I get it: Your skin is important to you. You want to take care of it, and you want to do a good job.
In the world of acne treatment, there’s no one-size-fits-all solution for everyone, but products like salicylic acid and adapalene can be a big help.
Salicylic acid is a beta-hydroxy acid (BHA) that works as an exfoliant, while adapalene is an over-the-counter retinoid that helps your skin cells shed faster.
But which product should you use?
And what if you need both? Can salicylic acid and adapalene be safely used together?
Key Findings
Here’s a summary table of the key information presented in this blog post:
| Topic | Information |
|---|---|
| Salicylic Acid | Beta-hydroxy acid that helps unclog pores and reduce inflammation |
| Adapalene | Retinoid that helps unclog pores, prevent new acne formation, and reduce inflammation |
| Can you use them together? | Yes, but use them at different times of day |
| Best approach | Use salicylic acid in the morning and adapalene at night |
Can You Use Salicylic Acid With Adapalene?
You can use salicylic acid with adapalene.
You can also use salicylic acid with other topical acne treatments, such as benzoyl peroxide and retinoids.
In addition to using it on its own, you can incorporate salicylic acid into your skincare routine by using it alongside other topical treatments.
For example, you may want to use both a cleanser and toner that contain salicylic acid before applying an over-the-counter cream containing the ingredient to your skin once or twice a day.
How to Use Salicylic Acid With Adapalene
Step 1
Wash your face with a gentle cleanser twice a day, morning and evening.
Step 2
Apply a pea-sized amount of salicylic acid to your entire face once daily in the evening after cleansing.
Step 3
Apply a pea-sized amount of adapalene gel to your entire face once daily in the morning after cleansing.
Step 4
Use sunscreen every day when outdoors (and indoors, if possible).
Sunscreen should be applied liberally, at least 15 minutes before going out into the sun, and reapplied often, especially after swimming or sweating profusely.
Step 5
Avoid known irritants such as excessive sun exposure (including tanning beds), harsh skin cleansers, and products that have high concentrations of alcohol, fragrance, or other chemicals that may irritate your skin.
Can I Use Salicylic Acid in the Morning and Adapalene at Night?
To get the most out of salicylic acid and adapalene, you can use salicylic acid in the morning and adapalene at night. This approach allows your skin to benefit from both ingredients without causing irritation and dryness. Here’s a simple routine you can follow:
Morning Routine:
- Cleanse your face with a gentle cleanser
- Apply salicylic acid toner or serum
- Apply moisturizer with SPF
Night Routine:
- Cleanse your face with a gentle cleanser
- Apply adapalene gel or cream
- Apply moisturizer
Benefits of Using Salicylic Acid With Adapalene
Here are 9 benefits of using salicylic acid with adapalene:
1. Reduces acne and hyperpigmentation.
2. Improves skin texture and tone.
3. Softens and exfoliates the skin.
4. Reduces pore size.
5. Improves collagen production.
6. Increases cell turnover rate for healthier skin cells.
7. Treats keratosis pilaris (a common skin condition) by removing dead skin cells from hair follicles.
8. Helps remove excess oil from your pores so they’re less likely to clog up with bacteria or dirt.
9. Helps prevent ingrown hairs by dissolving dead skin cells inside hair follicles that have become trapped under your skin.
How Long Does It Take for Adapalene to Start Working?
You’ll see the best results from adapalene after about 4–6 weeks of use.
But it can take longer for you to experience results if you have more severe acne or if you’re using other products that can make your skin more sensitive.
If you’re still waiting for results after 6 weeks, talk with your dermatologist about trying out a different treatment plan.
Can You Use Moisturizer With Adapalene?
If you’re using adapalene, be sure to use a moisturizer that’s oil-free.
This will help keep your skin from becoming too dry.
Make sure that the moisturizer you choose doesn’t contain any of these ingredients:
- Alcohol
- Fragrance
- Parabens or any other form of synthetic fragrance (this includes all kinds of perfumes and colognes)
- Alpha hydroxy acids like glycolic acid, lactic acid, and salicylic acid (applied topically). These ingredients may cause irritation on sensitive skin.
Can Adapalene Be Used as a Spot Treatment?
You should not use adapalene for spot treatment.
Adapalene is an acne medication that is meant to be applied to the entire face, and it is not recommended for spot treatment.
You should also avoid using adapalene if you are experiencing any skin irritation or redness.
If you have sensitive skin, it’s best to steer clear of this product altogether as it can cause dryness in some individuals—especially those with sensitive or even normal skin types.
Is Adapalene Good for Wrinkles?
Adapalene is good for wrinkles. It helps to reduce fine lines and sun damage, as well as acne.
When it comes to treating acne, adapalene works by reducing sebum production in your skin.
The reduction in sebum can help prevent clogged pores and blackheads, which will reduce your chances of developing acne breakouts.
The increase in cell turnover also helps fade existing scars so your skin looks smooth and healthy.
Final Thoughts
However, if you’re looking for the potential benefits of adapalene and salicylic acid, then putting them together may make sense.
But realize that the concentrations used in trials may be too great for regular use.
If you have oily skin and are looking for something to improve your acne, there’s a good chance combining medications may be right for you. Just remember to consult with a dermatologist first!
