Two most popular ingredients in skincare, salicylic acid and hyaluronic acid, has various advantages for the skin. While hyaluronic acid acts as a humectant to help the face retain moisture, salicylic acid is a beta hydroxy acid that helps exfoliate the skin and eliminate dead cells. Cleansers, toners, serums, and moisturizers are just a few skincare products that frequently contain these two potent components. But you might be curious as to whether you can combine salicylic acid and hyaluronic acid. Learn how to combine these two elements in your routine by reading the rest of this blog.

What is Hyaluronic Acid?

Hyaluronic acid is not an acid, despite the fact that it contains acid. Our bodies naturally produce hyaluronic acid, a sugar molecule, to moisturize our skin, joints, and eyes. [1]

As a humectant, hyaluronic acid draws in water and aids in the maintenance of hydration in the skin. Being able to hold up to 1000 times its weight in water, it is a very potent hydrating substance.

Hyaluronic acid produces a plump, moisturized, and youthful appearance quickly when applied topically. It has a short-lived plumping action that helps reduce pores, fine lines, and wrinkles.

Because of its amazing skin benefits, it may be found in the majority of skincare products, including toners and moisturizers. Hyaluronic acid may hydrate thoroughly, smooth and plump skin, and encourage the synthesis of collagen, all of which helps maintain a healthy and robust skin barrier.

Benefits of Hyaluronic Acid

While hyaluronic acid has many wonderful advantages, its main advantage is that it keeps the skin moisturized. Even if it doesn't have as many advantages as niacinamide, it's still a fantastic ingredient for skincare that everyone may use. Hyaluronic acid truly shines in these situations: [2]

• Hydration: As was already discussed, HA may keep skin moisturized by retaining a lot of water. This promotes skin hydration and stops transepidermal water loss.

• Wound Heals: Hyaluronic acid has been discovered to help speed up the healing of wounds, including cuts and acne. It accomplishes this by reducing skin irritation levels and encouraging tissue healing.

• Smooths texture: According to a study, topical HA considerably improved the rough texture of skin.

• Anti-Wrinkle: Hyaluronic acid helps to prevent wrinkles and fine lines by plumping the skin.

• Encourages collagen synthesis: HA is also involved in the creation of collagen, which over time can help lessen wrinkles and sagging skin and promote firmness and elasticity.

• Helps Acne: It has been discovered that HA's anti-inflammatory qualities may help acne indirectly.

• Strengthen the skin barrier: HA aids in maintaining the skin's strong defenses against viruses and irritants while shielding the skin from harm.

What is Salicylic Acid?

A type of beta hydroxy acid (BHA) called salicylic acid is made from the bark of willow trees. It has been used as an anti-inflammatory and painkiller for ages. Acetylsalicylic acid, the active component of aspirin, is a synthesised version of salicylic acid.

It's one of the ingredients used most frequently in both over-the-counter and prescription acne treatment products.

The "glue" that holds dead skin cells together is dissolved by salicylic acid, which is how it works. This procedure helps to clear blocked pores and stops the growth of new ones. Additionally, it has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties that may help to lessen acne-related inflammation and swelling.

Its ability to cut through all of your skin's oils and reach deeper into your pores to clear up and prevent acne is what makes it such an incredible ingredient for acne and oily skin.

Salicylic acid can assist in reducing blackheads, controlling oil production, unclogging pores, and dissolving dead skin cells. BHAs are better at treating acne than glycolic or other AHAs because they can clean the pore from the inside out.

Benefits Of Salicylic Acid

• Anti-Acne: Salicylic acid, which is used to treat active acne, has anti-inflammatory properties that can reduce the swelling and speed up the healing of acne pimples.

• Acne prevention: By killing the bacteria that cause acne, regulating oil production, and unclogging pores, BHA not only treats existing acne but also works to stop the development of fresh outbreaks. Considering that it is a comedolytic agent, it prevents comedolytic acne, such as blackheads or closed comedones.

• Smoother Skin: Skin is made smoother by salicylic acid, a keratolytic agent that can remove the top layer of dead skin. This can aid in removing stubborn closed comedones and improving the texture of rough skin.

