Regarding acne-fighting skincare products, we see two main types of acid that we see regularly: Glycolic Acid Vs Salicylic Acid. While they have similar properties, they work in very different ways to treat the skin.
At face value, these two acids seem almost identical. Both are derivatives of propane-glycerol and can be found naturally in plants like birch trees and blueberries. However, when it comes to their effects on the skin, they’re as different as night and day.
Check a Similar Article: How To Prevent Acne And Get Flawless Skin
Table of Contents
Glycolic Acid Vs Salicylic Acid
We’ll explore the similarities and differences between glycolic and salicylic acid and how they affect your daily routine.
What Is Glycolic Acid?
Glycolic acid is a naturally-derived alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA). It’s commonly used to treat mild acne and other skin conditions. Glycolic acid is made naturally by the skin-dwelling bacteria Porphyridium Cruciform. This bacteria produces glycolic acid to help the skin defend itself from bugs like the ones that could plague your face in summer. Glycolic acid is also found in apple cider vinegar, birch trees, blueberries, coffee, sugar cane, and many other plants and foods.
Recommended Glycolic Acid Serums:
Pacifica Beauty, Glow Baby Booster Serum For Face, Vitamin C and Glycolic acid
This product is a concentrated serum that improves the skin in three ways. It moisturizes, relieves the face of any dryness, and it helps give your face back its youthful glow. It is made with all-natural ingredients. This product isn’t just for day use but can also be used at night and reapplied whenever your skin needs some hydration. Brought to you by Pacifica Beauty, Glow Baby Booster Serum For Face, Vitamin C, and Glycolic Acid provide great results without any harmful side effects.
Alpha Skin Care Intensive Renewal Serum
Alpha Skin Care Intensive Renewal Serum is an anti-aging serum that reduces the appearance of lines, wrinkles, and dark spots caused by aging and sun exposure using skin-renewing peptides. This four-step intensive routine – cleanse, renew, moisturize and protect – is clinically proven to be effective in reducing underlying skin damage.
Glycolic Acid 50% Gel Peel is perfect for reducing the visibility of fine lines and wrinkles. They use potent extracts such as Green Tea, Cucumber, and Chamomile to provide a rich blend that gently peels away dead skin cells and reveals softer, brighter, smoother skin. Glycolic acid peel is safe for most skin types, but it is recommended to try Level 1, glycolic 30% gel peel, before using Level 2.
What Is Salicylic Acid?
The main ingredient in the over-the-counter acne treatment is BHA (Beta-hydroxy acid, also known as salicylic acid. Salicylic acid is a derivative of the fatty acid salicylate (naturally found in willow bark). Salicylic acid is an oil-soluble BHA with antibiotic, anti-inflammatory, anti-fungal, and antiseptic properties. It can also reduce oil production on the skin, which is why it’s often used to treat acne. Salicylic acid can be found in willow, wintergreen, and meadowsweet.
Recommended Salicylic Acid Serums:
L’Oreal Paris Revitalift 12% Pure Vitamin C Serum
The newest L’Oreal Paris Revitalift Derm Intensives Vitamin C + E + Salicylic Acid Serum delivers pure vitamin C serum power to your skin. This formula contains the purest form of nourishing Vitamin C, synergizing Pure Vitamin E and Salicylic acid to neutralize free radicals and combat early signs of aging.
La Roche-Posay Pure Vitamin C Face Serum with Salicylic Acid
La Roche Posay Anti Aging Serum is a 10% Pure Vitamin C and Salicylic Acid serum. It reduces wrinkles and skin texture and boosts radiance while reducing the look of dark spots and pores. Its fragrance-free formula leaves your skin feeling hydrated and looking healthier.
Nip + Fab Salicylic Acid Concentrate Extreme 2% BHA Liquid Drops for Face
Fast-acting and easy to incorporate into your routine, Nip + Fab Salicylic Fix 2% BHA liquid drops for the face is a must-have addition to any skincare regime. Use as a toner, treatment, or mask to improve the appearance of enlarged pores and skin imperfections or as part of your regular cleansing routine.
The Benefits Of Glycolic Acid
Glycolic acid is a mild alpha-hydroxy acid AHA that’s commonly used in the treatment of acne. A lot of people also use it to lighten their skin.
In addition, glycolic acid is a great exfoliator. Just like salicylic acid, it has anti-pimple properties. However, it’s way more mild and gentle on the skin.
Because glycolic acid is so soft and low-irritating, it’s a great acid to use if you have sensitive skin or are prone to rosacea (a red face).
