Salicylic Acid vs Hyaluronic Acid: Differences, Benefits & How To Layer Them Together

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Hyaluronic Acid (HA) is a glycosaminoglycan that is found in connective tissue all throughout the body. Polysaccharides (complex sugars) are long, unbranched carbohydrates or sugars that may bind up to 1000 times their weight in water. Glycosaminoglycans and therefore Hyaluronic acid is a polysaccharide (complex sugar). It's a humectant, which means it attracts and retains water in your skin. Despite the fact that it includes the word "acid" in its name, it nourishes and moisturizes your skin rather than exfoliating it. The main component that gives your skin structure and that plump, moisturized appearance is hyaluronic acid. Composition of Hyaluronic acid The human body produces hyaluronic acid naturally. Hyaluronic acid synthase is the enzyme that produces it. This enzyme aids the conversion of two sugars, D-glucuronic acid and N-acetyl glucosamine, into hyaluronic acid. Benefits Of Hyaluronic Acid
  • Maintains Skin Hydration: Hyaluronic Acid keeps your skin soft and radiant by keeping it hydrated.
  • Anti-Wrinkle Characteristics: Because of its capacity to hold large amounts of water, hyaluronic acid offers anti-wrinkle properties. Because of its capacity to hold large amounts of water, hyaluronic acid offers anti-wrinkle properties.
  • Healing Properties: When applied to surface wounds on the skin, hyaluronic acid has been shown to help reduce the size of the wounds as well as relieve discomfort. As a result, it possesses notable therapeutic qualities.
  • Antioxidant Properties: The antioxidant properties of hyaluronic acid contribute to the preservation of healthy skin.
  • Help With Dry Eyes: Hyaluronic acid is also used in eye drops and eye-related medication as it can help treat dry eyes.
What Is Salicylic Acid? When compared to other skincare acids, salicylic acid belongs to the beta-hydroxy acid family and has a moderate exfoliating action. When administered topically, salicylic acid is an oil-soluble exfoliant that exfoliates the skin’s superficial layers. Salicylic acid causes skin cells to shed or peel by destroying the bonds that keep them together. The skin becomes rejuvenated as it regenerates. Composition of Salicylic acid The Kolbe-Schmitt technique is used to make salicylic acid economically. To create sodium phenoxide, phenol and sodium hydroxide are combined. When phenoxide reacts with CO2, sodium salicylate is formed. Salicylic acid is formed when the salicylate is acidified. Benefits Of Salicylic Acid
  • Acne Healing Properties: The ability of salicylic acid to enter and exfoliate your pores owing to its oil-solubility is the key advantage of utilizing it for acne over other chemical exfoliants. This means it may go into your oil glands and affect how much oil is produced.
  • Helps with inflammation: Salicylic acid reduces inflammation and the skin is soothed.
  • Shields against UV rays: Salicylic acid has UV protection properties.
  • Antibacterial properties: Salicylic acid keeps germs from growing due to its acidic pH.
  • Anti-aging properties: Salicylic acid improves fine lines and wrinkles by increasing collagen production.
Why Should You Consider Using Salicylic Acid And Hyaluronic Acid Together? Despite the fact that both Hyaluronic acid and Salicylic acid are acids, they are vastly 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. Salicylic acid exfoliates while hyaluronic acid hydrates. Hyaluronic acid is suitable for all skin types and skin conditions. Salicylic acid, on the other hand, maybe too drying for dry skin types and conditions, as well as too irritating for sensitive skin. And that’s why Hyaluronic acid can do the magic! Hyaluronic acid can help lessen any irritation produced by salicylic acid by pulling water into your skin and keeping it moisturized. It’s also wonderful for moisturizing oily, acne-prone skin types without leaving it feeling greasy. How to Use Salicylic Acid And Hyaluronic Acid Together? There are also several skincare products that mix the ingredients in a single multi-active serum for you. Salicylic acid is typically safe to use on a regular basis if it’s in a cleanser or a multi-ingredient product. Otherwise, it’s suggested to limit your use to 1-3 times per week to avoid over-exfoliation and skin barrier damage. Hyaluronic acid, on the other hand, maybe taken twice a day without any problems. Things To Keep In Mind While Using This Combination One difficulty with combining hyaluronic acid and salicylic acid is how each chemical should be utilized optimally. Salicylic acid is best applied to dry skin, whereas hyaluronic acid is best applied to damp skin and then sealed in with a thicker moisturizer/occlusive. Damp skin is more porous, allowing skincare components to enter the skin’s barrier more easily. This is fantastic news for hyaluronic acid, as it indicates that it will be more effective. Increased efficacy, however, comes with a higher risk of irritation, which is why salicylic acid, a known irritant, should not be applied on moist skin. To deal with the issue of moist and dry skin, you can take a look at the following tips:
  • If your skin isn’t easily irritated, after cleaning, apply hyaluronic acid to damp skin, then apply salicylic acid, and finish with a moisturizer.
