If you have acne-prone skin, using powerful ingredients like tretinoin and salicylic acid in your skincare routine can be a game-changer.
There are two of the best ingredients used to fight skin concerns like breakouts and skin aging.
But you might be wondering – are they safe to use together?
In this article, I’ll explain everything you need to know about using salicylic acid and tretinoin together.
What is Tretinoin?
Also known as retinoic acid or retin-A, tretinoin is a vitamin A derivative that works by speeding up the turnover of dead skin cells and stimulating collagen production.
Many studies have confirmed tretinoin’s abilities to:
Speed up skin cell turnover
Reduce fine lines and wrinkles
Improve your skin texture
Regulate sebum production
Improve skin renewal
Additionally, tretinoin is often prescribed by dermatologists as an acne treatment.
However, there are some downsides as well.
Unlike retinol, tretinoin is a prescription medication.
If you don’t have insurance or simply don’t want to deal with going in to see a dermatologist, I suggest checking out a reputable online pharmacy like UluRX.
They also do cool things a traditional derm can’t, like creating custom formulas for your specific needs.
Potential Side Effects of Tretinoin
Many people experience side effects when starting tretinoin, such as:
Skin irritation
Flakiness and peeling
Redness
Itchiness
Dry skin
Studies show that these side effects improve over time as your skin adjusts to retinoic acid.
However, some individuals may still experience lasting sensitivity.
Therefore, it’s important to either “buffer” tretinoin or layer it with hydrating and soothing ingredients.
For example, niacinamide and tretinoin can be a winning combination together.
What is salicylic acid?
Naturopathica
Naturium
The Ordinary
Salicylic acid is a beta hydroxy acid known for its incredible ability to treat acne and clogged pores.
When you incorporate salicylic acid into your routine, it works by generating deep into your pores and:
Dissolving dead skin cells
Flushing out oil and dirt
Exhibiting anti-inflammatory effects
Calming breakouts
Salicylic acid is generally well-tolerated and suitable for people with sensitive skin but overuse can still cause side effects like dryness and irritation.
What is salicylic acid used for?
Salicylic acid is used for treating oily skin concerns such as:
Acne
Blackheads
Dandruff and sebhorreic dermatitis
In fact, salicylic acid is one of the few ingredients approved by the FDA to treat acne!
Can you use tretinoin and salicylic acid together?
Generally, it is best to avoid using tretinoin and salicylic acid together as the combination can irritate skin and cause dryness.
However, some research demonstrates the safe and effective use of salicylic acid and tretinoin together.
For example, one study showed that combining tretinoin cream and salicylic acid cleansing pads improved acne with no added irritation.
Another study found that using a salicylic acid cleanser with tretinoin was an effective treatment for acne with minimal side effects.
How to Use Salicylic Acid and Tretinoin Together
To use salicylic acid products and tretinoin, you need patience!
First, start by using salicylic acid 1-3 times per week for a month before you start adding in tretinoin.
Then, try using tretinoin 2-3 nights per week with salicylic acid for the first 2-3 months.
If layering both tretinoin and salicylic acid together is too strong for you (and it is for most people!), consider trying a wash-off salicylic acid cleanser or alternating nights.
As your skin continues to build up tolerance, you can gradually increase the frequency of application.
Considerations When Using Salicylic Acid and Tretinoin
Because you’re already using two strong active ingredients, try to avoid other potentially irritating ingredients like:
Be sure to monitor your skin for side effects like redness or dryness.
If you experience these, decrease the frequency or stop using your actives altogether until your skin heals.
Skincare Routines with Tretinoin and Salicylic Acid
To get the most out of your skincare routine with tretinoin, follow this order.
Morning Routine with Tretinoin
Wash your face with a gentle cleanser or rinse with water
Apply a leave-on salicylic acid exfoliant
Apply your favorite moisturizer
Finish off with SPF
Evening Routine with Tretinoin
Wash your face with a gentle cleanser
Apply a pea-sized amount of tretinoin and gently rub in
Wait 2 minutes for tretinoin to absorb
Finish off with a layer of moisturizer and facial oil
Tips for Using Salicylic Acid and Tretinoin Together
Follow these tips to keep your skin happy and healthy when using salicylic acid and tretinoin together.
