Difference between salicylic acid and glycolic acid

Taking care of your skin is an important part of looking and feeling your best. Whether you’re just starting to take your skincare seriously or you’re renewing your commitment, getting great results is all about finding the right products for your skin.  Glycolic acid and salicylic acid are two ingredients that you’ll find in a number of skincare products. But what do they do, and how are they different? Here’s what you need to know.  

What is glycolic acid?

Glycolic acid is an alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA), a group of naturally occurring fruit acids. Derived from sugar cane, glycolic acid is a key ingredient in a wide variety of skincare products in part because of its exfoliating properties. It works by loosening up the outer layers of dull, dead skin cells to reveal the fresh new skin beneath. The exfoliation process also helps to treat pigmentation issues and prevent acne breakouts by clearing away the gunk that leads to clogged pores.  Glycolic acid has a smaller molecule than other AHAs, which allows it to penetrate the skin. So in addition to optimizing skin health on the surface, it also works below the surface by stimulating the production of collagen and minimizing the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines. 

Skincare products containing glycolic acid come in a range of different formulas, from more gentle toners, cleansers, and at-home peel pads to medical-grade chemical peels that should only be applied by experienced cosmetic practitioners. 

What is salicylic acid? 

Salicylic acid is a beta-hydroxy acid (BHA), a group of naturally occurring acids. Derived from willow bark, salicylic acid is a key ingredient in many anti-acne skincare products in particular. Like glycolic acid, salicylic acid exfoliates the upper layers of skin to remove the gunk and reveal the fresh skin beneath. One of the main differences between the AHAs and the BHAs is that the former are water soluble and the latter are fat-soluble. While both glycolic and salicylic acids can penetrate the surface of the skin, the salicylic acid can go deeper,  which allows it to get down into the pores and clean them from within. In addition, salicylic acid helps to reduce inflammation, giving it yet another advantage as an ingredient in acne medications. 

Skincare products containing salicylic acid include cleansers, toners, serums, gels, creams, acne spot treatments, and chemical peels. 

Glycolic acid or salicylic acid: Which is right for you? 

When it comes to choosing skincare products, the best way to determine the right products for your skin is to work with an experienced skin care professional who can evaluate your skin and understand your specific needs. But in general, products containing salicylic acid as a main ingredient are best for oily, acne-prone skin, and treating whiteheads, blackheads, and deeper issues with clogged pores. Products containing glycolic acid as a main ingredient will work best for mild hyperpigmentation, fine lines and surface wrinkles, uneven skin tone, and enlarged pores. 

Let us help you love your skin | Siti Med Spa 

Many people have skin concerns that could benefit from both glycolic acid and salicylic acid. But a DIY mix-and-match could lead to skin trouble. Instead, try a high-quality specialized formula that contains both.  At Siti Med Spa, we recommend SkinMedica AHA/BHA Exfoliating Cleanser for at-home use. Or come in and see us for a chemical peel.  We’ll find the right formula to treat your skin concerns and give you a healthy, beautiful glow. 

For more information on SkinMedica skin care products or any of our cosmetic services, give us a call at 619-717-8484 today. 

When the word “acid” comes to mind, you might be thinking of the lethal stuff we use to disinfect toilets. (Yikes.) But in skincare, acids can be found in a multitude of anti-aging and anti-acne products, from toners to serums and more. While not all of us are familiar with the “acid alphabet” (AHA, BHA…LMNO-PHA?), we’re sure you’ve heard of these two: salicylic and glycolic acid. That’s because you can find them in even the most rural of supermarket aisles. But for the baffled and acne-prone, you might ask…what’s the difference?

The difference between salicylic and glycolic acid

Salicylic acid is a BHA (beta hydroxy acid), which means that two carbon atoms separate the hydroxy molecule from the acid. Two, hence the word “beta.” It’s derived from willow bark, which has been used in ancient Greek and Chinese civilizations to curb pain, fever, and (hint, hint!) inflammation. That also means it’s capable of being dissolved or liquefied in oil, which makes it great at penetrating deep into the pores of your skin. 

When it’s down in the war zone, er, your skin, it then breaks down the connections between cells to help unclog your pores. It also acts as an anti-inflammatory agent to help pus-filled zits go down easy. Dr. Belo’s go-to recommendation for the acne-prone? A jar of powerful salicylic acid pads, which packs 2% salicylic acid for maximum acne prevention and treatment.

Glycolic acid, on the other hand, is an AHA (alpha hydroxy acid). It’s derived from sugar cane, and it has the smallest molecules, so it penetrates into the skin easily. It’s able to stimulate collagen and loosen the bonds between cells in your stratum corneum (AKA the top layer of your skin). By loosening those cells, it becomes easier for them to slough off, revealing the good skin you have underneath.

Which acid is Dr. Belo’s favorite?

Dr. Belo personally loves glycolic acid. “In the morning, I use a glycolic acid exfoliator and vitamin C. I think every person is hiyang to certain medicine. What’s very bagay to me is a little glycolic [acid] or any alpha-hydroxy acid, but glycolic in particular my skin loves…to make sure my skin turnover is good,” she said in a 2019 interview with Preview.ph. It’s a relatively beginner-friendly acid, which is also why it’s one of the most popular.

Which of these acids is right for you?

Now, as for the question of which acid is the best for you, that all depends on your skin type. Salicylic acid is particularly good for those who suffer from acne and inflammation, while glycolic acid caters to a wider variety of skin types. (One of our most sought-after basic facials is the Glycopeel Cleaning Facial.) 

Still, it’s best to have a consultation with one of our doctors first. Now that we’ve demystified two of the most lauded acids in skincare, you can click here to book an online consultation.

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