Glycolic Acid vs. Salicylic Acid: Is it for Your Skin Type & Concern? | Dr. Shereene Idriss

Start using the right exfoliating acid for your skin today! Because I see too many people using products they don't need or can't tolerate and blowing their faces up in the process. Let's take a step back and break down the 2 most popular exfoliating acids: Glycolic Acid & Salicylic Acid.
0:00 intro
1:31 what is glycolic acid and salicylic acid
3:04 how it works
4:32 benefits
5:14 who is it for and can darker skin tones use them?
7:31 what percentage should you use?
10:44 sensitivity & alternatives
12:32 product recommendations
PRODUCT RECOMMENDATIONS:
GLYCOLIC (AHA)
Flash Mask go.shopmy.us/p-2137060
L'oréal go.shopmy.us/p-2137062
Bubble go.shopmy.us/p-2137068
The Ordinary go.shopmy.us/p-2137072
SALICYLIC (BHA)
Paula's Choice go.shopmy.us/p-2137075
Panoxyl go.shopmy.us/p-2137086
Skinfix go.shopmy.us/p-2137090
Cerave go.shopmy.us/p-2137093
Skinfix go.shopmy.us/p-2137097
AHA + BHA
Skinbetter go.shopmy.us/p-2137098
Dr. Dennis Gross go.shopmy.us/p-2137119
Shop more of my favorite products here: shopmy.us/shereeneidriss
Shop everything mentioned in this video here: shopmy.us/collections/245583
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[@ambition112]

1:54: 🧪 Dr. Shireen Idris discusses the difference between glycolic acid and salicylic acid for exfoliation. 3:17: ✅ Glycolic acid is better for hydration and has anti-aging benefits, while salicylic acid is more suitable for oily and acne-prone skin. 6:24: 💡 Glycolic acid can cause hypersensitivity and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, but its irritation potential varies based on concentration; 5-20% is effective, with higher percentages providing more significant exfoliation. 9:33: 🧪 Salicylic acid is helpful for acne, but not all products can claim it due to the drug fact label; glycolic acid is the strongest and can make you more sun sensitive, while lactic acid is a good alternative for anti-aging benefits; mandelic acid can be used as an alternative to salicylic acid for oily or acne-prone skin. 12:46: 🎭 She recommends her own acid-based resurfacing mask, Pillow Talk Durham flash mask, which contains glycolic acid, lactic acid, and tranexamic acid. 15:43: 💆 The video discusses different types of acids for skincare and their uses. 18:34: 💆 The speaker discusses the benefits and drawbacks of using acid-based skincare products for exfoliation. Recap by Tammy AI

[@guillianjoyce]

❤

[@user-fg7fw3ji6u]

Thanks ❤

[@umaanand8746]

❤ thanks

[@lynjj7976]

Thank you Tammy Al❤

[@tabassumalif1672]

Thank you so much ❤

[@julietharvey6534]

I’d love to see a video about very dry skin with acne breakouts as a lot of the traditional acne treatments are difficult for dry skin and seeing a dermatologist is inaccessible for many people

[@PiXie232]

Yes that would be fantastic!! Also for people who have really dry skin and rosacea.. honestly I can’t tell if I have rosacea or just small little bumps/texture on my face. Everything seems to point to it but I’m not sure. But my skin is extremely dry too.. I hate it🫤

[@lifeontrack643]

P lo ne me a

[@karyo.s.8105]

Same problem here, dry skin with hormonal acne! What am I supposed to do? 😢

[@michellefalcon4493]

My fiancé is going through this! He has dry skin, but for some reason he has bad acne on his back. I think it's his genes; his siblings also have bacne. We went to a dermatologist and he was prescribed with Trifarotene together with Tetralysal.

[@pickled323]

Most of the videos I come across are for oily acne prone skin. That's what makes it difficult to find suitable products.

[@Poppykat9866]

I love love love that doctor Shireen does not act like we all have thousands of dollars to spend on skincare! I cant wait to try her mask!

[@burnthegovernment7359]

Yet her skincare is 70$ lol

[@raqqquels]

Public Health MD specialist over here, honestly gotta just leave a comment because this was so well well well explained, amazing educational content, and I finally also understood the difference, thank you colleague!!! 😊

[@onlinesistem]

I was waiting Dr. Shereene to come up with this topic for so long !!! Thank You so much.

