What is Retinol?
A derivative of vitamin A, Retinol belongs to the retinoids family. Because of certain enzymes found in the skin, this chemical will convert to retinoic acid when applied topically. Retinols and retinoids include the active ingredient retinoic acid, which is responsible for boosting cell turnover. Because it is a stronger version of retinol, it can be harsher than retinol products when administered topically.
Retinol can give your skin a softer, smoother, and more radiant appearance. It will assist in the reduction of fine lines and wrinkles while also increasing collagen production.
What is Salicylic Acid?
Salicylic acid is the sole beta hydroxy acid (BHA) utilized in skin care products, and it’s an FDA-approved ingredient for the topical treatment of acne. Salicylic acid is well known for its ability to deep clean excess oil out of pores and reduce oil production in the future, making it ideal for oily skin. By keeping pores clean and unclogged, salicylic acid inhibits the growth of future whiteheads and blackheads. Salicylic acid acts as an exfoliating serum and exfoliates dead skin and has anti-inflammatory qualities, making it ideal for psoriasis sufferers. Salicylic acid is found naturally in willow bark, sweet birch bark, and wintergreen leaves, but it is also utilized in skin care products in synthetic form.
What does Salicylic Acid and Retinol do?
- Salicylic acid works by boosting skin hydration and dissolving the component that enables skin cells to cling together. This facilitates the removal of skin cells.
- Salicylic acid is commonly used as an acne spot treatment, but it may also be found in a variety of other products such as cleansers, toners, serums, and peels, all of which can be useful to the skin in their own right.
- When applied to the skin, salicylic acid may help the skin shed dead cells from the top layer and minimize redness and swelling (inflammation). The number of pimples that form is reduced, and the healing process is accelerated.
- Retinol is available in liquid serums, gels, creams, and emollients, among other forms. It can be applied topically to reap the many benefits it can give to one’s skin’s health. Retinol works by diffusing over the cell membrane and connecting to receptors on the nucleus, where it acts like a gene to stimulate cell development, according to a study.
- Retinol is a chemical that improves the texture, dyspigmentation, dryness, and fine wrinkles of the skin. The optimal concentration for balancing skin irritation and efficacy is still unknown. Retinol is found in skincare products and cosmetics.
How to use Salicylic Acid and Retinol together?
- When combining two powerful acne-fighting substances like salicylic Acid and Retinol, it’s best to proceed with caution as they can cause dry skin.
- Traditional retinol formulations are notoriously fragile, breaking down when exposed to light. They also don’t mix well with Salicylic Acid since the combined effect can be too harsh on the skin (think redness, dryness and flaking). If you’re using Retinol at night, most skin experts advocate utilizing acids solely during the day to avoid this problem.
- If you go this path, make sure you don’t use them at the same time. In the morning, apply Salicylic Acid, and at night, apply Retinol. For those with more sensitive skin, alternate days of treatment may be necessary, or reduce Salicylic Acid use to once a week or as needed.
Benefits of using Salicylic Acid and retinol in separate routine
Although the effects of salicylic acid and Retinol combination are likely to be similar to those of glycolic acid and retinol, there isn’t much study on it.
- Enhances the appearance of wrinkles, fine lines, and hyperpigmentation without irritating the skin: Using a salicylic acid cleanser followed by a retinol serum improves the appearance of wrinkles, fine lines, and hyperpigmentation without irritating the skin.
- Improves skin texture: Using retinol after salicylic acid serum improves skin texture and reduces photoaging symptoms.
Things to keep in mind while using the combination of salicylic acid and Retinol
Begin small when using Retinol and salicylic acid together
Use the least retinol concentration you can find and gradually increase the dose. Smaller doses take longer to take effect, but they are less irritating. After all, you won’t see faster improvements if you have to stop treatments because you’ve severely harmed your skin.Use salicylic acid and retinol on alternating nights
One can use salicylic acid on one night and retinol on the next night. Rinse, lather, and repeat. This manner, you can reap all of the benefits while avoiding the annoyance.Conclusion
Both salicylic acid and Retinol fight acne by accelerating the skin’s natural exfoliation process. Salicylic acid takes it a step further by penetrating deep into your pores and unclogging them from the inside out.Use salicylic acid serum and Retinol serum on alternate nights if you wish to incorporate both into your skincare routine. To cure breakouts and help minimize the look of skin aging without causing irritation, use Retinol and Salicylic Acid in separate routines. When utilizing a leave-on treatment, however, proceed with caution.
FAQs
1.WHY IS IT ADVISED AGAINST COMBINING SALICYLIC ACID WITH RETINOL?
When used together, retinol serum and salicylic acid serum might be irritating.
2.IS IT POSSIBLE TO GET RID OF ACNE WITH SALICYLIC ACID AND RETINOL?
If you’re fighting acne and aging skin at the same time, salicylic acid and retinol should definitely be on your radar. While employing one or the other in isolation will yield results, combining the two will yield the best outcomes.
