If you have problematic skin or just like trying new skincare routines, you may wonder whether you can use salicylic acid and retinol together.
Both ingredients work differently to fight blemishes and conditions such as acne, potentially making the combination a more effective way to keep your skin clear. However, using them correctly and taking certain precautions to avoid irritating or damaging your skin is essential.
What is Salicylic Acid?
Salicylic acid is a beta-hydroxy acid (BHA) that helps exfoliate your skin and unclog pores. It’s especially effective for treating acne-prone skin because it can penetrate deep into your pores to help remove excess oil and debris.
Salicylic acid can also help reduce inflammation and redness, making it an excellent ingredient for sensitive or rosacea-prone skin. Its exfoliative properties make it superb for minimizing flaking from eczema and other kinds of allergic skin conditions. In fact, it’s often added to drug-free eczema creams for this reason.
What is Retinol?
Retinol is a form of vitamin A that helps boost collagen production and accelerate skin cell turnover. It can help reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles and improve your skin’s texture and tone, making your complexion look more youthful.
Retinol is a powerful anti-aging ingredient but can irritate your skin, especially when you first start using it. This irritation is why some people are worried about using salicylic acid and retinol together.
How to Use Salicylic Acid and Retinol Together
If you want to use salicylic acid and retinol together, here are some tips to help you do so safely and effectively:
- Introduce one product at a time: If you’re new to both salicylic acid and retinol, it’s best to start with one product at a time. Begin by using salicylic acid for a few weeks to see how your skin reacts, then gradually introduce retinol into your routine.
- Use them at alternate times: Salicylic acid and retinol can be too harsh to use together on certain skin types—especially if you have dry or sensitive skin. It’s best to use them at alternate times of day, with nightly use of retinol being preferable because this ingredient can break down if exposed to sunlight.
- Apply salicylic acid first: If you’re using both ingredients in the same routine, apply salicylic acid first, followed by retinol. This sequence will help the retinol penetrate more deeply into your skin thanks to the acid’s exfoliating effects. Avoid using this combination regularly, and always apply a moisturizer afterward to address any dryness it may cause.
- Use sunscreen during the day: Both skincare ingredients can make your skin more sensitive to the sun. Be sure to wear sunscreen during the day to protect your skin from harmful UV rays. Look for a broad-spectrum sunblock with an SPF rating of at least 30+.
- Be patient: It can take several weeks or even months to see the full benefits of salicylic acid and retinol. Be patient and consistent with your skincare routine, and you’ll start to see improvements in your complexion over time.
Should You Use the Ingredients Together?
You can use salicylic acid and retinol together, but it’s important to use them correctly and to take certain precautions to avoid irritating or damaging your skin.
If you’re new to both ingredients, introduce just one product to your skincare routine first and allow your skin to adjust to using it a few times a week before increasing this to daily application. Add the second ingredient only if your skin isn’t showing signs of irritation.
Some mild dryness or peeling is common when starting either salicylic acid or retinol. You can manage this with a hyaluronic acid serum or a moisturizer to help keep your skin hydrated.