[@peruricanp]

Thanks so much for this info Dr. Shereene. Didn’t know much about the differences between the two. This is why we need people like you to educate us 🙏

[@leighannelemons3444]

I look forward to watching you every Saturday. I have learned a lot and I love the product recommendations.

[@2shadowcats2]

The most informative video on skin care that I have seen!! Thank you!!!❤

[@darleenfarnsworth4862]

Another great Saturday morning class Dr. Idriss. Thank you. Bravo on your Flash Mask. 💜

[@KinniMoo]

Your whole line is the first thing I am buying when I get a job ♥️

[@mlandry491]

every video you do is choc full of value, dr idriss! i love you♡ you are truly doing a public service with this channel

[@yolanda6328]

Happy Saturday Shereene! I love your no bullshit attitude! You are so down to earth, I really enjoy how you speak and explain in your videos.

[@nikoletakrokeva5891]

Oh finally !!!!! Someone explains it so well and understandable ,thank you for this Dr. Idris . I went through my cabinet and checked all my acid toners and serums and i can say i feel very confident now knowing which one and when to use exactly . Amazing , i'm so happy !

[@katrinkabrial4563]

You’re the best youtube derm! ❤ Thank you for enlightening us with your amazing knowledge and experiences.

[@megawatt3946]

Fantastic video! So educational. Love your content & candid no nonsense delivery!!

[@karinmodl3000]

Great video with great and very good declarations! I am a german pharmamasist and I love your videos❤

[@hastip.5852]

Ok WOW! Thank you for being SO clear

[@innavleta]

Hi doctor Idriss, fellow doctor here. I just came to say that you are an inspiration and I love your personality and your knowledge so much. I binged so many of your videos and the information I get is amazing and so helpful. So, thank you for helping us all get the best skin of our lives. ❤

[@christinewaide5249]

I love your videos. I wish the internet was around like this when I was young to get all of this information. ❤

[@sray1144]

So clear and well explained! ❤

[@kmj4324]

Wow, this was so detailed and informative! 🤩Thank you, thank you for all this info! I’ve always wondered about the different acids. I’ve gotten peels before but had no idea about each acid name and it’s effects on the skin. Also, great to see diff products with their prices. So helpful!💖

[@jmcerruti6421]

Omg!! You are the best! Thank you for breaking down the differences between these acids and who should be using what.. I absolutely LOVE your channel and your personality; makes it fun to learn about all these products..

[@crimbleland]

Thank you so much for ALL of your recommendations, not JUST your products… you’re the best Doc!

[@tinabugg6976]

I just love your videos and your no bs way of explaining things about things all skin care and life! Thank you for sharing a bit of you with us! I’m going to just the cleansers as a mask idea! Have a wonderful Saturday! 😊

[@v_vlps]

YES, I've been wishing you'd make a video about mandelic acid, but what you said about it being the salicylic acid alternative already helped me a lot. Thank you ✨✨

[@orozcoaj69]

Great video per usual Please do a follow up video about best moisturizers to use after using these exfoliants. Also, caution about other actives 😊

[@staceyoberg]

AWESOME!! Thank you soooo much for this explanation!! I have ALWAYS been confused between all these acids!!

[@elainekolinas4315]

As per usual, great content with a great smile. Thank you!

[@mkglo]

Hi Dr. Idriss, first of all thank you for all of your life-saving content 😭 the things I've learned from you are invaluable! I'm curious to hear your thoughts on terra firma-forme dermatosis. It's something I learned about recently that I seem to notice on my skin but there's almost no discussion of it online besides studies and academic journals which are sometimes hard to understand. Thank you again for everything you do!

[@theghostrider200]

So true about beginnings in September. I have always felt like that- love the change in the air in September and the beginning of the school year. Please do a video on skincare/procedures for closed comedones. I have dry/combination menopausal skin with closed comedones. Always confused.

[@autie_kniggit]

Thank you!!! This is such a great help!! ❤ These are the kinds of videos I get the most out of because I like all the information.

[@MsMartine28]

Always looking forward to your videos!

