A consistent thoughtfully chosen skincare routine can help maintain glowing and healthy skin. But to do this, you have to understand how products work, and which ones are safe to use together.
Both salicylic acid and/or vitamin C are staple ingredients in many skincare routines. But, are they safe to combine? In this article, we’ll discuss the uses and benefits of these two key ingredients, and how they can be used safely in your skincare routine.
Understanding Salicylic Acid and Vitamin C
Salicylic acid and vitamin C have been shown to be effective over-the-counter ingredients, especially when they’re used regularly. Each ingredient addresses different skin concerns. Salycylic Acid can benefit acne-prone skin. Vitamin C is a powerful antiaging ingredient.
What Is Salicylic Acid? Benefits for Acne-Prone Skin
Salicylic acid is a beta hydroxy acid (BHA). This oil-soluble chemical exfoliant works by breaking down the bonds that hold dead skin cells together. Unlike physical exfoliants, such as scrubs, which aggressively rip dead cells from the skin, chemical exfoliants gently loosen these cells, allowing them to naturally shed over time for a more uniform and gentle exfoliation.
- Oily, acne-prone skin types
- Penetrates deep into pores to help unclog them
- Increases cell turnover
- Antiflammatory and antibacterial properties
The Role of Vitamin C in Skincare: Brightening and Fighting Free Radicals
Vitamin C, also known as ascorbic acid, is a workhorse! It is a strong antioxidant that helps the damaging effects of free radicals that usually come from harsh environments. It stimulates collagen production which can help soften fine lines. Also, it can help reduce the appearance of blemishes and hyperpigmentation.
Can You Use Salicylic Acid and Vitamin C Together?
Yes, you can use both salicylic acid and vitamin C in your skincare regimen, but we recommend separating them if you have sensitive skin.
It’s recommended to use Vitamin C in the AM. Vitamin C works as a second line of defense against the damaging effects of the sun. It reduces the amount of damaging free radical formation caused by prolonged sun exposure. However, Vitamin C is NOT a sunscreen! You still need to consistently use sunscreen as your first line of defense.
Salicylic Acid can be used morning or night as tolerated.
The Science Behind Combining Beta Hydroxy Acid and Vitamin C
Using beta hydroxy acids in combination with vitamin C can improve both the appearance and texture of your skin over time. Beta hydroxy acids (BHAs) like salicylic acid have exfoliating properties. They create a slightly acidic environment on the surface of the skin. This allows products that contain vitamin C to work better and penetrate deeper layers of the skin. Leaving you with a healthy glow.
Potential Side Effects and How to Avoid Them
While these two ingredients work together perfectly, if used incorrectly they can cause problems to the skin. Here are a few signs you’re experiencing possible side effects:
- Irritation
- Redness
- Itchiness
- Skin inflammation
To avoid these side effects, use one in your nighttime routine and incorporate the other into your morning routine. Remember to always use sunscreen because these products can increase skin sensitivity.
Creating a Routine with Salicylic Acid and Vitamin C
Salicylic acid and vitamin C work wonders when they’re used, however, to get the best results you’ll need to carefully curate your skincare routine according to your skin's needs.
Where Do They Go in Your Routine? Morning vs. Night Use
Deciding when to use one and when not to use the other can be a little confusing. It’s safer to use your vitamin C in the morning. This is because it’s packed with a lot of antioxidants that can protect your skin from the toxins in your environment (especially from air pollution). However, salicylic acid should be applied before bed. It has exfoliating properties and you shouldn’t expose your skin to harsh UV lights immediately after using it.
Tips for Different Skin Types: Sensitive, Dry, and Blemish-Prone Skin
Every skin type is unique and what works for one person might not work for the other, so it is important that you know your skin type before creating a skincare routine. Here are a few tips for different skin types:
- Sensitive skin: Sensitive skin should avoid harsh products and highly scented products and keep the skin moisturized.
- Dry skin: People with dry skin should regularly use lukewarm water, avoid scrubbing their skin and pat dry it instead. Incorporate cream-based moisturizers.
- Blemish-prone skin: If you have blemish-prone skin, you should avoid oily products that can clog your pores. You should also avoid popping your pimples. Products with salicylic acids should be added to your skincare routine.
The Role of Supporting Ingredients Like Hyaluronic Acid
Hyaluronic Acid when applied to the skin helps it to retain water, reduce fine lines, and smoothen wrinkles. It also helps to increase elasticity.
What to Avoid When Using Salicylic Acid and Vitamin C
It’s important to know what products to avoid when using these two ingredients especially if you have more than a 3-step skin routine that involves layering different products.
Ingredients That May Interfere with Effectiveness
A few ingredients interact with salicylic acid and vitamin C and can reduce its potency. To mention a few:
- Retinol
- Niacinamide
- Benzoyl Peroxide
- Hydroquinone
- Glycolic Acid
Consult a dermatologist to get a better understanding of ingredients that are safe to be paired.
How to Maintain Your Skin’s Natural Balance
There are several ways to maintain and restore your skin's natural balance. Here are a few tips:
- Stay hydrated.
- Balance your pH level (you can use a toner for your face).
- Reduce the number of times you exfoliate.
- Apply sunscreen.
- Eat a balanced diet
- Get adequate sleep.
Benefits of Incorporating Both Ingredients
Incorporating these ingredients can create a synergistic effect that can transform your skin for the better. You should use them when you want to even out your complexion and smoothen fine lines and wrinkles.
Reducing Dark Spots and Hyperpigmentation
By using both products you can easily get rid of dark spots and hyperpigmentation because salicylic acid's exfoliating properties will help the vitamin C penetrate deeper into the skin.
Exfoliation and Smoothing Fine Lines and Wrinkles
Because vitamin C has antioxidant properties it allows the salicylic acid to be more effective. Adding vitamin C to your routine will help smoothen your fine lines and reduce wrinkles.
Looking to Improve Your Skin Health? Work with a Piction Dermatologist
Are you battling with acne or you’re unhappy with your skin complexion? Have you tried a series of skincare treatments that all yielded no results? Contact a Piction dermatologist today and let them take you through a custom treatment plan for your skin condition. At Piction Health, a board-certified dermatologist is ready to understand your experiences and recommend a tailored skincare routine to achieve your desired skin health. Sign up with us today and immediately get assigned to a board-certified dermatologist right away.
