Can Salicylic Acid And Hyaluronic Acid Be Used Together

Let us solve the query of many today! “Can I use hyaluronic acid and salicylic acid together?”

Without a question, hyaluronic acid and salicylic acid are skincare big names. You wouldn’t know the distinctions between the two, unless you’re a seasoned skincare expert or a guru!

Many of us are so consumed with our daily routines that we forget to take care of our skin and hair. Good hair days are a fantasy for us, and skincare is a daydream!

Salicylic acid and hyaluronic acid are best when it comes to beauty truths!

Continue reading “Can hyaluronic acid be used with salicylic acid?” to solve the mystery.

Hyaluronic acid vs Salicylic acid

Even though they are both acids, they are significantly different. When we think of acids in skincare, we usually think of chemical exfoliation, which is true for salicylic acid but not for hyaluronic acid.  

Hyaluronic acid hydrates while salicylic acid exfoliates. All skin types and problems can benefit from hyaluronic acid. Salicylic acid, on the other hand, may be too drying for dry skin types and conditions, as well as too irritating for sensitive skin.

The way these two acids interact with your skin is distinctive. BHAs or beta hydroxy acids attach to oil in the skin and break down dead skin cells, unclogging pores and killing germs, avoiding outbreaks. They are effective on a deep level. Hyaluronic acid is a skin hydrator that attracts water to the skin’s surface and holds it there, preventing dehydration and maintaining a healthy skin barrier.

Can salicylic acid and hyaluronic acid be used together?

Yes, salicylic acid and hyaluronic acid can be used together. In fact, it is a good idea to follow up with hyaluronic acid after you’ve applied salicylic acid. Salicylic acid can cause dry and tight skin in some people and hyaluronic acid can instantly moistuize your skin without even giving your face a greasy look. However, different skin types may react differently to the combination of hyaluronic acid and salicylic acid. Talk to your dermatologist before you incorporate these two skin care heroes into your regular skin care routine. 

What is hyaluronic acid and its benefits for the skin?

Hyaluronic acid is found in the human body naturally. The fluids of the eyes and joints have the highest amounts. Skin restoration, cancer diagnosis, wound repair, tissue development, anti-inflammation, and immunological modulation are just a few of the biological processes that hyaluronic acid (HA) modulates [1].

Hyaluronic acid is a humectant that draws water to itself naturally. It’s made up of sugar units and amino acids. It can hold 1,000 times its weight in water and, when combined with collagen and elastin, helps to strengthen tissue structure, resulting in softer, healthier skin.

Hyaluronic acid is used in a variety of ways. Many people take it as a supplement, but it’s also found in topical serums, ocular drops, and injections.Hyaluronic acid plays a role in wound healing as well. It’s naturally present in the skin, but when there’s damage that needs to be treated, concentrations surge.

By lowering inflammation and instructing the body to build more blood vessels in the damaged area, hyaluronic acid aids wound healing [2].

Keloids are non-cancerous scars on the skin. Hyaluronic acid has been shown to help reduce keloid scarring [3]. When administered directly to open wounds, hyaluronic acid, which is antibacterial, can help reduce the risk of infection [4].

Hyaluronic acid can help relieve the symptoms of mild to moderate eczema.

Respondents thought hyaluronic acid in the form of foam was much more pleasant to use and relieved eczema symptoms better than a ceramide-containing emulsion cream [5].

What is salicylic acid and its benefits for the skin?

The most well-known beta-hydroxy acid (BHA) generated from willow bark is salicylic acid. It works as a chemical exfoliator by breaking down the bindings that hold your dead skin cells together, allowing them to shed from your skin’s surface.

The ability of salicylic acid to penetrate and exfoliate your pores due to its oil-solubility is the key advantage of applying it for acne over other chemical cleansers. This means it can get into your oil glands and affect how this oil is produced.

Salicylic acid can also help your skin in the following ways:

• Soothing the skin and reducing irritation.
• Providing protection from UV rays.
• Preventing bacteria from growing (due to its acidic pH).
• Improving fine lines and wrinkles by increasing collagen production.

Because salicylic acid is an exfoliator, you must be careful not to use it too often or it will damage your skin barrier, worsening your acne (research suggests that acne is also linked with skin barrier damage) [6].

Salicylic acid, which works on both whiteheads and blackheads, is a favorite among individuals with oily skin and those who frequently experience outbreaks and acne. Salicylic acid also has anti-inflammatory properties, which is a fascinating feature of acne treatment because it reduces inflammation [7].

Salicylic acid isn’t a multi-tasking component in this comparison, so keep that in mind. Its primary function is to chemically exfoliate the skin. Keeping your face clear, making it less oily, leveling out skin tone and texture, and keeping it clean, can help your other products function better.

Can I use Salicylic acid and Niacinamide together?

Both salicylic acid and niacinamide have similar and complementing skin benefits, and when used correctly, they can be an excellent supplement to your usual skincare routine. Niacinamide is a water-soluble form of vitamin B3.

Although they have certain similarities in terms of the end goal, they reach it in different ways. This is dependent on the sort of skin care product you are using, as both of these ingredients can be found in a wide range of formulas.

If you’re new to them and want to get started with them in your routine, the best option is to start with a face cleanser or wash that contains active quantities of the BHA.

Can I use Salicylic acid, Hyaluronic acid, and Retinol?

The main difference between hyaluronic acid and retinol is that the former is a moisturizer, whereas the latter is an antioxidant that promotes skin cell renewal.

