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What are Salicylic Acid and Retinol?

Learn what they are and how you can use them in your skin care routine

What are Retinol and Salicylic Acid?

Retinol

What is retinol? It is a type of vitamin A that is commonly found in skincare products. It is a powerful ingredient that can help improve the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, as well as uneven skin tone and texture.


How does it work? Retinol works by stimulating the production of collagen, a protein that helps to keep the skin firm and elastic. It also helps to increase cell turnover, which can help to brighten the skin and reduce the appearance of dark spots.


Retinol is considered a "gold standard" ingredient in anti-aging skincare because of its ability to improve the overall appearance of the skin. It is available in a variety of concentrations and formulations, including creams, serums, and gels.

Salicylic Acid

What is salicylic acid? It is a type of beta hydroxy acid (BHA) that is commonly found in skincare products. It is a chemical exfoliant that is derived from willow bark and works by penetrating deep into the pores to help unclog them and remove dead skin cells.


How does it work? It is particularly effective for treating acne-prone skin, as it helps to reduce inflammation and prevent the formation of new pimples. It also helps to reduce the appearance of redness and hyperpigmentation, making it a great ingredient for those who have acne scars.


It also has a mild exfoliating property which can help to smooth out the texture of the skin and improve its overall appearance. It can also help to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles by promoting cell turnover.

Can I use Salicylic Acid with Retinol?

Yes, both salicylic acid and retinol are common ingredients in skincare products and can be used together to target different skin concerns.


When used together, the two can complement each other, with salicylic acid helping to clear away dead skin cells, allowing retinol to penetrate the skin more effectively.


However, it's important to note that retinol can cause skin irritation for some people, so it's important to start slowly and use only a small amount, gradually increasing as your skin becomes accustomed to it.


It's also recommended to not use them at the same time of the day, for example, you could use salicylic acid in the morning and retinol at night.


You can always consult a dermatologist if you have any concerns about using these products together.

FAQs

Can I use Salicylic acid and Vitamin C?


Salicylic acid and vitamin C are both common ingredients in skincare products, but it's generally not recommended to use them together, at the same time of the day. For example, you could use Salicylic acid in the morning and vitamin C at night.


Salicylic acid is known for its ability to exfoliate the skin and unclog pores, while vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that can help to brighten the skin and reduce the appearance of dark spots.


Both Salicylic acid and Vitamin C have a similar pH range, and when they are used together, they can neutralize each other's effectiveness and cause skin irritation.


What is a Salicylic Acid Moisturizer?


A salicylic acid moisturizer is a skincare product that combines the benefits of a moisturizer with those of salicylic acid.


Salicylic acid moisturizers are particularly beneficial for people with oily or acne-prone skin, as they can help to control excess oil production while also providing hydration. They can also help to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, and improve the overall texture and tone of the skin.


Salicylic acid moisturizers are available in a variety of formulations, including creams, lotions, and gels. It's important to use them as directed, as high concentrations or overuse can cause skin irritation and dryness.


How can I help my skin adjust to retinol?


Here are 3 methods that can help:

  1. The Sandwich Method: Applying a moisturizer before retinol helps keep dryness at bay and moisturizing afterward helps to soothe and calm any irritation

  2. The Build-up Method: Start slow. The biggest mistake people make is applying retinol every night. Use a pea-sized amount once or twice a week. As your skin adjusts, you can begin using it more frequently.

  3. The Rinse-off Method: If your skin is sensitive, you can always use the Rinse-Off Method. Apply retinol to moisturized skin and let it sit for 5 minutes. then gently wash it off. Increase the amount of time to 10 minutes, then 15, then 30, until skin can handle overnight application.

Want to start using retinol and salicylic acid in your skincare routine?

Try these DRMTLGY products

Retinol Complex 0.5%

$59.00

Gentle Acne Cleanser

$29.00

tingl by DRMTLGY

$38.00

Clarifying Toner

$25.00
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