Glycolic acid vs salicylic acid: Which one is healthier for pores and skin?

Glycolic acid vs salicylic acid: Two standard components utilized in varied skincare merchandise. Know the professionals and cons of those skincare components.

The wonder trade is booming, and it may be arduous to maintain up with the newest skincare components. Whereas there are such a lot of components on the market, glycolic acid and salicylic acid are two of the preferred skincare components which can be utilized in a number of skincare merchandise. However ever puzzled which one is healthier on your pores and skin: glycolic acid vs salicylic acid? In case you are confused, right here’s a breakdown of the professionals and cons of the 2 components and which one is healthier for you.

What’s glycolic acid?

Glycolic acid (GA) is an alpha hydroxy acid (AHA). This compound is usually present in sugary and acidic fruits equivalent to sugarcane, lemons, and melons. These acids are water-soluble and are used as exfoliants. It is likely one of the most generally used AHA in skincare identified for its exfoliating, hydrating, and anti-aging properties, as present in a examine revealed within the Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology.

Glycolic acid is a superb skincare ingredient. Picture courtesy: Adobe Inventory.

Advantages of glycolic acid

Listed below are a few of the potential advantages of glycolic acid:

1. Fights zits

“Glycolic acid is sweet for these with acne-prone skin. This skincare acid is a well-liked selection for exfoliating lifeless pores and skin cells from the floor of the pores and skin. Pimples arises when a pore turns into clogged with filth, oil, germs, and different pollution. Glycolic acid accommodates exfoliating properties that may be helpful in such circumstances. You will notice a discount in zits with constant use, says dermatologist and cosmetologist Dr Ritika Shanmugam.

2. Treats delicate hyperpigmentation

Hyperpigmentation is a typical downside lately throughout all age teams. This pores and skin situation is attributable to elevated melanin synthesis within the pores and skin. In line with a examine revealed within the European Journal of Medical Research, glycolic acid may also help deal with delicate hyperpigmentation by exfoliating the highest broken layer of the pores and skin. Moreover, it might probably cut back the traces of ageing and solar harm.

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3. Offers glowing pores and skin

Glycolic acid not solely plumps the pores and skin by rising its moisture ranges, but it surely additionally acts as a delicate exfoliant. Utilizing glycolic acid can brighten the pores and skin and provides it a wholesome look because it helps the pores and skin preserve moisture, as per a examine revealed within the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology.

4. Helps cut back nice strains and wrinkles

In case you are coping with untimely ageing and wish to minimise nice strains and wrinkles, glycolic acid could also be helpful. It helps to increase collagen levels within the pores and skin, which is essential for conserving it supple and wholesome, as per a examine revealed within the Journal of Dermatological Science.

Are there any unwanted side effects of glycolic acid?

Individuals with delicate pores and skin ought to use glycolic acid with warning as it might probably irritate the pores and skin. Individuals with delicate, dry pores and skin might profit from lactic acid, a gentler AHA, suggests a examine revealed within the Molecules MDPI Journal.

Different potential unwanted side effects of glycolic acid as defined by professional are:

  • Burning
  • Pores and skin rash
  • Redness
  • Itchiness
  • Dryness
  • Pores and skin swelling

Plus, it might probably make the pores and skin delicate to daylight so it’s suggested to at all times use sunscreen whereas utilizing glycolic acid.

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What’s salicylic acid?

Salicylic acid is a beta-hydroxy acid and an exfoliating agent. It’s a pure exfoliator obtained from wintergreen crops. Salicylic acid is ideal for greasy, mixture, and acne-prone pores and skin as a result of it’s lipophilic by nature (mixes effectively with oil). Salicylic acid is much less irritating to the pores and skin than glycolic acid since its molecules are barely greater, as per a examine revealed within the StatPearl Journal.

What are the advantages of salicylic acid?

Listed below are a few of the notable advantages of salicylic acid:

1. Reduces blackheads and whiteheads

“Salicylic acid, not like glycolic acid, penetrates the floor of the pores and skin and helps remove filth from its pores. When further sebum, particles, and hair follicles mix, pores change into clogged. This makes your pores and skin seem uninteresting and tough and causes blackheads and whiteheads. Salicylic acid offers you clear, wholesome pores and skin by deeply cleansing pores,” says the professional.

2. Controls extra oil

Salicylic acid, a potent BHA, controls sebum manufacturing and retains pores and skin from changing into too oily. Together with this skincare acid in your routine will stability oil with out leaving your pores and skin dry. Individuals with mixture, oily, and acne-prone pores and skin profit from it probably the most, in accordance with a examine revealed in Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology Journal.

A woman with oily skin
Salicylic acid helps preserve a wholesome glow by managing oil ranges. Picture courtesy: Freepik

3. Retains zits at bay

Salicylic acid acts on the deeper layers of the pores and skin by cleansing pores, resulting in fewer outbreaks and zits. Pink zits bumps will not be solely uncomfortable, however in addition they make your face seem uninteresting. Salicylic acid has calming qualities that may relieve pimple-related redness and ache, in accordance with a examine revealed within the Canadian Medical Association of Journal.

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Are there any unwanted side effects of salicylic acid?

Though salicylic acid is mostly innocent, it would trigger pores and skin irritation when used initially. Moreover, it might probably deprive the pores and skin of its pure oils, which might irritate and trigger dryness.

Different potential unwanted side effects of salicylic are as per a examine revealed within the Clinical, Cosmetic, and Investigational Dermatology Journal:

  • Stinging sensation on the pores and skin
  • Itching
  • Peeling pores and skin
  • Hives

Glycolic acid vs salicylic acid: Which is healthier on your pores and skin?

Glycolic acid and salicylic acid are each efficient skincare components that may be included into your skincare routine. Individuals with delicate and dry pores and skin can go for glycolic acid whereas these with oily and acne-prone pores and skin can select salicylic acid. You possibly can select the components in accordance with your pores and skin sort and pores and skin concern.

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