The Inkey List Beta Hydroxy Acidis an affordable leave-on BHA serum with 2% salicylic acid to exfoliate and 1% hyaluronic acid to hydrate. In essence, BHAs disrupt the connections between dead cells whilst AHAs cause dead cells to detach and slough away. Its really affordable, coming in at under 20. The acids can of course be layered over each other, but this increases the risk of irritation and dryness. But they work through different pathwaysso by using both, you can target these issues in two different ways for the best possible results. Paulas Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant, 31 | Lookfantastic But even if you dont deal with those conditions, they actually offer a long list of benefits for every skin type. While they can be highly effective, its important to know which one works for you and your skin. But a swipe of this stuff and a day or so later, the brightness is back. Squirt onto a cotton pad (reusable, ideally) and swipe over your face and voila. While niacinamide has shown positive results for mild to moderate acne, it plays more of a supporting role by reducing oil. With this brilliant serum, I dont have to worry about my recommendations.. This glycolic toner really helps at making my face feel smoother and looking healthier, she says. Whether you apply them at different times of day, on alternating days or nights, or 30 minutes apart is up to you. How Much Do We Really Know About Our Favorite Cosmeceutical Ingredients? Health Editor, Ally Head, tells us why she loves it so: Super and I mean, super easy to apply. It is indeed safe to use AHAs and BHAs together. It takes less than a minute! Salicylic acid needs to be separated from higher-pH products by about 30 minutes, to give it enough time to work at its lower (acidic) pH. Below youll find a handy cheat sheet for the order you apply skincare products as advised by the experts. They brighten, balance oil, boost hydration and more. Start with number 3, and when your tolerance builds up you can make the move to 6 and then 10. Plus, its so quick to use, which is a plus when all I want to do is lie down in bed. So how are they meant to be used? Plus, my skin definitely appears a little lighter, brighter and smoother when Ive used it. Don't worry, We'll not spam you & You can unsubscribe with us any time.

But what if you want to apply salicylic acid and niacinamide at the same time of day? For more skincare advice and product recommendations, head to our Hair & Beauty section at the top of the page. Medik8s Crystal Retinal 6 contains retinaldehyde, which only needs one conversion in the skin to retinoic acid (the active form of vitamin A in the skin that increases cellular renewal). Designed to work throughout the year, for all types of climates, this is a brilliant moisturiser. COSRX BHA Blackhead Power Liquidcontains 4% betaine salicylate, which is said to be equivalent to 2% salicylic acid, but gentler on the skin and more hydrating. Vitamin A creams, such as retinol or retinaldehyde, may increase sensitivity to the sun and so should be applied at night and SPF should be applied the following morning. This is Senior Beauty Editor Katie Thomass favourite everyday cleanser. Can a facial really help get rid of blackheads. It is always best to allow your skin to completely absorb one ingredient at a time to reduce the risk of over stimulation and any adverse reactions., Formulated with both vitamin C and glycolic acid, this Murad serum was created for a brighter complexion. Make-up melts away, breaks down the days grime and leaves skin soft and supple. When it comes to acne-fighting ingredients, a form of BHA called salicylic acid is one of the most well loved out there. Can You Mix Salicylic Acid and Niacinamide? My oily skin isnt stripped of moisture and Im left with a clearer-looking complexion when I wake up., ShopPaulas Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant at SpaceNK, from 10, During her period, Hanna notices her skin often gets bumpy and has a lot of texture. They can be extremely beneficial for treating acne, pigmentation, uneven skin tone and for improving fine lines and wrinkles.. For those with oily to combination acne-prone skin, a face wash with salicylic acid is a must-have. This is by far one of the best toners out there. Paulas Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliantis possibly the strongest 2% salicylic acid formula on the market, and best for oily, acne-prone skin types. The same goes for acids, explains Dr Kluk. So good, my husband now steals it from me.. As these products are becoming more and more popular I have noticed that some patients are over-exfoliating; using too much and too frequently. This really depends on your age and your skin type and any particular skin complaints you may have.

