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Glycolic acid and salicylic acid are two of the most common chemicals found in cosmetic, skin, and beauty products, especially those that are geared toward creating smoother, clearer, and brighter skin. But what exactly are these chemicals, and are they safe? This article will break down the differences and similarities between glycolic acid and salicylic acid, explore their uses, discover glycolic acid benefits, witness salicylic acid benefits, and introduce some of the best products that boast both of these clarifying, exfoliating properties.
The differences between glycolic acid and salicylic acid
Glycolic acid and salicylic acid are both types of topically applied hydroxy acids, which are frequently used in anti-aging and exfoliating skincare offerings.
Glycolic acid is totally natural and derived from sugarcane, though certain manufacturers might also create it in a lab. It’s the most common alpha hydroxy acid (water-soluble acid) found in skincare products. It is a phenomenal exfoliator because it gently breaks down the bonds between dead skin cells, so then you can easily slough them off with a cloth, brush, or even your fingers. The glycolic acid before and after can be astonishing as if works quickly and effectively! Those using a skincare product with glycolic acid should be sure to wear sunscreen, since this breakdown – while making your skin smooth and glowy – can also make you more sensitive to sun exposure.
Salicylic acid, on the other hand, is a beta hydroxy acid (oil-soluble acid). But like glycolic acid, it is also naturally derived – in this case, from wintergreen leaves and willow bark – and could be artificially generated in a lab. While glycolic acid is an exfoliator, salicylic acid’s claim to fame is as an acne treatment. Salicylic acid on skin has the ability to penetrate deeply because it is oil-soluble. This allows it to reduce inflammation, clean out pores with its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. Using salicylic acid for blackheads is very common and effective.
Salicylic acid penetrates to the deeper layers of the skin, while glycolic acid’s work on the skin happens more on the surface. But both serve a purpose – and are even more powerful when combined in products such as HARMONIFY Pure Vitamin C Facial Serum with Salicylic Acid and Glycolic Acid!
Glycolic Acid Benefits
The glycolic acid benefits for skin are numerous, and include but are not limited to the following:
Use glycolic acid on your face for brighter skin!
Because glycolic acid is such a potent exfoliator, it can make your skin much brighter, leading to an overall glowing, more youthful appearance! The product works on the outermost layer of skin cells, breaking down the bonds between dead skin cells so that they can be gently sloughed away, revealing the brighter, fresher set underneath.
Glycolic acid for acne
While salicylic acid may be the go-to for combating acne through its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties and its ability to penetrate to deeper layers or skin, glycolic acid can still be helpful in combating acne symptoms on the outermost layers. It can reduce the redness associated with breakouts, as well as acne scars, by sloughing away the discolored skin and can remove blackheads and whiteheads that are right at the skin’s surface. When combined with salicylic acid in joint products like HARMONIFY Pure Vitamin C Facial Serum with Salicylic Acid and Glycolic Acid, glycolic acid can be a powerful acne cure.
Glycolic acid for hyperpigmentation
Glycolic acid’s exfoliating properties make it a successful treatment for hyperpigmentation, such as sun spots, liver spots, or age spots. This condition primarily impacts the outmost layer of skin, which is where glycolic acid does its best work. It accomplishes this by breaking the bonds of dead skin cells, removing the darker ones and revealing the brighter ones underneath.
Glycolic acid as an anti-aging solution
Anti-aging is another one of the glycolic acid benefits for skin that has consumers of all generations turning to this skincare product! The glycolic acid before and after shows a significant reduction in fine lines and wrinkles as well as an overall glow – this smoother, brighter look can make a consumer’s face look years younger. Scientists believe one of the ways the acid accomplishes this is by encouraging and boosting collagen production.
Salicylic Acid Benefits
Just as with glycolic acid, consumers are turning to salicylic acid for skin thanks to its natural, gentle, and effective benefits. These exciting opportunities include:
Salicylic acid for acne
Salicylic acid is often one of the central ingredients in acne treatments, thanks to its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. It unclogs pores and removes dead skin cells, both of which can cause breakouts, and also decreases the redness and raised skin that is a result of acne. Salicylic acid also reduces the appearance of acne scars. Salicylic acid also reduces the production of oily substances (such as sebum) on the skin, which also contribute to acne development.
Combatting blackheads and whiteheads
Blackheads, which are clogged pores on the surface of the skin that are dark in appearance, and whiteheads, which are clogged pores that are lighter in color but exist raised above the skin, are both helped by salicylic acid. Blackheads and whiteheads form when dirt and dead skin are caught in the pores, but the antibacterial properties of salicylic acid can clear out the pore, allowing it to breath freely and reduce in size.
Salicylic acid to reduce inflammation
Salicylic acid contains anti-inflammatory properties, fighting the redness and swelling that come with acne or other conditions. This creates a smoother complexion with a more even tone.
Soothing sunburns
One of the lesser-known benefits of salicylic acid is its ability to soothe a sunburn. Thanks to those anti-inflammatory properties, salicylic acid can reduce the fiery redness and swelling caused by a sunburn – which not only improves one’s appearance, but also feels soothing. It also can hep keep skin hydrated, which can lead to less blistering and peeling following a serious sunburn.
Salicylic acid for brighter skin
Salicylic acid can remove dead skin cells from the face, allowing for a brighter, cleaner, and younger looking complexion. It’s not just for teenagers fighting acne! It can have wonderful benefits for those combatting naturally aging skin. The ingredients in salicylic acid can even fight warts, dandruff, psoriasis, or other imperfections in the skin when applied topically.
