Hyaluronic Acid and Salicylic Acid Together: Combined Benefits
Sometimes, your skin may require more than just one ingredient to address other concerns. But it is not as easy as it seems. You have to take care of a lot of things before trying two skincare ingredients together; you must ensure they work synergistically and provide the skin with maximum benefits without causing any damage.
In this blog, we will be discussing two very popular topical ingredients, hyaluronic acid and salicylic acid. Their individual benefits are no longer a mystery. People have been using them and reaping benefits for a long time, but are they equally good when combined? Additionally, you will have to be mindful of a few tips while using a new combination. So, let’s break it down.
What is Salicylic Acid
Salicylic acid is a very useful skincare ingredient that can be easily found in a wide range of products typically in the concentration of 0.5% to 2% in over-the-counter products including face washes, and serums, moisturisers, and lotions. It is a beta hydroxy acid or BHA which is oil soluble.
Derived from the substance found in the wintergreen leaves and willow bark, this acid can break down the bonds between skin cells and possess antimicrobial properties. It is capable of penetrating deeply into the layers of the skin and targeting your concerns. Heavily beneficial for oily skin, salicylic acid can control acne and breakouts to a good extent.
Benefits of Salicylic Acid
Using salicylic acid can offer many skin benefits, including;
- Prevents breakouts: It goes deep into your skin and sweeps the excessive sebum and dirt away making your skin clean and free from breakouts.
- Exfoliates: Exfoliation benefits the skin only if done right. Salicylic acid can do it for you.
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Clean pores: Salicylic acid is known to clear your pores intensely. Clean pores prevent the buildup on the skin's surface that can further lead to acne.
- Reduces inflammation: Inflammation can irritate the skin giving rise to itching and redness. The application of salicylic acid in discipline can calm the inflamed skin and give a soothing feeling.
What is Hyaluronic Acid
Hyaluronic acid is a naturally occurring polysaccharide in your body, including eyes, joints, and skin but you may need it topically to get more benefits. It's produced by fermenting specific kinds of microbes, and bacteria. Other common resources are rooste combs.
Hyaluronic acid has the unique ability to attract and retain moisture. It can hold up to 1,000 times its weight in water which can provide intense hydration no matter what the skin type. Celebrated for its skin hydration properties, this skincare ingredient is a humectant and is generally considered safe for all skin types.
Benefits of Hyaluronic Acid
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Moisturises: It's a proven solution for dry skin due to its ability to attract moisture. Keeps hydrated and plump.
- Anti-ageing: Helps smoothen the wrinkles by supporting collagen production in the skin.
- Helps with eczema: Inflamed and irritated skin can give rise to more skin problems. Hyaluronic acid can make a difference with consistent use.
- Heals wounds: It contributes to the natural healing process of the skin by promoting the regeneration of tissues.
Hyaluronic Acid Vs Salicylic Acid: Which is More Effective
Both acids serve different purposes and are effective depending on various factors. Your skin type, concern, and concentration matter and contribute a lot to the effectiveness of the skincare ingredient on your skin.
Hyaluronic acid is a naturally hydrating agent and has the ability to attract moisture from the environment and retain the same in the skin. It is beneficial for dry and dehydrated skin but that doesn't mean the other skin types cannot use it. All skin types need moisture.
Salicylic acid works well for oily and acne-prone skin. Being one of the most advantageous beta hydroxy acids, it exfoliates the skin and prevents clogged pores. Other skin types can use it and generally, it doesn’t impart any side effects. But consultation with your dermatologist will be a smart decision if your skin is not acne-prone and you want to use this acid.
Also Read: The Ultimate Guide to Choosing Your Face Serum
Can We Combine Them
Yes, hyaluronic acid can be used with salicylic acid. In fact, it can be one of the most potent combinations of skincare ingredients when used appropriately. If you are using salicylic acid and have faced mild irritation, hyaluronic acid can help soothe this condition while moisturising the skin's surface without any grease. However, it is advisable to consult your dermatologist before trying your hands on this combination.
Whether this pairing works well or not, depends upon various factors and results might differ from skin to skin.
How to Use Them Together
Now, when you are considering using this pairing of ingredients; you might need help finding the best way to use them to get the maximum benefits.
If someone tells you to use hyaluronic or salicylic acid first, you must not believe them. It doesn’t work like that. The sequence of application depends upon the formula of these products, and not the ingredients. According to the layering principle, you can start with the lightweight one moving toward the heavy formulation among the two.
This is because lightweight formulations absorb easily into the skin and applying them first ensures good effectiveness. However, the heavy formulation is applied later so they cannot prevent the absorption of lightweight ingredients.
Hyaluronic acid is a milf skincare ingredient that suits all types of skin, generally. So, you can use it twice daily during your morning and nighttime skincare routine to keep your skin’s surface supple and hydrated.
When it comes to salicylic acid, its usage depends upon your skin type and concern. You can start slow and see how your skin responds. If you've acne-prone and oily skin, you can begin with a salicylic acid cleanser daily. For people with dehydrated and sensitive skin, one to two times per week is generally enough. But it's best to see your dermatologist to get the perfect advice.
Skincare Products with Hyaluronic Acid and Salicylic Acid
Renew & Glow
If you’re looking for a combined product infused with both hyaluronic and salicylic acid, then Renew & Glow is for you. It's a leave-in daily exfoliating serum that targets breakouts, pigmentation, and uneven skin tone. Salicylic acid in the serum prevents enlarged pores and reduces inflammation while ultra-low-weight hyaluronic acid helps with scaling and itching, makes skin plump and replenishes it.
Moreover, it also includes some major skincare ingredients like lactic acid to exfoliate the skin and aid signs of ageing, glycolic acid to smoothen the skin's texture and improve fine lines, and alpha arbutin to promote skin brightening.
Repair Serum
Repair serum is a lightweight and silky formula with 5% salicylic acid and other actives such as 2.5% mandelic acid and 1.75% lactic acid. This intelligently blended formulation can help your skin with inflammation, pore-clogging, uneven tone and texture, and pigmentation.
Along with some barrier-repairing botanicals like Poryphra Tenera extract, Pyrus Malus fruit extract, and Chamomilla Recutita flower extract, this serum can soothe your skin and promote intense hydration.
Best Practices for Effective Results
Following these below-mentioned tips can help you get the most out of these ingredients;
- Start with the low concentration: Whether it is a hyaluronic acid or salicylic acid, start with the low concentration and notice the improvements. You must see how your skin responds to the application of these particular ingredients.
- Take a deep breath and wait: After applying one product, wait for a few minutes before using the other one. This practice will allow the former one to get absorbed into the skin well.
- Don't overuse: No matter how desperate you feel to get quick results; this is not the way. In fact, you can get side effects by overusing them.
- Moisturise your skin: After the application of your product, get your hands on any lightweight moisturiser to lock the benefits of ingredients into your skin.
- Do patch test: When you are starting with a new product or ingredient, a patch test is highly recommended to save your skin from upcoming concerns.
Key Takeaways
- When your skin suffers from more than one concern, you may feel the urge to combine two skincare ingredients to get the benefits of both and resolve your issue.
- Hyaluronic acid and salicylic acid can be mixed together and are generally considered a safe combination. However, it's best to talk to your dermatologist before trying them.
- Hyaluronic acid can make your dry and dehydrated skin supple and relaxed while salicylic acid acts on the acne, breakout, and inflammation majorly to soothe your skin.
- Go with the product with low concentration and then apply the one with higher concentration to get the effectiveness of both.