In this blog post, we will discuss the benefits of both glycolic acid and salicylic acid, and explain how they differ from each other.

What is glycolic acid?

Glycolic acid is a natural organic acid that comes from sugarcane but it may also be manufactured in a laboratory. It is the most widely used Alpha Hydroxy Acid (AHA) in skincare products. Glycolic acid works by breaking down the bonds that hold dead skin cells together, which allows them to be sloughed off.

This process of exfoliation reveals newer, healthier skin cells and gives the skin a more radiant appearance. Glycolic acid also has hydrating and anti-aging properties, which make it a popular ingredient in moisturizers and serums. When used correctly, glycolic acid can help to improve the overall health and appearance of your skin.

Benefits of glycolic acid

There are many benefits to using glycolic acid, including:

Reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles
Improving skin texture
Fading dark spots and acne scars
Stimulating collagen production
Reducing pore size

If you have sensitive skin, it is important to start slowly with glycolic acid and increase the frequency of use gradually. You should also always use sunscreen when using products with glycolic acid, as it can make your skin more sensitive to the sun.

What is salicylic acid?

Salicylic acid is a Beta Hydroxy Acid (BHA) that is derived from willow bark and wintergreen leaves. It has long been used as an acne treatment, as it works by exfoliating the skin and unclogging pores.

Salicylic acid is oil-soluble, which means it can penetrate deep into the skin to clean out pores and reduce inflammation. It also has anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties, which make it an effective acne treatment.

Benefits of salicylic acid

There are many benefits to using salicylic acid, including:

Prevent and treat acne
Reducing the size of pores
Reduce hyperpigmentation
Improving skin texture
Control oily skin

Like glycolic acid, it is important to start slowly with salicylic acid if you have sensitive skin. You should also use sunscreen when using products with salicylic acid.

How do glycolic acid and salicylic acid differ?

The main difference between glycolic acid and salicylic acid is its size. Glycolic acid is a small molecule, which means it can penetrate deeper into the skin. Salicylic acid is a larger molecule, so it stays on the surface of the skin.

Glycolic acid is also an AHA, while salicylic acid is a BHA.

AHAs are water-soluble, which means they work on the surface of the skin. This makes them ideal for dry skin types. BHAs are oil-soluble, which means they can penetrate deep into the pores. This makes them ideal for oily and acne-prone skin types.

Which one is better for you?

The answer to this question depends on your skin type and your goals. If you have dry or sensitive skin, glycolic acid is a good choice. If you have oily or acne-prone skin, salicylic acid is a good choice.

Glycolic acid is a good choice if you:

Have dry or sensitive skin
Want to improve skin texture
Want to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles
Want to fade dark spots and acne scars

Salicylic acid is a good choice if you:

Have oily or acne-prone skin
Want to unclog pores
Want to reduce inflammation want to control oily skin

Products containing both glycolic acid and salicylic acid can be an effective way to treat acne and improve the overall health and appearance of your skin.

Products that contain glycolic acid or salicylic acid

Gentle Facial Wash

This foaming cleanser helps to clean deep into pores, removing dirt, oil, and dead skin cells for brighter looking skin.

Facial Hydrator

Facial Hydrator is a lightweight, hydrating, and anti-aging serum that exfoliates the skin and promotes cellular renewal.

Treatment Cream

Treatment Cream is a fast-acting skin resurfacing and wrinkle-reducing night cream. This product promotes new collagen and elastin production beneath the skin's surface while also aiding in the reduction of fine lines and wrinkles.

Sal-X Purifying Cleanser

This powerful face wash is made with 2% salicylic acid, which helps to kill germs, reduce oil production, and prevent clogging by inhibiting follicular blockage.

Serious Action Masque

For people with acne-prone or oily skin. This masque combines the well-known advantages of salicylic acid with two alpha hydroxy acids and tea tree oil, which help to treat acne deep within the pores.

Sal-X Exfoliating Cleanser

Use a combination of Salicylic Acid, Aloe Vera, and exfoliating beads to target acne at its source. Slough off layers of dead skin, remove extra oil and cleanse impurities from the pores with Sal-X Exfoliating Cleanser.

Conclusion

Glycolic acid and salicylic acid are both great for your skin, but they have different benefits. If you're not sure which acid is right for you, book a Skin Analysis & Improvement Plan to find out which product would be best for your individual needs. With the right products, you can improve the quality of your skin and look your best.

I'm a local esthetician and skincare expert in Naples, FL. I have over 20 years of experience in the industry and love helping my clients achieve their skincare goals.

Thanks for reading!

Glycolic Acid vs Salicylic Acid: What You Need to Know