Kristina Holey + Marie Veronique Soothing B3 Serumis an ultra-clean option with 10% niacinamide, all-natural humectants and no fragrance or essential oils. It cant remove dead skin cells or dislodge clogged sebum like salicylic acid can. So, one morning you could apply salicylic acid after cleansing, and the night morning, niacinamide. They can help break down pimples and blackheads. While its not an absolute rule not to do so, many people would find using the two at once far too irritating. This waiting period also allows time for your skins pH to return from an acidic state to its normal, higher level (around 5.5). Next in your routine comes the best face serums. This will cause irritation and can also compromise the skin barrier. It could be argued that if you use a really effective BHA, then an AHA is not necessary since BHAs are more potent and penetrate deeper. Caution is required with the exfoliating acids the AHAs and BHAs, Dr Mahto warns.

The power couple for oily and acne-prone skin. But remember: BHAs work on the deeper layers of skin, so you wont notice an immediate, visible difference! I used it once or twice a week, just to be on the safe side.. Fortunately, you can still use salicylic acid and niacinamide in the same routine. In order to penetrate the skin and work as it should, salicylic acid is formulated with an acidic pH, typically between 3.0 and 4.0. Retinol is known for being a pretty potent potion, so on the days you apply it, swap out any acid-containing products to avoid any reactions. But having all the beauty products in the world at your disposable wont matter if youre applying them in the wrong order. Alternatively, they could be used on alternate nights. It could simply be from applying them too close together in your routine. Discovering salicylic acid really helped with my breakouts. If youre looking to introduce a retinoid into your routine, then Mediks Crystal Retinal range is the perfect place to begin. Quite literally the only product I recommend to those who complain to me about blemishes, says Senior Beauty Editor, Katie Thomas. I tell anyone and everyone that they must use a hyaluronic acid serum, no matter their skin type, says Katie.

(That said, it is still far less irritating than glycolic acid, due to its higher molecular weight.) All rights reserved. Olay Regenerist 3 Point Night Cream, RRP 29.99 | Feelunique Call Yourself A Skincare Junkie? Generally, a glycolic acid is great for dry, dehydrated or combination skin, whereas salicylic acid would be perfect for oily/spot-prone/acne skin. The two most common types found in skincare products are alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs) and beta-hydroxy acids (BHAs) which both work as exfoliants but in different ways, explains Dr Ghalaie. Sign up for our essential edit of what to buy, see, read and do, and also receive a free guide to the 101 Female Authors Everyone Should Have On Their Bookshelf. They control excess oil, smooth the skin texture, minimize pores and fade discolourations. AHAs and BHAs can certainly be combined. If you have dry skin that is breaking out, it is unwise to use salicylic acid all over your face, as BHAs such as this are better suited to oily skin. First things first wash your face morning (and night too) as the first step in your routine, using your best cleanser and a hot flannel, microfibre or muslin cloth. This was one of my first ever moisturisers and I continue to go back to it time and time again. Will one inactivate the other? I like to massage my salicylic acid face wash into my skin for at least 60 seconds, so that it has enough contact with my skin to actually work. Want to tackle angry blemishes and persistent blackheads? (Alas.) Unlike a DIY concoction, itll be expertly formulated to be stable and effective at certain pH (which brands often disclose). These may help if you struggle with breakouts, clogged pores or slow skin cell turnover, depending on the particular acid. (Layered before your treatment serum if youre doubling up. For more sensitive skin or for people new to AHAs, I suggest the use of lactic acid, which is a more gentle AHA that results in a milder exfoliation. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn commission on some of the items you choose to buy. This BHA-rich masque calms inflammation and exfoliates the skin to purge pores of any unwanted grime. This is a night cream that our Senior Beauty Editor, Katie Thomas, swears by. AHAs and BHAs are close in pH (both are between 3.0 and 4.0), so this is not a determining factor in application. Not only is this gel cleanser super affordable, but its also kind to skin too. These can lead to dryness, flaking, itching, sensitivity and irritation if they are overused. Unfortunately, as acids are active ingredients that are highly effective, it can be easy to get excited by the results and overdo it. Should You Use Both Salicylic Acid and Niacinamide? So, you can apply it underneath your hydrators and sun protection without needing to wait in between layers, since it wont affect their performance. The BHA family also includes betaine salicylate and willow bark extract, which are gentler alternatives.