• Balance Oil Production: Salicylic acid is renowned for its capacity to help balance and regulate oil production, which results in a reduction in oil production. It accomplishes this by controlling sebocytes, which are the cells responsible for producing sebum on your skin.

• Reduces pores: Salicylic acid aids in maintaining pore clarity, which makes pores appear smaller.

Salicylic Acid and Hyaluronic Acid

Now, as we all know about the great benefits of salicylic acid and hyaluronic acid, you're definitely wanting to add both of these substances into your beauty routine pronto. Now let's know, can salicylic acid and hyaluronic acid be used together? How do you layer them? Let's dive in and find out how to use both of these components together in your routine.

Can we use Salicylic Acid and Hyaluronic Acid together?

You can definitely use both. Salicylic acid and hyaluronic acid are great chemicals that can give a plethora of advantages for the skin but can they be used together? The answer is yes! In fact, these two substances compliment each other well.

Salicylic acid helps to clean out pores and fight acne while hyaluronic acid can assist to moisturize the skin to keep it from getting too dried out from the salicylic acid. When taken together, these two substances can help to offer you clear, moisturized, and healthy skin.

Salicylic Acid Vs Hyaluronic Acid

Many people contrast salicylic acid and hyaluronic acid since they both have the word "acid" in their names. But in actuality, they carry out two quite distinct tasks.

Hyaluronic acid is a substance that hydrates and moisturizes your skin. On the other hand, salicylic acid helps exfoliate dead skin cells to reveal your nicer, healthier skin underlying while fighting acne. They are utilised for two separate objectives and shouldn't truly be compared because of this.

So, rather than asking "Which one should I use?" Is it preferable to utilise them separately or together? Yes, they can be used in tandem, that much is clear.

Can You Combine Salicylic Acid With Hyaluronic Acid?

Hyaluronic and salicylic acids are each beneficial to the skin in different ways, therefore combining them in your skincare routine is entirely acceptable. In fact, studies have shown that because they complement one another, they work even better when used in tandem. By combining these acids, you can take advantage of both advantages and get skin that is healthier, smoother, and more moisturised. [3]

Why Should You Use Hyaluronic And Salicylic Acids Together?

When used separately, salicylic acid and hyaluronic acid both effectively combat skin conditions and support healthier, more youthful skin. Together, they have greater potential. Salicylic acid has a tendency to dry up the skin, thus combining them is extremely beneficial. Hyaluronic acid can aid in rehydrating and retaining water in your skin.

Here are some justifications for why combining a BHA and HA makes sense:

Improved Skin Penetration

It's always ideal to make sure your skin is free of contaminants before applying moisture. In order to ensure that your skin is prepared to effectively absorb the advantages of your hyaluronic acid product, use salicylic acid first to unclog the pores.

Regardless of how you use them (more on that later! ), doing so in tandem ensures that the products reach your skin as deeply as possible.

Stronger Benefits For The Skin

Because these products work well together, using them together maximises each other's advantages and results in a well-rounded skincare routine.

Healthier Skin

The fact that your skin will look healthier, cleaner, and more young as a result of utilising these products in combination is the main justification for doing so. Who wouldn't want that, too?

How to use Hyaluronic Acid and Salicylic Acid together?

The next concern is how to combine hyaluronic acid with salicylic acid now that you are aware that you can (and should!) do so. The conditions you must take into account while using items containing these substances make this portion a little tricky.

The general rule is to use skincare products from thinnest to thickest. To guarantee that each product performs as intended, use your thinnest products first. Additionally, keep in mind that hyaluronic acid works better on damp skin than salicylic acid does on dry skin. By doing this, product absorption is increased.

Salicylic acids are typically found in cosmetics like toners, serums, and face cleansers. Hyaluronic acid, on the other hand, is frequently found in serums and skin moisturizers. It may occasionally be found in moisturizing toners as well. It frequently mixes with an exfoliating ingredient if it's in a cleanser.

You can wash your face as usual with your regular face wash if you're using a salicylic acid serum. After washing, thoroughly pat-dry your skin before applying your salicylic acid serum. You can use a face spray to slightly dampen your skin after it has been absorbed before applying the hyaluronic acid serum.