Glycolic acid is also an excellent moisturizer. So when used with salicylic acid, you get a double whammy of exfoliating and hydrating benefits.
The Benefits Of Salicylic Acid
Salicylic acid is a BHA commonly used to treat acne and other skin conditions. It’s an effective anti-inflammatory and anti-pimple agent.
Its anti-inflammatory properties make it an excellent option for acne since acne is often caused by an excess of bacteria on your skin.
Salicylic acid cuts off these p.m.a. (pimple-causing agents) while leaving the skin’s natural oils alone. It’s also a great moisturizer.
It is one of the most well-known acne-fighting agents. It’s been around for a long time and is often used to treat acne scars and wrinkles.
Which Is Better For Acne?
Glycolic acid is an effective acne-fighter to treat acne and hyperpigmentation (dark spots). On the other hand, salicylic acid is excellent for treating acne.
However, it’s also an excellent anti-pimple agent (pimples are often caused by excess sebum on your skin).
You can use glycolic acid to treat acne and brighten your skin simultaneously. For example, you can pop a glycolic acid mask on your skin while you wash your face with a salicylic acid cleanser.
Which Is Better For A Chemical Peel?
Before you decide which kind of chemical peel is right for you, consider the following:
What Are Your Goals?
For example, glycolic acid might be a better choice for you if you want to gain the overall appearance of your skin since glycolic acid peels can reduce fine lines, wrinkles, and age spots. On the other hand, salicylic acid may be a better choice if you’re struggling with acne. This is because salicylic acid peels can help to unclog pores and prevent breakouts.
Consider Your Skin Type
Glycolic acid peels are generally safe for all skin types. However, sensitive skin may want to start with a lower-concentration formula. Salicylic acid peels are also safe for all skin types, but those with sensitive skin may experience some irritation.
Think About Your Budget
Finally, Glycolic acid peels are more expensive than salicylic peels. However, both types of peels offer great results, which ultimately comes down to personal preference.
When Should You Use Glycolic Acid?
Glycolic acid is derived from sugar cane. It is the smallest molecule of all the AHAs, which makes it able to penetrate the skin more deeply than other AHAs. As a result, glycolic acid exfoliates the top layer of skin cells, revealing brighter, smoother skin. It can also help to decrease the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
Salicylic acid is derived from willow bark. It dissolves the bonds between dead skin cells, allowing them to be shed from the skin’s surface. This exfoliation process can help to unclog deeply embedded hardened blackheads and sebaceous pores and reduce inflammation. Salicylic acid is often used to treat acne, as it can help to reduce sebum production and prevent future breakouts.
So, when should you use glycolic acid? If you’re looking for a product that will give you brighter, smoother skin, then glycolic acid is a good choice. On the other hand, salicylic acid may be a better option for you if you’re prone to breakouts, as it can help keep pores clear and reduce sebum production.
When Should You Use Salicylic Acid?
If you have oily or acne-prone skin, using a product with salicylic acid daily or weekly can help control breakouts. You can also use it as a spot treatment for pimples that have already popped up.
For dry or sensitive skin, you may want to avoid using products with salicylic acid regularly. Instead, opt for glycolic acid-based products or use salicylic acid only once in a while as needed.
Side Effects Of Using Acids For Acne Treatment
Acids like glycolic and salicylic can cause serious side effects when used to treat acne. They can cause hyperpigmentation (dark spots) and long-term damage to the skin. Therefore, long-term use of these acids is not recommended.
Both can be harsh and irritating to the skin if used too often or too heavily. You should also be careful when using acids if you have sensitive skin or acne rosacea.
If you’re considering using acid for the first time, you should probably wait and let your skin adjust to the new products first.
It’s preferred to try using a milder option, like aloe vera gel, as a moisturizer during the break-in period.
Summary
Glycolic acid is a mild and effective exfoliator. It’s also a great moisturizer if you have dry skin. Salicylic acid is an effective anti-pimple agent and an excellent moisturizer. However, both have potential side effects when used on the skin too often or heavily, and it’s best to wait before using them to treat acne.
FAQ
How To Use Glycolic Acid?
To use glycolic acid, you can apply it to your face with a cotton pad or brush. You should leave it on for 10 minutes before rinsing it with water.
How To Use Salicylic Acid?
To use salicylic acid, you can apply it directly to problem areas on your face or add it to your regular cleanser. You should leave it on for 10 minutes before rinsing.
