“Can you use salicylic acid with retinol” is a question that is often asked by skincare devotees. These two ingredients have sparked curiosity in their minds for good reason.
Salicylic acid and retinol both have transformative benefits and offer unique solutions. But is it safe to use both these beauty essentials in the same skincare routine? Lets dive, since it’s not a one size fits all solution.
In This Article
- What is salicylic acid?
- What is retinol?
- Can you use salicylic acid and retinol together?
- pH conflict
- Key takeaway
What is salicylic acid?
Salicylic acid is a beta hydroxy acid (BHA) and is more than just an exfoliator, it is a pore cleanser and oil regulator. Salicylic acid is oil-soluble and it goes into the deeper layer of skin and does the job of taking out all the gunk that’s been clogging skin pores.
Besides, it keeps sebum in check by regulating oil production of the skin. Hence it cleans the skin deep down, gets rid of blackheads and whiteheads and prevents future break outs.
What is retinol?
Retinol, a form of Vitamin A, is being loved as a gold standard for anti aging benefits. This is also a potent ingredient, just like salicylic acid.
Retinol works at the cellular level to accelerate skin renewal working on skin fine lines and wrinkles. That’s what it majorly does. It has few other benefits as well but let’s not get carried away.
So now that we briefly know what SA acid and retinol does , since they both are so potent and work at a deeper level, the question is whether they can be used together or not ?
Can you use salicylic acid and retinol together?
The answer is not a straight yes or no.
First, you should know the type and concentration of the salicylic acid you use in your skincare routine. It is a good practice to exfoliate your skin once or twice a week depending on your skin type.
If you are doing deep exfoliation with salicylic acid, and you are wondering whether to pair it with retinol in the same skincare routine on the day of exfoliation, I would rather caution against it.
Since both these ingredients can be used together, it comes with a price. For many out there, doing so is going to make your skin react and become dry and sensitive.
The best practice here in this scenario (strong concentration salicylic acid) is to use SA in the morning on your exfoliation day and retinol at night.
If you have stocked up on salicylic acid that can be used safely daily because it is low-strength and gentle on the skin, with products such as these, that contain salicylic acid at a concentration of around 0.5% or 1%, I would say that you can safely combine both salicylic acid and retinol in the same skincare routine.
Post-application redness and sensitivity can still occur for those who have extremely sensitive skin. They can avoid so by buffering the serums in between with a layer of hydrator or lightweight moisturizer.
The beauty of applying both these serums in the same skincare routine is that the salicylic acid first cleanses the pores from within, and afterwards retinol can seep into the skin readily, making it more effective.
pH conflict (retinol first or salicylic acid)
First apply salicylic acid and wait for 30 minutes to allow the acid to do it’s job followed by pea sized amount of retinol application.
Caution:
If you are not spacing them out, you are not fully getting the benefits.
This waiting time in between application is a beauty tip that I want to explain further.
Salicylic acid (SA) works best at a lower pH of around 3-4. This is what allows it to penetrate the deeper skin effectively.
Retinol, on the other hand, works better at a more neutral pH.
Since the skin’s natural pH is slightly acidic 4-5.5), applying retinol to the skin raises the pH of the skin temporarily so that retinol does its magic. When we apply SA in the same routine, there can be a pH conflict.
In summary:
- Salicylic acid is best absorbed at a low pH.
- Retinol increases the skin’s pH when used together, possibly reducing salicylic acid’s absorption.
Key Takeaway
Salicylic acid and retinol can be used together but if you are using salicylic acid in a stronger concentration, use Salicylic acid in the morning and retinol in the evening. P.S. you will be doing that once or twice a week.
If it must be used in the same skincare routine, that is totally fine, space them out, first apply salicylic acid, wait for 30 minutes, and then apply a pea-sized amount of retinol.
For those who are using low strength salicylic acid formulation on a daily basis, they can totally use them together (same rule of spacing them out apply). For people with extremely sensitive skin and who are most likely to experience post application redness and sensitivity, buffer with a layer of toner. Start slow and see how your skin responds.