The order in which you apply these acids may depend on the goods you're utilizing. For safe and efficient product use, adhere to the dry and damp skin recommendations as well as the thinnest to thickest rule.

Finally, it's crucial to keep in mind the health of your skin when using face acids. Salicylic acid can dry out skin and is an exfoliator. It works best when used only twice a week. In contrast, it's safe to utilize hyaluronic acid daily, even twice.

Order of using Salicylic Acid And Hyaluronic Acid

While many active ingredients, particularly if you're combining different acids, sometimes have a certain order they must be applied in. The order in which you utilize hyaluronic acid doesn't matter, though, because it isn't a genuine active ingredient. It won't cause any problems if you apply it either before or after other activities.

Salicylic acid works similarly, but it's recommended to layer products according to the general rule of thinnest to thickest.

You don't have to apply salicylic acid and hyaluronic acid in a certain sequence. Your skin type and the cosmetics you use both play a role.

Can I use hyaluronic acid after salicylic acid face wash?

Hyaluronic acid is suitable to use after a salicylic acid face wash. Hyaluronic acid can really assist to refill the skin's moisture levels and prepare the skin for the rest of your skincare routine, so using it after any form of washing is a good idea.

Conclusion

Combining salicylic acid and hyaluronic acid can result in a potent combination that can help to reduce the appearance of acne, moisturize the skin, and give you overall healthier skin. Hyaluronic acid and salicylic acid are two potent chemicals that work wonders when combined in your skincare regimen.

Actually, it's one of the most effective combinations you can apply, especially if you have oily skin. Hyaluronic acid moisturizes and lessens any irritation caused by salicylic acid, which works to cleanse skin and unclog pores. These two elements can be combined and easily blended together in your morning and evening regimen.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do you use Hyaluronic acid before or after Salicylic acid?

Hyaluronic acid is typically advised to be applied after salicylic acid to prevent dryness. However, you would apply your hyaluronic acid first if it were in your cleanser and your salicylic acid was in your serum. Simply remember to moisturise after using a salicylic product.

Can you put Salicylic acid and Hyaluronic acid together?

Yes, you can combine salicylic acid and hyaluronic acid in your skincare routine. While hyaluronic acid is helpful for dry and dehydrated skin, salicylic acid is frequently used to treat acne and oily skin. Together, they can assist in balancing the moisture content of the skin while addressing particular skin issues.

What should you not mix with Salicylic acid?

Salicylic acid is generally safe for the majority of skin types, but when combined with certain ingredients, it may cause sensitivity or irritation. The following substances shouldn't be combined with salicylic acid:

• Retinol: When combined with salicylic acid, the potent ingredient retinol can irritate and dry out the skin.

• Benzoyl peroxide: Another ingredient that fights acne, benzoyl peroxide, can be too harsh when used with salicylic acid. Combining the two ingredients may result in dryness, redness, and peeling.

• Alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs): When combined with Salicylic acid, AHAs, another kind of exfoliating acid, can irritate and sensitise people. Combining both varieties of acids may be too harsh for the skin.

• Vitamin C: Vitamin C is a potent antioxidant that can be good for the skin, but when combined with salicylic acid, it can also irritate the skin.

• Niacinamide: Niacinamide is a well-liked ingredient in skincare that can help to lighten the skin and lessen inflammation.

What do you layer on top of Salicylic acid?

It's crucial to use additional skincare products that will help to nourish and protect your skin after using salicylic acid in your skincare routine. You can add the following products on top of salicylic acid:

• Moisturizer: Salicylic acid can be drying, so it's important to use a moisturiser to restore the moisture in your skin. Find a lightweight moisturiser that won't clog your pores and is oil-free.

• Sunscreen: Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 because salicylic acid can make your skin more sensitive to the sun. As the final step in your morning skincare routine, apply sunscreen.

• Serums: Additionally, serums can be applied on top of salicylic acid to target issues with the skin like hydration, brightness, or anti-aging. Look for serums that include retinol, vitamin C, or hyaluronic acid among their ingredients.