How To Use Salicylic Acid And Retinol In Your Skincare Routine

Salicylic acid and retinol are two popular and powerful active skincare ingredients. They can do wonders for your skin, but have to be used carefully.

Can you use salicylic acid with retinol?

The simple answer is: No.

You cannot use salicylic acid with retinol in the same skincare routine i.e. AM or PM routine. Both skincare actives are very potent and you run the risk of overtreating the skin, which can cause redness, dryness, sensitivity and peeling.

But, here’s the good news: you can use salicylic acid with retinol in a weekly skincare routine at night.

How to use salicylic acid and retinol together

What you need to know:

• Less is more: don’t fall in the trap of overtreating your skin by using everything at once. You will have adverse reactions.
  
• Apply at night only: salicylic acid and retinol make your skin more sensitive to the sun, so always use these products at night.
  
• Alternate days of use: if you use salicylic acid one night, do not use retinol that day. Same goes for the reverse. Space out using both ingredients. It’s more effective and safer for your skin.

Example of a weekly skincare routine with salicylic acid and retinol at night

Salicylic acid 3x a week on Monday / Wednesday / Saturday nights: double cleanse, salicylic acid exfoliating toner, hydrating serum, moisturizer

Retinol 1x a week on Friday nights: double cleanse, hydrating serum, retinol serum, moisturizer

Related

A Beginners Guide: What Is Retinol and How To It In A Skincare Routine

A Beginner’s Guide To Active Ingredients In Skincare Products Broken Down By Skin Type and Concern (Includes a Printable Infographic!)

A few more tips

Use salicylic acid in a leave-on toner form with a concentration of 1-2% (I like the Paula’s Choice 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant). It’s gentle and exfoliates the skin causing little to no sensitivity. Start slow — once a week and build up to max two-three times a week at night. Always follow up with a hydrating serum and moisturizer because salicylic acid can dry out the skin.

Use retinol in a serum form with a concentration of 0.1% to 0.3% (especially if you are new to retinol). Apply at night only and start slow — once a week and build up to max twice a week. Always follow up with moisturizer because retinol can dry out the skin. Read more about how to start retinol here.

Use SPF every day, especially when you are using active skincare ingredients.

**Do not use retinol or salicylic acid if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Speak to your doctor before using either product.**

A little recap, just in case 🙂

What is salicylic acid?

Salicylic acid is a type of beta hydroxy acid (BHA), which helps to unclog pores, remove excess sebum, and clear out debris. It is a popular ingredient in many skincare products because it helps to clarify pores and reduce breakouts. So, if you have acne-prone skin, then using salicylic acid in your skincare routine is very beneficial.

What is retinol?

Retinol is a derivative of Vitamin A and available in many different forms for skincare. It is known to penetrate under the skin to help promote skin cell production and skin cell renewal. Research shows that retinol is an effective active skincare ingredient and offers many benefits such as reducing the appearance of fine lines; improving skin texture; and fading acne scars.