Glycolic Acid vs. Salicylic Acid: Choosing the Right Acid for Your Skin

🔑 The video discusses the difference between glycolic acid and salicylic acid, two common exfoliating ingredients for skincare.

💡 Glycolic acid, a type of alpha hydroxy acid (AHA), is smaller and can penetrate deeper into the skin. It is derived from sugar cane but is now typically synthesized in a lab.

💡 Salicylic acid, a beta hydroxy acid (BHA), is commonly derived from the bark of the willow tree. It is also made in a lab.

🔑 Glycolic acid is best for surface exfoliation, while salicylic acid is best for oily skin or acne.

💦 Salicylic acid goes deep into pores to unclog them, while glycolic acid promotes hydration and collagen production.

🌟 Glycolic acid has anti-aging benefits, while salicylic acid is primarily for unclogging pores.

👍 Glycolic acid can be used by all skin types and tones, including darker skin tones.

⚠️ Glycolic acid is the most aggressive AHA, so it may cause some hypersensitivity and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.

⚠️ The percentage of glycolic acid used is important, with 5-20% being effective, but higher percentages should be used with caution.

🔑 Glycolic acid is a highly effective exfoliator for most skin types, with 10-20% concentrations providing significant results and a glowing complexion.

💡 Dark skin tones can use glycolic acid over 10%, but a patch test is recommended to ensure sensitivity. Salicylic acid is helpful for acne, but not all products can claim it due to the drug fact label.

☀️ Glycolic acid can increase sun sensitivity, emphasizing the need for sunscreen. Exfoliating at night is recommended to remove dead skin cells and unclog pores.

🔑 Salicylic acid and glycolic acid can make your skin more sensitive to the sun, so sunscreen is essential.

💡 If you can't tolerate glycolic acid but want anti-aging benefits, lactic acid is a good alternative.

🌟 For those who can't tolerate salicylic acid, mandelic acid is a great alternative for oily or acne-prone skin.

🔬 Recommends glycolic acid-based resurfacing mask and salicylic acid product for skincare.

❓ Provides instructions on using the glycolic acid mask for different skin types and desired results.

🔑 Glycolic acid options: L'Oreal is expensive but effective, Bubble is affordable but undisclosed percentage, The Ordinary is affordable and beginner-friendly.

🔑 Glycolic acid can be used for dark areas on the body, but not recommended for the scalp; better options available.

🔑 Salicylic acid options: Paula's Choice and Panoxyl are both effective, but Panoxyl is more affordable.

🔑 Glycolic acid and salicylic acid are effective for different skin types and concerns.

💧 It is important to follow the recommended directions for using these products, including applying SPF 30 afterwards.

💼 Different brands offer cleansers, spot treatments, and combination products with various concentrations of glycolic acid and salicylic acid.

💰 Some combination products can be expensive but convenient for travel or on-the-go use.