Salicylic acid: the exfoliating cleaner
A beta-hydroxy acid that is used in dermatology to treat a number of skin disorders, salicylic acid dissolves into a skincare product’s aqueous phase to work on the skin’s surface. With acne, dead skin cells tend to amalgamate together and build up on the skin’s surface. This thickening of skin, called hyperkeratinsation, is one of the reasons why pores become blocked. Salicylic acid helps to unstick these cells from each other, so that they fall away. Unblocked pores mean that sebum can circulate freely. It doesn’t oxidise, which means, acnes don’t colonise it, and this helps to reduce inflammation. And with no more excess skin cells that stick to each other, new cells move to the skin’s surface. Residual marks are removed, the skin becomes smoother and more even, for a more uniform complexion.
Hyaluronic acid: the hydrating rejuvenator
Hyaluronic acid plays a key role in maintaining and restoring the skin’s moisture levels. Able to absorb up to 1,000 times its weight in water, hyaluronic acid helps skin maintain all its vital structures. It is also involved in the production of collagen, making skin supple. The amount of hyaluronic acid naturally present in skin gradually falls over time. Including it in a skincare product therefore helps to lift and smooth skin. Finally, hyaluronic acid also helps the skin’s protective barrier remain intact, preventing stressors from irritating your skin.
A skincare routine with salicylic and hyaluronic acids
Salicylic and hyaluronic acids therefore have complementary actions in a skincare routine. Both can be included in a product such as a serum.
A salicylic and hyaluronic acid serum, absorbed into the skin, helps to exfoliate, reduces inflammation, hydrates and protects the skin barrier, and improves your overall complexion and tone. Combining the two acids in one serum provides all the effectiveness of each, without necessarily affecting tolerance in skin.
Does using hyaluronic and salicylic acids cause irritation?
The benefits of including both acids in a single product are numerous, not least that a skincare routine needs just one product to achieve so many welcome results. With Bioderma’s ecobiology approach, we use the minimal amount of ingredients in our products, and only those that are necessary, to ensure their complete tolerance and effectiveness. As more products are added to a skincare routine, the risk of irritation becomes greater.