When it comes to skin care, it’s easy to get carried away with using a multitude of products in hopes of achieving brighter, smoother, and softer skin. However, this can actually lead to irritation, making it important to choose the right product combinations. One pairing that works well together is salicylic acid (BHA) and retinol. BHA is an exfoliant that removes dead skin cells, clearing the path for other active ingredients to penetrate. Retinol, on the other hand, increases cell turnover and decreases dead skin cells’ tendency to clog pores. Thus, these two ingredients work synergistically, making each other work even better.
Contrary to a popular myth, BHA does not inhibit the effects of retinol. Instead, when used together, they may enhance each other’s benefits. Retinol can boost the effects of BHA by increasing cell turnover and decreasing dead skin cells’ tendency to clump together and clog pores. At the same time, BHA can clear the pathway for retinol, enhancing its ability to penetrate the skin.
Not surprisingly, the pairing of BHA and retinol is a go-to for anyone with oily skin, breakouts, or clogged pores. “Salicylic acid is an excellent comedolytic ingredient because it is oil-soluble and can penetrate into pores to gently exfoliate and remove excess sebum,” says dermatologist Dr. Hadley King. “Retinoids are also excellent topical ingredients for fighting acne because they increase the turnover of skin cells and decrease their tendency to clog pores.” Using them together is like a one-two punch of skin-refining, pore-clearing power.
However, it is important to note that this pairing may cause skin purging, which is the increased rate of cell turnover causing the pile-up of dead skin cells on the skin’s surface, which then clog pores. Dormant zits underneath the skin’s surface also rise faster to the top, causing small red bumps accompanied by either whiteheads or blackheads. This may last several weeks as the skin adjusts to this new regimen, so patience is key.
It’s also generally safe to use BHA and retinol together, but it is important to consider skin type before doing so. For those with dry or sensitive skin, try using BHA in the morning and retinol at night, applying them on alternating days, or using retinol every night and incorporating BHA into your routine two to three times a week. Another option is to use a gentler product, such as the Avocado Melt Retinol Eye Cream, which is formulated with encapsulated retinol that is released slowly over time.
For oily skin, try the Strawberry Smooth BHA+AHA Salicylic Serum, which pairs 2% salicylic acid with a blend of gentle AHAs to smooth and clear skin before adding retinol. This serum also includes hydrating hyaluronic acid and soothing allantoin to keep skin comfortable. In addition, the Strawberry BHA Pore-Smooth BHA Blur Drops is a great daytime option that doubles as a makeup primer, thanks to its gentle tapioca and rice blend, which blots excess oil and creates a smooth canvas for foundation. This hybrid formula is infused with strawberry enzymes and BHA, clinically proven to reduce excess oil, shine, and visible pores in two weeks.
Another option for adding BHA to your retinol regimen is the Watermelon Glow PHA + BHA Pore-Tight Toner, which actively minimizes pores while drenching skin with hydration from cactus water, hyaluronic acid, and cucumber. This toner is especially gentle and can be used as a prep step no matter what else you’re using in your routine.
In conclusion, the pairing of BHA and retinol works synergistically to enhance each other’s benefits, making them a go-to for oily skin, breakouts, or clogged pores. While skin purging may occur, patience is key to allow the skin to adjust to this new regimen. It is important to consider skin type before using BHA and retinol together, but there are various gentler options to choose from to cater to your skin’s particular needs.
