The Battle of the Acids - Glycolic vs Salicylic
The world of skincare can be overwhelming for beginners, with a seemingly endless list of ingredients and treatments. But two acids stand out from the pack when it comes to treating skin issues: glycolic acid and salicylic acid. These two powerhouses have been around for decades, but which one is best for you? Let’s explore what makes each of these acids so special—and how they differ from one another. 
Glycolic Acid
Glycolic acid is an alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) derived from sugar cane. It works by dissolving the “glue” that holds skin cells together, allowing them to slough off more easily and revealing brighter, smoother skin beneath the surface. Glycolic acid is ideal for treating dryness, dullness, fine lines and wrinkles, and hyperpigmentation such as dark spots or melasma. It can also help reduce the appearance of enlarged pores by gently exfoliating away excess oil and debris in the pore lining. As an added bonus, glycolic acid stimulates collagen production in your skin for a firmer, more youthful-looking complexion!
Salicylic Acid
Salicylic acid is a beta hydroxy acid (BHA) derived from willow bark extract. Unlike glycolic acid which primarily treats surface-level issues like dryness or discoloration, salicylic acid penetrates deep into your pores to clear out dirt, oil, bacteria and other impurities that can lead to breakouts or blackheads. Salicylic acid is ideal for treating acne-prone skin types since it exfoliates the top layer of dead skin cells while also unclogging your pores and reducing inflammation deep within them. It also helps reduce oil production and regulate sebum levels in your skin to prevent future breakouts from forming. 
Both glycolic and salicylic acids offer amazing benefits for your skincare routine—but which one should you choose? In general, we recommend using both acids in tandem since they complement each other nicely! Use glycolic acid during your evening skincare routine to gently exfoliate away surface-level texture issues while salicylic acid should be used during your morning routine to penetrate deeply into your pores and clear out any impurities that could cause breakouts! With proper use of both acids together in your skincare routine you’ll see noticeable results within just a few weeks!
