Glycolic Peel V/s Salicylic Peel: Which Makes For A Better Choice For Your Skin Type? | Kosmoderma

Glycolic Acid and Salicylic Acid Can Work Wonders On Your Skin!

The skincare industry is always debating about glycolic acid or salicylic acid. Well, they both are potent exfoliators but work differently. Also, they both are hydroxyl acids, commonly used in skincare products to treat a variety of skin concerns.

However, glycolic acid is an Alpha-Hydroxy Acid (AHA) whereas salicylic acid is a Beta-Hydroxy Acid (BHA). This means they vary in their chemical structures and the way they address specific skin concerns.

People with sensitive skin are advised to start using glycolic acid and salicylic acid in small amounts while increasing their use gradually. Plus, they must wear sunscreen when using skincare products with these ingredients to reduce skin sensitivity to the sun.

Additionally, you have chemical treatments that use glycolic acid and salicylic acid. A detailed skin assessment can help your provider decide the best one for you.

Let’s explore more about both these skincare ingredients and which peel treatment makes for a better choice for your skin type.

About Glycolic Acid and Its Various Peel Benefits

Glycolic acid is the most widely used alpha hydroxyl acid as a skincare ingredient. This natural organic acid can be sourced from sugarcane or manufactured in a laboratory. It helps to slough away the dead skin cells by breaking down the bonds that hold them together.

Its exfoliating action promotes the cell regeneration process, imparting a radiant-looking complexion. Moreover, its anti-aging and moisturizing properties help to improve the overall quality of your skin.

You can enjoy the skin-related benefits of glycolic acid with peel treatment, which helps to:

• Improve skin tone and texture
• Reduce the appearance of superficial facial crease
• Minimize the size of skin pores
• Promote collagen production
• Fade away skin blemishes

About Salicylic Acid and Its Many Peel Benefits

As a Beta Hydroxyl Acid, salicylic acid unclogs the skin pores as part of its exfoliating action. It is obtained from wintergreen leaves and willow bark and revered as an anti-acne treatment for its antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties. Also, because it is oil-soluble, it can infiltrate the skin to clear your pores and minimize inflammation.

Salicylic acid peel imparts the following benefits, including:

• Helps to both prevent and treat acne
• Minimizes the size of your skin pores
• Regulates oil production
• Reduces pigmentation
• Enhances skin texture and boosts skin health

Comparing Glycolic Acid and Salicylic Acid

Glycolic acid and salicylic acid differ in size. Glycolic acid can penetrate deep into the skin because it is a small molecule. On the other hand, salicylic acid tends to stay on the surface of the skin because it is a large molecule.

Besides that, while glycolic acid is an AHA, salicylic acid is a BHA.

Moreover, the water-solubility properties of AHAs make it possible for them to work on the skin’s surface, making them suitable for those with dry skin. Conversely, because BHAs are oil-soluble, they penetrate your skin’s deep layers, which makes them suitable for oily skin and acne-prone skin types.

Which To Choose Between Glycolic Acid Peel and Salicylic Acid Peel?

Consider your skin type and goals before choosing between these exfoliating acids. Glycolic acid peel is recommended for dry or sensitive skin types while salicylic acid peel is advised for those with oily and acne-prone skin.

Choose glycolic acid peel if you have dry or sensitive skin. It can lighten the appearance of your superficial fine lines and wrinkles, and pigmented spots. It is effective in improving your skin texture, reducing the aging signs, and minimizing hyperpigmentation.

On the other hand, salicylic acid peel is advised for those with oily or acne-prone skin. It also helps to unclog the skin pores and alleviate inflammation. And it addresses skin concerns such as acne, blocked pores, and inflammatory conditions.

Products containing both glycolic acid and salicylic acid can help to treat acne and improve the overall appearance of your skin.

Should You Combine Glycolic Acid With Salicylic Acid?

The skin experts recommend using glycolic acid and salicylic acid together when they are combined in the same skincare product. Never use different skincare products with these ingredients consecutively. Well, they both work well together although you must start slowly and keep checking how your skin reacts to their combination. That’s because they are both strong exfoliants and their overuse can have side effects.

Chemical Peel Treatment: Multiple Reasons to Choose Kosmoderma

• We offer our expert recommendations on which chemical peel treatment is best suited to your skin type and condition after a comprehensive skin diagnosis.
• As part of our quest for skincare excellence, along with premium-quality, medical-grade skincare products, we deploy sophisticated tools and advanced technologies, rendering promising results.
• We boast of a talented team of board-certified cosmetologists/dermatologists who deliver results matching your expectations, focusing on customer satisfaction.

FAQs

1.   How does glycolic acid peel benefit the skin?

Glycolic acid, which is an AHA, helps by triggering collagen production, inhibiting melanin synthesis, restoring the levels of hyaluronic acids in the skin, and reducing pigmentation.

2.   Which skin problems does salicylic acid peel help with?

By working as a chemical peel, salicylic acid helps to treat varied skin concerns. This BHA is commonly used to address melasma, photodamage, keratosis pilaris characterized by rough and bumpy skin, acne, and psoriasis.

3.   What should you not mix with glycolic acid and salicylic acid?

Never mix vitamin-C with the combination of glycolic acid and salicylic acid. That’s because vitamin-C is extremely unstable, which is why it can disrupt the balance of the acids it is mixed with. Thus, blending these three skin ingredients will have no effect on the skin.