Salicylic Acid vs Salicylic Acid? These two acids mentioned in this post are popular options for gentle chemical peels, but which one is better for a chemical peel?
In this comparison, we present what they are, their benefits and what differs from one another.
General overview:
Both acids are acids derived from sugar plants
– Glycolic acid, a sugar cane derivative.
—Salicylic acid from willow bark.
These two acids are widely used in skincare products. They are also found in many over the counter (OTC) products, including facial cleansers, serums, and toners.
Even though both exfoliate your skin and fight acne, they have unique characteristics and benefits that set them apart from each other.
Let’s explore them! 🙂
Glycolic Acid
The latter is a component of AHA acid.
AHAs (Alpha-hydroxy acids) are plant- and animal-derived acids used in skincare products. Among them are daily anti-ageing products such as serums, toners, and creams, as well as occasional concentrated treatments like chemical peels.
In the skincare industry, there are seven types of AHAs most used in products. Among them are:
- citric acid (from citrus fruits)
- glycolic acid (from sugar cane)
- hydroxy caproic acid (from royal jelly)
- hydroxy caprylic acid (from animals)
- lactic acid (from lactose or other carbohydrates)
- malic acid (from fruits)
- tartaric acid (from grapes)
Glycolic and lactic acids are the most promising among all AHAs. Both are less likely to cause irritation. It is for this reason that most over-the-counter (OTC) AHAs contain glycolic or lactic acids.
As the strongest of the alpha hydroxy acids, glycolic acid is the most popular AHA for anti-ageing because it produces great results when used properly.
Also, glycolic acid is widely used for reducing the appearance of wrinkles, hyperpigmentation, dryness, and acne.
Let’s now explore a few of the benefits in more detail:
First and foremost:
*Exfoliate the skin:
The treatment reduces fine lines and wrinkles, fades hyperpigmentation, and clears acne.
*Hydrates your skin
AHA BENEFIT
In addition to exfoliating, glycolic acid hydrates dry skin. Chemically, glycolic acid acts as a humectant, attracting water molecules to itself. This allows it to replenish the skin with moisture. Thus, it moisturizes and prevents the onset of new wrinkles by drawing moisture to freshly exfoliated skin.
This pretty much ties into the next benefit
*Reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles
AHA BENEFIT
In addition to reducing fine lines and wrinkles, glycolic acid exfoliates the top layers of skin. Exfoliation accelerates skin cell rejuvenation, which increases collagen production and the skin’s natural ability to retain hydration (two key properties for preventing and reducing wrinkles and fine lines).
It is important to note that glycolic acid (like all other ingredients for fine lines and wrinkles) does not remove fine lines or wrinkles, but rather reduces their appearance. Take heed of any marketing that promises to “remove” or “erase” fine lines and wrinkles.
*Hyperpigmentation diminishes
AHA BENEFIT
You can use glycolic acid to fade mild hyperpigmentation like dark spots, age spots, freckles, and melasma. Additionally, glycolic acid has been studied as a treatment for acne scars.
*Contains anti-acne properties
EXFOLIATES & UNCLOGS PORES
By exfoliating dead skin cells, glycolic acid fights acne by preventing breakouts.
*Enhances penetration of ingredients
AHA BENEFIT
Glycolic acid, from the standpoint of a practical approach to chemical peels, is the gold standard for the removal of surface dead skin cells. In addition to accelerating skin cell renewal, glycolic acid exfoliation allows other skincare ingredients to penetrate deeper.
Dr Kenneth Howe, M.D., a dermatologist at Union Derm in New York City, says glycolic has the simplest structure and lowest molecular weight of the AHAs.
Because it has a small molecular weight, it can penetrate the skin easily, says Alix Shapiro, a skin therapist at Heyday in NYC.
In addition to increasing penetration, glycolic acid enhances the effectiveness of other skincare ingredients.
*Enhances and smoothes skin
AHA BENEFIT
Known as the holy grail of exfoliation, glycolic acid’s little molecules penetrate deeply to break down the bonds between dead skin cells. The skin becomes brighter, softer, and smoother after using glycolic acid.
What should be considered?
