoids or other strong acids.

Q11. What does glycolic acid do for skin?

A11. Glycolic acid exfoliates the skin, brightens the complexion, and improves texture.

Q12. Can glycolic acid remove tan?

A12. Glycolic acid can help lighten your complexion by exfoliating the top layer of skin.

Q13. Which is better? Glycolic acid or salicylic acid?

A13. Glycolic acid is helpful for anti-ageing, while salicylic acid is better for acne.

Q14. Who should avoid glycolic acid?

A14. People with highly sensitive or irritated skin should avoid using glycolic acid.

Q15. Which skin is suitable for glycolic acid?

A15. Dry, sun-damaged, and ageing skin types should benefit most from using glycolic acid.

Q16. What does salicylic acid do to your skin?

A16. Glycolic acid exfoliates, treats acne and breakouts, and reduces oiliness.

Q17. Is salicylic good for pimples?

A17. Yes, salicylic acid is highly beneficial to treat pimples and prevent breakouts.

Takeaway

Glycolic acid and salicylic acid are both excellent and effective chemical exfoliants. They both repair sun damage, among other specific concerns. Great for anti-ageing and skin brightening, glycolic acid benefits for skin involve encouraging new cell growth. Highly effective for acne-prone and oily skin, salicylic acid benefits on skin include reducing excess sebum and unclogging pores. You can make a choice based on your skin type and concerns. When paired correctly and used in appropriate concentrations, these two acids can provide a powerful combination for improving acne, texture, and tone.