GLYCOLIC ACID VS SALICYLIC ACID: ACHIEVING THE BEST RESULTS

WHAT IS GLYCOLIC ACID?

Glycolic acid, an alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) derived from sugar cane, is renowned for its ability to exfoliate the outermost layer of skin to unveil a brighter and smoother complexion underneath. Glycolic acid can also stimulate collagen production, which helps in reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles over time.

THE BENEFITS OF GLYCOLIC ACID

If your goal is to combat signs of aging and achieve more radiant skin for your clients, glycolic acid is an excellent choice. Here’s why:

• Cell Turnover: Glycolic acid promotes cell turnover, which effectively reduces the appearance of discoloration, age spots and hyperpigmentation. Increased cell turnover also brightens the skin, which is important for any skincare routine or in-clinic treatment.
• Moisture Restoration: Glycolic acid can help restore the skin’s natural moisture levels, improving the overall texture and tone. Products that support the skin’s natural moisturizing factor, like our Beta Gel, use glycolic acid to accelerate cell renewal and keep skin moisturized.
• Suitable for Sensitive Skin: It’s gentle enough for sensitive skin, which makes it suitable for clients whose skin cannot tolerate harsher treatments. Our Resurfacing Night Cream gives your clients the benefits of glycolic acid without irritation.

WHEN TO USE GLYCOLIC ACID

Enhance your aesthetician services by introducing glycolic acid into your  treatments and home care regimens in the following situations:

• Facial Peels: Glycolic peels are one of the most popular forms of chemical exfoliation. A glycolic acid peel, like our Professional Exfoliator with 30% AHAs, can help to reduce the appearance of wrinkles, fine lines and age spots in just a few treatments.
• Dull Skin: If your clients’ skin has lost its natural glow due to buildup, glycolic acid can help to reduce buildup and restore brightness. With our Glycolic Facial Cleanser, you and your client can enjoy brighter skin at home.
• Hyperpigmentation: For clients’ dealing with hyperpigmentation, glycolic acid is the ideal choice. It helps to even out blotchy skin tones by removing dead cells from the surface of the skin.

Rather than scrubbing the skin, the chemical makeup of an AHA like glycolic acid causes the dead skin cells to detach and slough away. This leaves the skin softer and clearer than before.

The 15% glycolic acid in Beta Gel lightens pigmented skin as it accelerates skin renewal, making it an excellent addition for your client’s home care regimen.

WHAT IS SALICYLIC ACID?

Salicylic acid is a beta hydroxy acid (BHA) derived from willow bark. It has a long history of use in skincare, especially for clients with acne-prone skin. Salicylic acid excels at unclogging pores, reducing acne and preventing future breakouts.

Additionally, it possesses anti-inflammatory properties: soothing to the skin as it exfoliates by removing dead skin cells and promoting a healthier complexion.

THE BENEFITS OF SALICYLIC ACID

Salicylic acid products are a great choice for your clients with oily skin and acne concerns. Here’s why:

• Gentle Exfoliation: Salicylic acid is a gentle exfoliant that won't overly dry out the skin, which makes it suitable for sensitive and delicate skin types. Our Exfoliating Cleanser is specifically designed for acne-prone skin and formulated with salicylic acid to unclog pores, reduce redness and prevent breakouts.
• Anti-Inflammatory Properties: Salicylic acid's anti-inflammatory properties help reduce redness and puffiness associated with breakouts.
• Oil Solubility: Being oil-soluble, salicylic acid effectively penetrates pores to unclog them from dirt and absorb excess oil. Try our Purifying Cleanser, which contains salicylic acid to help reduce the appearance of acne lesions and blackheads.

THE DIFFERENCES BETWEEN SALICYLIC ACID AND GLYCOLIC ACID

When choosing between salicylic acid products and glycolic acid products for your clients, both acids can yield radiant skin. However, several key differences should inform your recommendations:

• Glycolic acid is a smaller molecule and can penetrate deeper into the skin, which provides excellent results.
• Salicylic acid, because of its chemical makeup as a lipophilic, is attracted to oil. This means it will penetrate deep into oily pores and cleanse your clients’ skin. 
• Glycolic acid is an alpha hydroxy acid (AHA), which means it’s attracted to water and promotes moisture for normal to dry skin.
• On the other hand, salicylic acid is a beta hydroxy acid (BHA), which means it’s attracted to and absorbs oil. This makes it great for acne-prone or excessively oily skin.

CHOOSING THE RIGHT ACID FOR YOUR CLIENT’S SKIN

Remember, each client’s skin type is unique, so tailor their skincare routine and in-clinic treatments accordingly. Salicylic acid products are often preferred for oily and acne-prone skin, while glycolic acid is more suitable for normal to dry skin types.

Salicylic acid is a powerhouse when it comes to reducing acne and redness. It dives deep into the pores, dissolving excess sebum and dead skin cells to prevent clogged pores and breakouts. Its anti-inflammatory properties also calm redness and irritation caused by acne.

Glycolic acid takes a gentler approach; it exfoliates the skin's surface by detaching dead cells and speeding up cell turnover. This can help fade acne scars and hyperpigmentation over time. While it may not be as targeted as salicylic acid for acne, glycolic acid contributes to a clearer, more even complexion that's less prone to future breakouts.

If you’re worried about making the right choice for your clients, GlyMed can help! With our remote and in-person classes, online resources and more, you can dive deep into skincare ingredients and find what works best for your clients.

Take a look at our calendar to find an educational event that works for you and feel prepared to offer your clients the skincare transformations they’re looking for.