How To Incorporate AHA/BHA Serum And Salicylic Acid Cleanser In Skincare Routine

Are you wondering how to use your AHA/BHA serum and Salicylic acid cleanser together in your skincare routine, and how safe it is?

AHAs and BHAs are chemical exfoliants found in skin products, they work by removing dead skin cells to reveal the healthy skin underneath. 

AHA is an acronym for alpha hydroxy acids and BHA is for beta hydroxy acids.

Salicylic acid, on the other hand, has oil-control properties that shrink pores, smoothen, and reduce acne, and dark spots; an example of a good Salicylic acid skin care product is the CeraVe SA smoothing cleanser.

The strength of AHAs and BHAs are higher than the one of Salicylic acid only with a small difference.

Both ingredients although well-concentrated pretty much have the same skin benefits.

So that brings up the question: can AHA/BHA and Salicylic acid be used together in a skincare regime?

Can I use AHA/BHA and salicylic acid in the same routine?

The straightforward answer is yes, both can be used together in a skincare routine.

Depending on your skin goals, both ingredients work hand in hand, Salicylic acid shrinks acne and AHA and BHA removes the shrunk skin cells.

Both ingredients dry out the skin so they must be paired with other hydrating skin products and a good sunscreen, but if you have a sensitive skin type sticking to just one of the ingredients at a time is your best bet to avoid skin irritation.

To further explain, if you have a dry or sensitive skin type try to incorporate the ingredient you need most then stop when you have achieved your skin goals then start with the second ingredient.

Conclusion

Alpha hydroxy and beta hydroxy acids when added to skin care products can offer the best exfoliating results to the skin.

Salicylic acid is a holy grail too, the best ingredient for reducing acne and dark spots.

Even the smallest percentage of these ingredients in skin products are rarely diluted to reduce their effectiveness.

But that doesn't mean they can't be used together in one skincare regime, they CAN as long you pair them with other hydrating skin products and sunscreen!

However, if you have a sensitive skin type you may need to go through this guide for the best way to use Salicylic acid and AHA/BHA together.