Retinol, on the other hand, is supposed to increase the synthesis of hyaluronic acid in your dermis as well as all three types of hyaluronic acid naturally found in your skin. However, it still takes a long time to do so [8].

Combining hyaluronic acid and retinol is safe. There should be no interactions or side effects from using skincare products that include these ingredients in combination.

Hyaluronic acid and retinol are two of the most popular skincare combos. This is because hyaluronic acid’s qualities can help to counteract the detrimental consequences of retinol. Retinol 

If your skin tolerates salicylic acid daily, incorporate it into your routine as quickly as to observe results. Just a heads up: if your skin starts to feel tight, irritated, or dry, it’s a wise idea to switch up the days you use the BHA. 

Remember that you can never have too much of a good thing, so make sure your routine includes a variety of high-performing products that work well together and produce spectacular effects.

What can you not mix with salicylic acid?

Here are some suggestions of components to avoid when applying salicylic acid.

Salicylic acid and Retinol

Both of these components are among the most powerful combinations found in many types of skincare products. When you combine the two, you get a supercharged, double-intensity skin disaster that causes severe dryness, sensitivity, and an increase in skin photosensitivity. 

If you want to employ both of these chemicals in your routine, try using a salicylic acid facial scrub or toner during the day and retinol in the evening. This will prevent irritation while still giving you the same results.

Glycolic acid and salicylic acid

Each of these chemical cleansers removes dead skin cells from the top layers of the skin. Since glycolic acid is one of the most powerful AHAs, combining it with salicylic acid will cause significant irritation and redness. 

Instead of using these components at different times of the day, we recommend saving salicylic acid for the night because it can go deeper into the skin and clear the pores of germs, dirt, and pollutants.

Do you use hyaluronic acid before or after salicylic acid?

If this is the question popping in your mind “should I use salicylic acid or hyaluronic acid first/” then let’s solve the query asap!

When it comes to employing salicylic acid, it’s good to remember that this popular BHA has several drying adverse effects. The differing levels of salicylic acid found in various products will determine which product you will use, which will then determine when you will use hyaluronic acid in your routine.

Salicylic acid is commonly found in a variety of products, including face wash, cleansers, toners, creams, and face oils, as previously stated. When compared to hyaluronic acid, this moisturizing element is typically found in products applied at the conclusion of your routines, such as serums, moisturizers, and face oils. 

Applying hyaluronic acid following salicylic acid appears to be a natural stage that arises while conducting your skincare routine, based on the facts given. One may also discover that combining salicylic acid with hyaluronic acid helps to combat dryness and irritation by trapping moisture into the skin’s outer layer and strengthening the protective barrier. 

When the skin’s protective barrier is completely functional, it can shield the skin from further damage caused by free radicals and other environmental oppressors.

Is hyaluronic acid better than salicylic acid?

This is a challenging question to answer because each component has various skin benefits. When incorporating salicylic acid or hyaluronic acid into your routine, it’s important to consider your skin type, since this will decide whether you can use salicylic acid, which is a strong BHA with outstanding anti-blemish capabilities. 

Hyaluronic acid is one of the few compounds that may be used on all skin types without irritating. You will enjoy the benefits for your skin to look and feel its best if you use them together, so why not use them both? They are both as effective as each other, giving their own specific benefits for the skin.

Wrapping up

Hyaluronic acid and salicylic acid can undoubtedly be used together. Hyaluronic acid can help minimize the irritation associated with salicylic acid while also moisturizing oily skin without leaving a messy feeling behind.

As there isn’t much information about the treatments’ suitability for different skin types, you should see your dermatologist before using them.

What next?

You can also read:

1. Retinol vs. Tretinoin: Which one is better for your skin?
2. Hyaluronic acid vs Retinol [with Benefits, Side effects, and Usage Instructions]
3. Vitamin E for Skin: Benefits and Side effects

References

1. Bukhari, Syed Nasir Abbas et al. “Hyaluronic acid, a promising skin rejuvenating biomedicine: A review of recent updates and pre-clinical and clinical investigations on cosmetic and nutricosmetic effects.” International journal of biological macromolecules vol. 120,Pt B (2018): 1682-1695.
2. Litwiniuk, Malgorzata et al. “Hyaluronic Acid in Inflammation and Tissue Regeneration.” Wounds: a compendium of clinical research and practice vol. 28,3 (2016): 78-88.
3. Hoffmann, Andrea et al. “Role of Hyaluronic Acid Treatment in the Prevention of Keloid Scarring.” The journal of the American College of Clinical Wound Specialists, (2013), vol. 4,2 23-31. 1.
4. Zamboni, Fernanda et al. “On the bacteriostatic activity of hyaluronic acid composite films.” Carbohydrate polymers vol. 260 (2021): 117803. 
5. Draelos, Zoe Diana. “A clinical evaluation of the comparative efficacy of hyaluronic acid-based foam and ceramide-containing emulsion cream in the treatment of mild-to-moderate atopic dermatitis.” Journal of cosmetic dermatology vol. 10,3 (2011): 185-8.
6. Pappas, Apostolos et al. “Seasonal changes in epidermal ceramides are linked to impaired barrier function in acne patients.” Experimental dermatology vol. 27,8 (2018): 833-836. 
7. Lu, Jin et al. “Salicylic acid treats acne vulgaris by suppressing AMPK/SREBP1 pathway in sebocytes.” Experimental dermatology vol. 28,7 (2019): 786-794.
8. Li, Wen-Hwa et al. “Topical stabilized retinol treatment induces the expression of HAS genes and HA production in human skin in vitro and in vivo.” Archives of dermatological research vol. 309,4 (2017): 275-283.