Choose the Right Salicylic Acid Product
To avoid irritation, you should apply salicylic acid and tretinoin at different times of the day or on alternate nights.
Generally, leave-on salicylic acid products are best used in the mornings and salicylic acid cleansers can be more effective at night.
Then, you can apply your tretinoin on clean, dry skin at night.
Avoid washing your face with salicylic acid after applying tretinoin as you’ll either wash it off completely or cause more skin irritation.
Support Your Skin
Using a gentle cleanser and a good moisturizer are essential when you’re using drying active ingredients like salicylic acid and tretinoin.
The best moisturizers to use with tretinoin have nourishing ingredients like ceramides and squalane.
Further, using hydrating serums with glycerin or hyaluronic acid will help hydrate your skin and reduce the sensitivity typically associated with tretinoin.
Avoid Side Effects
When you combine salicylic acid and tretinoin, you must watch for side effects like irritation and redness.
If you notice any of these symptoms, stop using these actives until your skin recovers fully.
Visit Your Dermatologist
Tretinoin is a prescription medication, and there’s no one better to advise you on how to use it than a board-certified dermatologist.
Set up an appointment to discuss how best to tackle your specific skin concerns.
A dermatologist will consider your skin type and medical history to help you determine the best way to tackle acne or skin aging.
Best Salicylic Acid Products to Use With Tretinoin
Check out some of the best salicylic acid products to use with tretinoin here:
Must-Try Salicylic Acid Toner
FaceTheory
Saliatica 2% BHA Exfoliant
FaceTheory Saliatica 2% BHA Exfoliant is a great salicylic acid treatment that uses salicylic acid to both unclog your pores and exfoliate your skin.
Best Salicylic Acid Body Wash
Murad
Acne Body Wash
Murad Acne Body Wash will be your new favorite soap!
It includes salicylic acid to help prevent body acne and treat your skin. Say goodbye to those summer breakouts!
Best Salicylic Acid Facial Oil
Sunday Riley
UFO Ultra-Clarifying Face Oil
Sunday Riley U.F.O. Ultra-Clarifying Face Oil packs salicylic acid alongside black cumin seed oil and milk thistle for an experience your skin will love.
Best Salicylic Acid Scalp Treatment
Briogeo
Scalp Revival Treatment Set
Briogeo Scalp Revival Treatment Set combines salicylic acid alongside tea tree oil and other natural ingredients to purify your scalp and promote hair growth.
Summary: Using Salicylic Acid and Tretinoin Together
When used consistently, salicylic acid and tretinoin are an effective combination against acne and aging skin.
At the same time, when you incorporate salicylic acid into your routine with tretinoin, it can cause signs of irritation like redness and dryness.
By slowly easing into your skincare routine and introducing products one at a time, you can limit potential irritation and adjust frequency based on your skin’s feedback.
Trust me, the results will be worth the wait!
Frequently Asked Questions
It’s generally advisable to avoid using retinol and salicylic acid together in your routine, as the combination may lead to irritation and dryness. Consider using them on different nights or at different times of the day.
Wait for 2-20 minutes after applying tretinoin to allow it to absorb before applying moisturizer. This helps prevent dilution of tretinoin and ensures optimal effectiveness.
Stopping tretinoin for a week may not have severe consequences, but you might experience a temporary setback in progress. Consistency is key for optimal results; try to resume your regular tretinoin application as soon as possible.
While it’s generally best to avoid using salicylic acid and tretinoin together due to potential irritation, some studies show they can be used effectively in combination. Start slowly, and monitor your skin for signs of irritation.
To avoid irritation, wait at least a few minutes between applying retinol and salicylic acid. Alternatively, you can use them on separate days to allow your skin ample time to adjust to each ingredient.