Despite its benefits, glycolic acid is not suitable for everyone. Glycolic acid may cause slight stinging, redness, and burning until your skin adjusts to it. In fact, it can irritate skin with dry, sensitive characteristics, regardless of whether it’s a topical product, a home-use peeling pad, or an office-based peel. It works best on normal, combination, and oily skin types.
If your skin is sensitive, lactic acid is an excellent alternative to glycolic acid.
To learn more about the risks, click here –> Dangers of glycolic acid
Salicylic Acid
Salicylic Acid is a BHA or a Beta Hydroxy Acid made from willow bark. Salicylic Acid is oil soluble. This allows it to penetrate deeper and easier than AHAs.
BHAs are also known as:
· Salicylic acid (or related ingredients, like willow extract)
· Beta hydroxy butanoic acid
· Tropic acid
· Trethocanic acid
Salicylic acid is popular exfoliate used to remove dead skin cells, clear up acne, and clear the skin.
Main benefit:
First off, salicylic acid is an effective exfoliate.
Moreover, the ability of salicylic acid to penetrate the follicle makes it an especially effective acne treatment. As a result, it helps keep pores clear by encouraging the shedding of dead skin cells. Maintaining clear pores is the first step in controlling blemishes. Most effective against non-inflamed breakouts and blackheads.
Dermatologist Dendy Engelman, M.D., calls this ingredient “acne’s biggest enemy.” It targets blackheads and whiteheads, dissolves pore-clogging debris, and reduces the redness of acne.
There are also other benefits to salicylic acid. The acid reduces oil and inflammation.
Because salicylic acid is such a strong ingredient, you don’t really need to go beyond the 2% limit unless you have severe acne.
Risks and what to consider
Salicylic Acid is the most effective chemical exfoliant for oily skin or for treating blackheads and whiteheads. Hence, it may not be the ideal choice for people with sensitive or dry skin due to its tendency to dry out and irritate the skin. Salicylic Acid works better if you have acne since it reduces sebum production on the skin.
Some would suggest that alternative approaches would be lactic and glycolic acids, which would be beneficial for sensitive and dry skin, while salicylic acid would be best for oily or acne-prone skin.
Related:
*Salicylic acid and lactic acid together? Is that possible?
Differences: Salicylic Acid (BHA) vs Glycolic Acid (AHA)
There is a common misconception that Salicylic Acid – BHAs and Glycolic Acid-AHAs are the same thing. Even though they are both exfoliating acids, there are several key differences:
Glycolic acid, which derives from AHAs, is more water-soluble, stays on top of the skin, and does not penetrate as deeply as BHAs. Salicylic Acid -BHA has oil-soluble properties, loves oily skin, and penetrates deeper,” Cummings says.
AHAs are more commonly recommended for dry skin, while BHAs are for oily skin.
In addition, it is said that AHAs and BHAs have anti-ageing effects, such as improving the texture of the skin and smoothing fine lines. Putting either ingredient on your skin also has the potential to make you more sensitive to the sun.
For instance, while using salicylic acid, you should wear sunscreen as your skin will be more sensitive to UV rays.
It is important to note that BHAs do not make your skin as sensitive to the sun as AHAs do, but you should still wear sunscreen every day. The sun damage can be prevented in this way.
However, a lot depends on both the skin type and the concentration of BHA in a product.
If a product has an AHA concentration of 10% or less, and a BHA concentration of 1% to 2%, it may be less risky. Basically, the lower the concentration, the safer it is.
What is the best option?
It is preferable to opt for an AHA, such as Lactic Acid or Glycolic Acid if you have dry skin. You’ll probably just dry out more with Salicylic Acid, and your skin will be irritated.
The effectiveness of salicylic acid for treating dry skin varies depending on many factors, including whether there are better ingredients that may benefit you rather than salicylic acid. You may opt for an AHA and perhaps a BHA with the lowest concentration possible if you are just getting started. Check out: AHA 30 BHA 2 Peeling Solution vs Lactic Acid! 😉
To conclude, with one for every skin type and concern, acids are becoming a popular component in skincare. Both acids are potent and effective formulas that can dramatically change one’s appearance. It is worth noting, however, that neither of these two acids is ideal for people with dry or sensitive skin due to their strength. Its best option would be to go for lactic acid.
