Creating a skincare routine is easy, but knowing how to use it is another story altogether. In most cases, if you’re not getting the skin results you expected, it’s probably because you’re using conflicting ingredients. So, is it possible that salicylic acid and vitamin C are such ingredients? Or are these active ingredients the duo you’ve been missing from your skincare routine? If you want to know the answer, stay tuned, because today we’re going to tell you about the benefits of salicylic acid and vitamin C and how to use them in your daily life.
What are the benefits of salicylic acid for skin?
Salicylic acid is one of the most commonly used beta hydroxy acids and is favored by many people with oily skin who are prone to acne. Derived from willow bark, this acid differs from its water-soluble relatives (called alpha hydroxy acids) in that salicylic acid is oil-soluble, meaning it can penetrate deeper into the lower layers of the skin. Once salicylic acid reaches the lower layers of the skin, it can help unclog the pores of excess sebum, dirt, bacteria, debris, and impurities. The result is a clearer complexion with a greater degree of purity.
Not only does salicylic acid benefit the lower layers of the skin, but the outer surface of the skin can benefit from it, too. When applied to the skin, salicylic acid removes the buildup of dead skin cells. It does this by breaking down the bonds that hold the dead cells to the surface. Over time, these can make the complexion appear dull and lead to acne, blackheads and other skin blemishes.
If you would like to find out more about salicylic acid and its effects on the skin, read our dedicated blog post on Beauty Insiders.
What are the benefits of vitamin C for skin?
Vitamin C is considered one of the most powerful antioxidants, which means it is very effective at fighting free radicals and stopping them from causing further skin damage. Examples of free radicals include pollution, central heating, UV rays and harsh climates, all of which attack proteins, fats and cell membranes once they come into contact with the skin. This can lead to signs of premature ageing, such as fine lines and wrinkles, as well as hyperpigmentation, flaking skin and loss of elasticity.
Many people use vitamin C in their morning routine because this ingredient helps give the complexion a radiant glow. You will also find that vitamin C can target areas of hyperpigmentation, plump up the skin and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
The problem with vitamin C is that there are a lot of outdated studies from the 1950s that describe vitamin C as an unstable ingredient for the skin. Thanks to modern improvements, this is no longer the case, as all products now contain a stable form of vitamin C.
You can find out more about vitamin C in The Beauty Insider, so check out our blog post.
Can you use salicylic acid before vitamin C?
Yes, you absolutely can. In fact, it is thought that applying salicylic acid before applying vitamin C ensures that it penetrates quickly and produces faster results.
This is an effective way to harness two powerhouses, and the reason for this has to do with pH. For example, the pH of the skin is naturally around 4.7, which is slightly acidic. Both salicylic acid and vitamin C are also relatively acidic, and you’ll find that vitamin C is absorbed into the skin very quickly. Therefore, applying salicylic acid beforehand can increase the acidity of the skin, making it easier for the vitamin C to quickly penetrate the skin.
While this is considered an effective way to combine two powerful substances together, you need to consider your skin type and how it reacts to certain active ingredients. Even normal people with no skin issues can experience skin sensitivity and irritation. Therefore, always consult a doctor or dermatologist before using any new products on your skin.
It is also important to remember the rules of what to apply to your skin. You need to apply the products correctly in order for your skin to achieve the best results. If you are not sure what I mean, the basic skin rule is to apply products in order from thinnest to thickest. This prevents a barrier from forming on the surface that would block other active ingredients from penetrating the skin.
Can I use salicylic acid at night and vitamin C in the morning?
Of course yes. This is considered the most effective way to get the benefits without any adverse side effects. This is because enough time has passed between applications to ensure that the pH of the skin has rebalanced.
You will also find that vitamin C is ideal for use in the morning due to its high antioxidant content. This ensures that the skin is protected and remains at its healthiest. Due to the small size of its molecules, salicylic acid is an acid that can penetrate the deepest parts of the skin. While this is effective in keeping the skin clear, it also increases the risk of irritation and photosensitivity. Therefore, many people prefer to use powerful BHAs in their evening routines when they are not exposed to UV rays, pollution, or harsh climates.
Warning: None of these ingredients will achieve the desired results for your skin if you forgo daily sunscreen use. Due to the mix of chemical peels and powerful ingredients, the risk of further damage to the skin’s surface is increased. Wearing SPF 50 daily, even on cloudy days, will protect the skin and keep the lipid barrier healthy, keeping the skin in its best condition.