  • If you’re using a salicylic acid toner, you may apply it to your dry face, then dampen your skin with a facial mist before applying your hyaluronic acid and finishing with a moisturizer.
  • If you have sensitive skin, seek a salicylic acid moisturizer and use it after a hyaluronic acid serum.
  • You might use a product that has both of these elements in it.
  • After your moisturizer, apply a salicylic acid serum to ‘buffer’ the salicylic acid and lessen the chance of skin irritation.
  • Always layer your face with high-quality sunscreen for your morning skincare routine.
Deconstruct’s Range Of Products With Salicylic Acid and Hyaluronic Acid
  • Deconstruct’s Hyaluronic Acid Hydrating Face Wash with 0.5% Amino Acids + 0.1% Hyaluronic acid, great for pH balance. The amino acid with hyaluronic acid blend envelopes skin in a unique non-stripping soothing gel formula for calm and balanced skin.
  • Salicylic Acid Oil Control Face Wash with 0.5% Salicylic acid + 1% Niacinamide – Salicylic acid and Niacinamide work together to unclog pores, control sebum production, and prevent comedones. This light yet effective gel salicylic acid face wash removes dirt and impurities, cleanse pores, reduces blackheads, and reveals softer skin.
  • Deconstruct Hydrating serum with 2% Hyaluronic Acid + 1% Niacinamide This unique serum combines two of the best ingredients for dry skin. With 2% Hyaluronic Acid and 1% Niacinamide, the serum has a mild formula that will be well tolerated by all skin types alike. It hydrates while repairing the skin barrier.
  • Deconstruct Exfoliating Serum with 18% AHA + 2% BHA (Salicylic Acid) This unique exfoliating serum with a potent combination of 18% AHA and 2% BHA can help tackle multiple skin concerns. The AHA exfoliates the dead skin cells away leaving behind a bright complexion, while the BHA unclogs the pores and purifies the skin deeply. This serum incorporates the benefits of both Glycolic acid and Salicylic acid!
  • Deconstruct NMF Hydrating Moisturizer– NMF skin cream is a lightweight daily gel moisturizer that hydrates, nourishes, and calms skin. Enriched with Natural Moisturizing Factor Complex (NMF) that mimics the skin’s natural NMF, helps to maintain adequate hydration in the barrier, without giving the oily feel and strengthens the skin barrier.
Conclusion When it comes to utilizing salicylic acid, it’s important to remember that this popular BHA has a number of drying negative effects. The differing levels of salicylic acid present in various products will determine which product you will use, which will then determine when you will use hyaluronic acid in your regimen. Following salicylic acid with hyaluronic acid can help to address dryness and irritation while also 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 additional damage caused by free radicals and other environmental aggressors. FAQs
  • Can I Use Hyaluronic Acid and Salicylic Acid Together? Hyaluronic acid and salicylic acid may undoubtedly be used together. In fact, hyaluronic acid can help minimize the irritation associated with salicylic acid while also moisturizing oily skin without leaving a greasy one behind.
  • Can people with dry skin use salicylic acid?Well, Salicylic acid can be a bit harsh for dry skin, also Salicylic acid is meant for oil control and treating acne but it has other benefits too. People with dry skin can use Salicylic acid but on one condition- they need a lot of hydration. Hyaluronic acid can help here!
  • How to layer Salicylic acid and Hyaluronic acid? If your skin isn’t easily irritated, after cleaning, apply hyaluronic acid to damp skin, then apply salicylic acid, and finish with a moisturizer. If you’re using a salicylic acid toner, you may apply it to your dry face, then dampen your skin with a facial mist before applying your hyaluronic acid and finishing with a moisturizer. If you have sensitive skin, seek a salicylic acid moisturizer and use it after a hyaluronic acid serum
  • What other OTC acne treatment can I use instead of Salicylic acid? Benzoyl Peroxide is a popular over-the-counter treatment for acne apart from Salicylic acid.