Can Lactic and Salicylic Acid be used together?
Despite their scary-sounding names, acids have become the most effective and powerful ingredients in skincare. Given their myriad skin-boosting properties, you’d be hard-pressed to find a formula that doesn’t have any.
There are two main categories of acids: alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) and beta hydroxy acids (BHAs). Both are chemical peels that help remove the buildup of dead skin cells in the outer layer of the skin, which often leads to a host of skin issues, from blackheads to the first signs of aging.
Among AHAs, you’ll often find the most popular acids in skincare: glycolic and lactic. The latter is considered the gentlest and can be a suitable skin exfoliant for all skin types.
When it comes to BHAs, there’s only one ingredient in skincare formulas, and that’s salicylic acid. Salicylic acid can penetrate deeper into the lower layers of the skin than lactic acid, and can remove bacteria, dirt, or excess sebum from pores. Salicylic acid has powerful anti-blemish properties and is considered an effective ingredient in the fight against acne and other forms of blemishes. However, unlike lactic acid, salicylic acid comes with a number of warnings, and many people experience side effects like dryness, irritation, or redness when the product is overused or used incorrectly.
Having briefly covered these popular skin ingredients, we’ll now explore and answer questions like: B: Can lactic and salicylic acids be used together? So keep reading to learn more, and don’t forget: If you want to learn more about these chemical peels, check out our complete guide to AHAs and BHAs.
Are Lactic and Salicylic Acids the Same?
Not really, although both are acids, lactic and salicylic acids are not the same. As mentioned earlier, lactic acid belongs to the AHA family and is extracted from milk. It works on the outer layer of the skin to remove dead skin cells, revealing healthy, radiant cells without the signs of fine lines and flaking skin. Salicylic acid, on the other hand, works deeper to dissolve bacteria, dirt, and sebum buildup that clogs pores and causes blackheads, pimples, and other skin imperfections.
You may also find that the two acids work better for different skin types. Due to the larger molecular size of lactic acid, it cannot penetrate deeply into the skin, so it is less irritating. Dry and sensitive skin types benefit more from using lactic acid, but you should consult a doctor, dermatologist, or other trained professional to ensure that the skin will not be damaged.
For oily and blemish-prone skin, salicylic acid has impressive results in fighting annoying breakouts and giving the complexion an all-around clear look. Consider how much more effective BHA can be if used regularly, as it can strip the skin of essential oils, leading to excess sebum production, which in turn leads to more breakouts and oily skin.
Benefits of Lactic Acid for Skin
Exfoliates the outer layer of skin by removing dead skin cells, dirt, debris, and excess sebum
Is one of the gentler facial acids and is suitable for a wide range of skin types
Has a larger molecular size, which means it can’t penetrate too deeply into the skin to cause irritation
Helps moisturize the skin
Stimulates the production of collagen and elastin in the lower layers of the skin
Can reduce the appearance of hyperpigmentation and other scars
Benefits of Salicylic Acid for Skin
Helps exfoliate the outer layer of skin
Is oil-soluble, which allows it to penetrate deeper into the skin to specifically treat clogged pores
Helps clarify the complexion and provide clarity
Can reduce the redness and size of active spots
Most effective ingredient for treating acne and blemished skin
These are some of the benefits of these two acids that will help you clearly understand the differences between them and figure out which one is best for your specific skin type.
Can BHA and AHA be used together?
You actually can! If your skin can tolerate the use of both AHA and BHA, mixing acids shouldn’t be a problem! These acids target different areas of the face and often work on opposite layers of the skin, so you can use both together throughout your daily routine. For example, if you choose a toner rich in lactic acid, you can use it before a serum containing salicylic acid, which will leave your skin soft and less prone to breakouts.
One thing to note is that you should slowly introduce these acids into your skin care routine after doing a patch test. The method is simple, apply a 5p-sized amount of the product to the inside of your arm and leave it on for 24 hours, if there are no signs of irritation, itching or rash, you can safely apply the product to your face. UV sensitivity must also be considered when using facial acids. Therefore, a daily application of an SPF of 30 or higher should be the last step in your routine, even on cloudy days.
What not to mix with salicylic acid?
Due to the drying effect that is often seen when using salicylic acid, it is recommended not to use any form of retinol at the same time. Peeling is too harsh on the skin and can seriously damage the skin’s protective barrier. Once this barrier (also known as the skin’s microbiome) has an oil-water imbalance, it can no longer effectively protect itself from free radicals from sources such as UV radiation, pollution and central heating. This often causes the skin to become tight, uncomfortable and congested, and the signs of aging become more apparent. You can learn more about the skin microbiome as we cover it in a dedicated blog post on our website.
What not to mix with lactic acid?
Lactic acid is known as the easiest acid to use and can be added to any skin care routine without causing any side effects or irritation. However, Vitamin C is a skin ingredient that should not be used with lactic acid (or other AHAs) as it can cause a skin reaction. Vitamin C is notoriously unstable and when mixed with other acids, the pH becomes unstable, rendering the product unusable. This is something you need to keep in mind in your skincare routine.If you want to reap the antioxidant benefits and radiant effects of vitamin C and formulas containing lactic and salicylic acid, it can be helpful to change up when you apply the products.
Vitamin C = Morning Routine
AHAs and BHAs = Evening Routine
Here’s how to get the fastest, most impressive results for your skin without wasting product or suffering from potential skin irritation.
Can I use salicylic acid in the morning and lactic acid at night?
Yes, you can. In fact, both ingredients are so effective that you can use them twice a day. For your morning routine, you can apply an exfoliating toner rich in salicylic acid to cleansed skin. This helps to remove dead skin cells and penetrate deep into the pores for an overall clear complexion. Remember to apply SPF daily for extra skin protection.
Using lactic acid in your evening routine is a gentle skin care method that some people prefer after a day of exposure to UV rays, pollution, and other free radicals. With lactic acid’s hydrating properties, it ensures that moisture is locked to the surface of the skin, which can work overnight while you get your beauty sleep. This is great for keeping your skin plump, hydrated, and fully restoring the strength of your skin barrier.
Which comes first, lactic acid or salicylic acid?
When determining the order in which to apply your skincare products, it’s often said to start with the thinnest consistency first, such as cleansers and toners, before moving on to thicker ones, such as moisturizers and sunscreens. This prevents the thicker formulas from forming a physical barrier on the skin and preventing the thinner products from absorbing into the skin.
The subtle difference in using AHAs and BHAs is the risk of skin irritation. Therefore, it’s important to leave enough time between applications to allow the skin’s pH to balance and prepare for the next step in your routine. However, if this still causes irritation, try alternating one acid or the other. This is considered a more harmonious way to get the benefits of both acids without the unnecessary irritation.
I hope we’ve answered some of your questions about lactic acid and salicylic acid today. If you incorporate both into your skincare routine, you might find that these two make a more powerful duo than Batman and Robin. If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to us via Instagram.