So what makes this chemical exfoliant such a favourite for those who have acne? Whenever Im asked about oily skin or acne, they are my go-to recommendation as a first line of treatment.. But whether its absolutely necessary is widely debated. See our Disclosure for more information. Using a sunscreen can help protect against skin cancer, as well as early onset of skin ageing, such as wrinkles or pigmentation, Mahto confirms. Again referring to The Inkey Lists earlier advice, apply hydrating serums first and treatment serums second. If youre new to it, be sure to introduce it gradually and begin with a low concentration, like 0.3%. If youre looking for trustworthy suncare, you can rely on La Roche-Posay. Mixing salicylic acid and niacinamide together, or layering one ingredient on top of the other at the same time, is a no-no. Whereas retinol requires two conversions. Together, theyre especially helpful for oily skin, enlarged pores and adult acne. Generally speaking, the rule of skincare routines can be summarised as thus: protect your skin in the daytime SPF, best BB creams and primers and correct your skin in the evening retinols, concentrated serums, and heavier moisturisers. Commonly used AHAs in skincare include glycolic acid, lactic acid, mandelic acid, and BHAs include salicylic acid. You can unsubscribe anytime. Using face masks or scrubs with salicylic acid is a futile exercise. Take Our Toughest Beauty Quiz & Prove Youre One, Skin Looks Dull & Tired? Im not a big fan of toners as they often irritate the skin, says consultant dermatologist Dr Justine Kluk. In the morning, its a good idea to use one of the best vitamin C serums as it offers additional protection for skin during the day. A post shared by The INKEY List (@theinkeylist). For those under the age of 20, it is not recommended to use topical acids without being under the supervision of a doctor and unless prescribed by your GP or dermatologist.. Skincare acids, even if they dont burn, are harsh on the skin. Marie Claire is supported by its audience. Not all skin types need a toner, adds Kate Bancroft, founder of Face the Future. Herere The Differences & Which One To Use. A study comparing salicylic acid at various pH levels (pH 2.0, 5.0 and 7.0) found that the higher the pH, the less the skin absorbs.[22]. So, youd apply your salicylic acid to bare skin after cleansing, and then wait half an hour before proceeding with any hydrating serums or night creams.

However, because blackheads and acne are the cumulative result of pores clogged daily, this needs daily treatment, in a product you use every day. The order and steps depend on your skin type, which is why when reading blogs and online articles, you have to keep in mind the person writing might have totally different skin needs to you, explains Ksenia Selivanova, co-founder of skin consultancy Lion/ne. However, if you are using them together, the golden rule for skincare applies, always apply the thinnest product first, and the thicker product on top.. How to Use Salicylic Acid and Niacinamide Together, Salicylic acid as a peeling agent: a comprehensive review, Studies on the effect of salicylic acid on normal skin, Salicylic acid treats acne vulgaris by suppressing AMPK/SREBP1 pathway in sebocytes, The safety and efficacy of salicylic acid chemical peels in darker racial-ethnic groups, Dermal morphological changes following salicylic acid peeling and microdermabrasion, The effect of 2% niacinamide on facial sebum production, Topical nicotinamide compared with clindamycin gel in the treatment of inflammatory acne vulgaris, Comparison of topical 5% nicotinamid gel versus 2% clindamycin gel in the treatment of the mild-moderate acne vulgaris: A double-blinded randomized clinical trial, The effects of a daily facial lotion containing vitamins B3 and E and provitamin B5 on the facial skin of Indian women: a randomized, double-blind trial, Topical niacinamide reduces yellowing, wrinkling, red blotchiness, and hyperpigmented spots in aging facial skin. Paulas Choice Niacinamide 20% Treatmentis the strongest niacinamide formula on the market, with 20% of the active ingredient to target orange peel skin and hardened, clogged bumps. First Aid Beauty FAB Pharma White Clay Acne Treatment Padsare a convenient way to swipe on 2% salicylic acid, in pre-soaked pads that are safe for sensitive skin. They may be humectants, attracting water to the skin; emollients, providing a protective barrier to trap moisture; or occlusive, preventing water loss. Glossier Super Pure Niacinamide + Zinc Serum. I recommend applying your AHA and BHA at different times of day. After the time is up, you can proceed with the niacinamide, as well as any other hydrators and/or SPF.