Uses of glycolic and salicylic acid
Products like HARMONIFY Pure Vitamin C Facial Serum with Salicylic Acid and Glycolic Acid have a variety of uses on skin, including:
- Anti-aging - reduces the appearance of fine line and wrinkles
- Exfoliating
- Acne control
- Blackhead removal
- Whitehead removal
- Reduction of fine lines and wrinkles
- Reduction or elimination of hyperpigmentation
- Soothe sunburns
- Minimize the appearance of scars
- Fight dandruff
- Ease the effects of psoriasis
Through these uses, the two acids generate an overall clearer, brighter, younger and more even look on the skin!
Joint use of glycolic and salicylic acid
Even though these products work in different ways, they can be combined to create a product that serves multiple purposes! That said, it’s not always safe to use them separately – so make sure if you want to use them together, you’re using them together in the same product, such as HARMONIFY Pure Vitamin C Facial Serum with Salicylic Acid and Glycolic Acid. Make sure you go slowly and start with just a little at a time until you know how your body reacts to the active ingredients.
Frequently asked questions
While we have spelled out the differences between glycolic acid and salicylic acid and explained the many benefits and uses, you may still be left with a few lingering questions about whether or not these products are right for you. Here are some of the most frequently asked questions.
Should I use glycolic acid or salicylic acid?
In light of these differences, you may be wondering which of these skincare treatments is right for you.
Glycolic acid is most effective for those suffering from hyperpigmentation, are unconcerned about acne breakouts or oily skin. It’s also great for those with dry, sensitive skin since glycolic acid on the face sloughs away the dryness but does it gently.
Meanwhile, salicylic acid is best for those with current acne breakouts, oily or acne-prone skin, or pores clogged with blackheads.
Of course, if you have concerns in both categories, you can seek out a product that contains both glycolic acid and salicylic acid, such as HARMONIFY Pure Vitamin C Facial Serum with Salicylic Acid and Glycolic Acid. These products combine the two acids to generate overall clearer, cleaner, smoother, brighter skin.
Is salicylic acid good for oily skin?
Yes, salicylic acid for skin is a common treatment for those suffering from oily skin, who are more prone to the acne breakouts that the chemical naturally combats. A product with salicylic acid has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties that reduce the acne breakouts caused by oily skin.
Will salicylic acid remove blackheads?
Using salicylic acid for blackheads is common because it is such an effective treatment.
Is glycolic acid good for acne?
Putting glycolic acid on your face is a great way to fight acne. In fact, glycolic acid for acne is a very common treatment even though it may not be considered as much of a “go-to” as salicylic acid.
Does glycolic acid remove dark spots?
Yes, glycolic acid for hyperpigmentation is very common treatment – meaning, it does remove dark spots. It does this by breaking down the bonds between the darker, dead skin cells, allowing the consumer to easily and gently slough them away with a cloth, brush, or fingers. Glycolic acid can contribute to an overall more even skin tone.
Can glycolic acid or salicylic acid reduce scarring?
Yes, both glycolic and salicylic acid can reduce the appearance of scars. Each works to remove dead skin cells and reduce discoloration – glycolic does this on the skin surface, while salicylic penetrates deeper – and especially when combined they can greatly reduce the appearance of scars on the skin.
Are these chemicals safe?
Yes, salicylic acid on skin and glycolic acid on skin are both perfectly safe, as long as they are used in moderation. While quite powerful, they are also both relatively gentle. Those new to the products should start with a small test amount and work their way up to ensure they do not have a negative reaction to the product, as both active ingredients work well – and powerfully!
Like with other skincare products, glycolic acid and salicylic acid are not recommended for use by people who are pregnant or breastfeeding, and should not be applied to broken skin or open wounds. It’s always smart to consult a physician before adding a new product to your skincare routine.
What products containing glycolic acid and salicylic acid are best?
If these many benefits of glycolic acid and salicylic acid to developer clearer, brighter, and more even-toned skin have convinced you to give the chemicals a try, there are many products to choose from. Selected a skincare product that uses both glycolic and salicylic acid can allow one to take advantage of the benefits of both active ingredients with the easy convenience of using just one product.
One highly effective and delightfully affordable option is as HARMONIFY Pure Vitamin C Facial Serum with Salicylic Acid and Glycolic Acid. This easy-to-use serum fights wrinkles, acne, blackheads, and dark spots on the face and neck. And it costs only $9.93 for ¾ of an ounce, and is available with free shipping via Amazon Prime.
The HARMONIFY serum is a gamechanger for any skincare routine, purifying the skin so that it looks and feels revitalized, young, and fresh. It’s made up of 7.5% glycolic acid and infused with salicylic acid, harnessing the power of both active ingredients for maximum effect. Harmonify’s products are inspired by nature and built from carefully-selected ingredients. It’s packaging is also sustainable and eco-friendly, allowing for a self-care skin routine that is healthy and harmonious with nature.
Final Thoughts: Why You Should Add Glycolic Acid and Salicylic Acid to Your Skincare Routine
The salicylic acid and glycolic acid benefits for skin are vast – from anti-aging, to acne fighting, cleansing, clearing, brightening, evening and more. Those suffering from conditions like oily skin, blackheads, or hyperpigmentation would be well served by exploring products containing one or both of these hydroxy acids. While each has its own strengths and unique properties, when combined in products like HARMONIFY Pure Vitamin C Facial Serum with Salicylic Acid and Glycolic Acid they can make for a safe and powerful cosmetic skincare solution for consumers of all ages and skin types.
