Salicylic Acid and Retinol: Can They Be Used Together?

Salicylic acid and retinol are two powerhouse ingredients in skincare products. But can you use salicylic acid with retinol? While both products may show promising results when targeting certain skin concerns, it is important to understand the potential risks and benefits of their combined use in the same skincare routine.

What is salicylic acid?

Unlocking a smooth skincare routine requires understanding the products you use on your skin. What exactly is salicylic acid? And aside from its potential benefits, does it have any side effects?

Salicylic acid is often referred to as a beta-hydroxy acid (BHA). This powerhouse compound goes beyond just being a surface-level solution — it dives deep into the skin. In other words, it is an exfoliant, removing dead skin cells, debris, and oils from the skin's surface.

By exfoliating dead skin cells, salicylic acid is used to target various skin concerns, such as rough and bumpy skin, clogged pores, blackheads, and whiteheads.

Benefits of salicylic acid

For over 2,000 years, salicylic acid has been used as a topical agent for different skin conditions. It is reported to have keratolytic properties, making it potentially useful in treating conditions like keratosis pilaris, psoriasis, acne, and even dandruff.

• Acne treatment. Salicylic acid clears clogged pores in acne-prone skin. Owing to its inflammatory properties, salicylic acid can reduce the redness and swelling associated with acne.
• Exfoliation. Salicylic acid enhances the shedding of dead skin cells in order to improve skin texture and skin tone.
• Pore cleansing. With it being a BHA, salicylic acid goes beyond the skin's surface to penetrate and clean pores. Thus, it deeply cleans pores and removes excess oil, making it ideal for oily skin.

Potential side effects of salicylic acid

Using a salicylic acid product in your skincare routine can be a smooth move; however, if it is not used carefully, you may be left in a rough patch. Some potential side effects of salicylic acid include dryness, crusting, stinging, and skin irritation.

There are steps you can take to minimize potential risks.

1. Patch test. Before applying salicylic acid to your skin, do a patch test by applying a small amount on a less visible area, like your inner wrist or behind your ear. Then, wait for 24–48 hours for any side effects, if any.
2. Wear sunscreen. Because salicylic acid makes your skin more sensitive to the sun, always apply sunscreen with a high SPF during the day to protect your skin.
3. Consult a dermatologist. If you have sensitive skin or acne-prone skin, consult with a dermatologist before adding salicylic acid to your skincare routine.

What is retinol?

The skincare market is full of retinol-infused products, ranging from serums to masks. Before incorporating it into your skincare routine, it is important to know what it is and its potential benefits and risks.

Retinol is a vitamin A derivative acclaimed for its anti-aging and skin renewal properties through its ability to increase skin cell turnover.

Whether it's used as a cream, gel, serum, or lotion, retinol may also help unclog pores and exfoliate the skin. It also stimulates collagen production, thereby reducing fine lines and wrinkles and making the skin appear fresh and plump.

Benefits of retinol

Retinol is commonly used to treat mild to moderate acne and decrease the visible signs of aging.

• Treats acne. Retinol has the potential to treat acne by preventing clogged pores and reducing acne-related swelling and inflammation.
• Treats hyperpigmentation. Topical retinol lightens the appearance of skin spots or marks caused by hyperpigmentation.
• Reduces wrinkles. As we age, our skin contains less collagen and becomes less elastic. Retinol can stimulate collagen production, making the skin more elastic.

Potential side effects of retinol

While integrating retinol into your skincare routine could have wrinkle-smoothing benefits, it may rub you the wrong way if used without care. Some side effects of retinol include dryness, irritation, peeling, and redness.

Steps to minimize these potential risks include the following:

1. Start slow. Introduce retinol to your skin gradually. You could start at a low concentration of 0.25% or less, applying it 2–3 times a week.
2. Use it as night. Like salicylic acid, retinol makes the skin more sensitive to the sun. Therefore, consider applying it at night. If you use it during the day, use a broad-spectrum sunscreen.
3. Observe your skin. Keep an eye out for any side effects. If you observe any, reduce the frequency of retinol or completely stop using it. Consult with a dermatologist before introducing retinol to your skin.

Using salicylic acid and retinol together

Now that we've unclogged what salicylic acid and retinol are, we arrive at this question: can you use salicylic acid with retinol? Yes! Salicylic acid and retinol can be used together; their combined forces may make an incredibly beneficial concoction in skincare routines.

Benefits of combined use

A 2016 research study showed that combining retinoids and salicylic acid in the same routine can improve acne. It also showed that the combination of salicylic acid and retinoid is very beneficial for acne-prone, oily skin types.

Another study showed that using retinol after a salicylic acid peel is safe and effective.

Potential risks

Although retinol and salicylic acid make a great team, there are potential risks to consider when combining these two powerful ingredients.

Potential risks associated with their combination include increased irritation and sensitivity. Because both salicylic acid and retinol are strong exfoliants, combining them could increase the risk of redness and dryness. Another potential risk is the increased potential for breakouts as a result of potential damage and irritation to the skin barrier.

These potential risks could be reduced by using them every other night and applying a broad-spectrum sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher) daily to protect your skin from sun damage.

Best practices for combining salicylic acid and retinol

As you consider combining these two potent ingredients in your skincare routine, also consider the following:

1. How should I layer these products into my skincare routine? After using a gentle cleanser, apply salicylic acid. Wait for a few minutes before applying retinol. You could apply a layer of moisturizer between salicylic acid and retinol to reduce irritation, known as 'buffering.' Follow this with a soothing, hydrating moisturizer before topping off with a broad-spectrum sunscreen.
2. What are the tips for sensitive skin? Consider using gentler formulations and concentrations of both retinol and salicylic acid. Introduce the products to your skin, starting with once or twice a week, and slowly increasing the frequency. Consult with a dermatologist for specific advice for your skin type.

Alternatives and complementary ingredients

If you'd prefer other ingredients that could still provide the same or similar benefits as retinol and salicylic acid, there are a few options.

Other acne-fighting ingredients

Over-the-counter topicals containing benzoyl peroxide or sulfur can help treat mild to moderate forehead acne. Alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) can be effective in targeting non-inflammatory acne such as blackheads and whiteheads.

Compared to BHAs (what salicylic acid is), AHAs are water-soluble, not oil-soluble.

Hydration and moisturization

When using active ingredients in skincare, hydration is crucial. It helps maintain and improve the skin barrier function and promotes the effect of the active ingredients. Some key hydrating ingredients to look out for when buying retinol and salicylic acid products include hyaluronic acid, ceramides, and glycerin.

Retinol and salicylic acid: a dynamic pair

Retinol and salicylic acid can be very effective. When used in combination, they can be even more effective in acne treatment. However, like oil and water, they may not always mix properly; their combination carries potential risks such as increased irritation.

Ensure to use them alternatively, consult with a dermatologist for personalized advice, and be patient — the road to glowing and healthy skin must be approached with care.