Face cleansers are used in daily routine. It is meant for the purpose of cleansing that helps in removing dirt, oil and pollution from the face. Day to day life makes exposure to dirt and pollution more prominent. This creates the need for cleansing.
There is a huge variety of face cleansers present in the market. All of them contain different active ingredients based on their function. Many cleansers contain exfoliating acids or chemical exfoliants that offer targeted benefits like acne clearance, dark spots reduction, oil control etc. It depends on your concerns about which exfoliating acid would work for you.
The two most commonly used and heard chemical exfoliants are glycolic acid and salicylic acid. Both of them belong to different categories and perform different functions. One performs surface cleansing action and is water-soluble. while the other is known for its deep pore cleansing as it is oil-soluble.
For the purpose of daily cleansing you need to choose which cleanser is required. You have to figure out which concern you need to take care of and then select. Selecting the cleanser with the wrong choice of ingredient can either cause clogged pores or strip away skin’s barrier.
Different nature between salicylic acid and glycolic acid
Salicylic acid: It is a known beta hydroxy acid (BHA) that is oil-soluble or lipophilic in nature. This nature of salicylic acid makes it able to cross the oil-barriers of the skin and reach the pores. Salicylic acid works by dissolving the bonds that form a plug of sebum and help in clearing the pores before acne breakouts. Salicylic acid has a larger sized molecule that is a derivative of aspirin and upon penetration it helps in soothing the inflamed skin.
Glycolic acid: This is an alpha hydroxy acid. AHAs are water-soluble in nature. These acids are not able to cross the oil layers of the skin so they perform the surface action only. It works by cutting the dead skin cells bond which hold them together and increase the shedding of dead skin cells. Among all AHAs glycolic acid has the smallest molecule size which lets it penetrate the skin quickly and perform.
Salicylic acid face wash benefits
Salicylic acid face wash is known for more than surface cleansing of impurities. It has been used for the purpose of deep cleansing of pores. Salicylic acid is an oil-soluble ingredient due to which it can penetrate deep into the skin and perform pore cleansing. This lipophilic acid can cross the oil barriers smoothly and reach the hair follicle directly.
- Pore cleansing: Salicylic acid goes into the pores and helps in clearing the pores by cutting the bonds between the dead skin cells and dirt and makes a smooth exit for them. This reduces the chances of acne like blackheads or whiteheads.
- Oil control: Salicylic acid after clearing the pores reaches to the sebaceous glands and clear out the excess oil from the pores. It also helps in regulating the oil flow with continuous use.
- Anti-inflammatory action: Salicylic acid helps in soothing the congested skin and calms down the redness due to its potent anti-inflammatory effects.
Purpose of salicylic acid face wash
- Salicylic acid face washes are widely used for the purpose of oil control due to its deep pore cleansing action and oil regulation.
- Salicylic acid cleanser is used for acne control popularly because it keeps the pores clean and prevents further breakouts.
Glycolic acid face wash benefits
Glycolic acid is one among other Alpha hydroxy acids. It has a water-soluble profile like all other AHAs. Unlike salicylic acid, glycolic acid performs on the skin surface. It works to make the skin look even and polished. It is beneficial in fading the uneven spots and dullness from the skin.
- Removing dead skin cells: Glycolic acid works by breaking down the clusters of dead skin cells and dissolving their bonds. This makes the shedding of dead skin cells easy and new clean cells appear on the surface.
- Hyperpigmentation reduction: Glycolic acid on continuous use helps in fading the hyperpigmented skin that occurs due to melanin over production that gets triggered due to acne inflammation and sun exposure.
Glycolic acid face wash purpose
- Glycolic acid is mostly used for dealing with uneven skin tone and dullness.
- It has been used for the purpose of achieving an even and brightened complexion.
Skin type suitability
Different skin types have different concerns and according to that they need to select the cleanser.
- Oily skin type: They can use salicylic acid cleanser on daily purpose.
- Acne prone skin: Salicylic acid becomes the best choice.
- Combination skin: Can use salicylic acid for oil control and for even toned skin glycolic acid can be used.
- Sensitive skin: Can use both but in low and suitable concentrations.
- Dry and dull skin: Use glycolic acid face cleanser but with hydrating ingredients.
Can both be used together?
You can use both salicylic acid and glycolic acid together but not at the same time. Incorporate both the acids at different time routines. Combining both of the exfoliating acids in a single routine can be skin irritating for some of the people. But if you want to use both in a single routine then it is best to purchase a formulation that contains both AHA and BHA at suitable concentration already.
Last thoughts
Salicylic acid and glycolic acid both are great chemical exfoliants that serve different purposes. Using each of them proves to be beneficial for the skin. One helps for the deeper skin concerns and the other is known for its visible skin clearance. You just have to understand your concern and then select.