[@yb9855]

Dr Idriss, this is an unrelated question but can you please make a video on how to dye hair with natural products, what to avoid or look for, what dye to use etc.? Thank you ❤

[@Sallysask]

As a mature person with rosacea, I’m able to use the Ordinary’s Lactic Acid 10% + HA 2 or 3 times a week. Works awesome. I also use Reversa skin smoothing body lotion 10% glycolic acid once a week or every 10 days. (It comes in a 7 fluid oz pump which makes it economical and easy to use). It works great on the feet overnight. 🇨🇦

[@Lidiabityunan89]

Thanks to you I finally know what I’m doing with my skin care ❤ thank you dr. Idriss

[@hachikoichinose5819]

Just what I was looking for! Perfect timing!😍 Thank you, Dr. Idriss. I'm a regular viewer.✨

[@milyabrams4]

I’ve been exfoliating with the Major Fade Flash Mask since the product came out and I will not use another exfoliant. I use it Two to three times a week. I started with 5 minutes now I leave it on for a while . My skin is showing the benefits! I am obsessed with the whole trio. Thank you Dr. Idriss !!!

[@yotamadipratama2747]

how long do you leave it on?

[@lovely3873]

When you use that product do you apply other skin products on your face together?

[@brittneyrichmond6724]

I’m excited about this one. Salicylic acid seemed to make my skin very angry and worse. Glycolic acid makes my skin look great.

[@Jasmine215100]

For some reason, I can tolerate 2% Salicylic acid for my facial Seborrheic dermatitis, it really clears it up! I also suffer from underlying Rosacea and it all seems to vanish with regular use of SA! My skin is sensitive and somewhat dry, but this does work for me!

[@marcang4403]

Suuuppppeeerrrr clear!!! Very very clear explanation!!! Thank you

[@llanyhf5168]

I thank you for all the valuable information and the products that you always recommend that aren’t from your Skin care brand. I’m hooked on your products because my skin changed for the better and I couldn't be happier with how wonderful they are. (I have them all) and I look forward to new products. You’re the best! 💜💜💜💜

[@vanessahanns3211]

Thank you so much for your advice. I’ve just found your channel & am so grateful. I am 50 & have been trying to use hyaluronic acid in different strengths & keep getting very dry sensitive skin especially around the eyes. But kept coming back to it cause that’s what I keep hearing I should use. I hear lots about salicylic acid too, but this vid has set me straight. It’s not for my skin needs! Love the detailed & really practical expertise.

[@2shadowcats2]

Hyaluronic Acid is generally a moisturizer. Try applying it on wet skin just after cleansing. I also mix with moisturizer and this will help lock the moisture into your skin.

[@radhikajujjavarapu6971]

Don't stress it out.. not everything works for everybody. I can go full blown higher strengths for retinol but HA doesn't do anything to me if anything it makes my skin dry even if I apply on damp skin.. there are more stuff that keeps your skin hydrated... it just doesn't have to be HA..

[@aliciamoulton6876]

Watch her video about hyaluronic acid if you haven't already! It will help you understand why it's not hydrating. One person in those comments said it worked fine for them if they were good about using a moisturizer over it. But you might want to cut it out of your skincare completely.

[@user-mn1wp4tk5p]

Love the clear and detailed explanation between the 2 acids! Was hoping inkey list glycolic acid would be featured coz I bought it recently as recommended in one of your Sephora product recommendations videos. The instructions says to saturate the cotton pad but not sure how much to saturate it. I usually pour some into the middle of the pad then apply it all over my face. Any advice?

[@deborahperez636]

Thank you, Dr. Idriss, for another great video and your succinct explanation. Now I know which one to use.

[@jodie3339]

Best explanation ever!! I never really understood the differences! Thank you!

[@saramelle]

I just use both on different nights because I love the benefits of both acids.

[@severineweiss6034]

Thank you for your always very well explained videos. 2 questions: 1. When I use glycolic acids, it burns my skin a little but only for a few minutes. Does that mean it's not good and I have sensitive skin? Or is that part of the process? 2. I would love so much to buy your products but I live in France. Any plans on shipping to Europe in the future?

[@Jewelnvrmnd]

Love the video!! you explain in a so clearly and directly way! thank U!

[@mariafitzsimons8567]

I enjoy your style of information giving and rate your advice highly. Greetings from the UK x

[@marionallen2222]

FALL IS MY FAVORITE SEASON!!!! 🤍🤎🤎🤍🤎🖤🍁🍂🍁🍂🍁🍂

[@francisalvarez4240]

👏👏👏👏

[@sct4040]

Fall, Winter, Spring !

[@Jasmine215100]

I think a lot of people agree with you! I would say Fall and Spring are my favorites! No Daylight Saving time to go on and no income tax in the fall!

[@MarieM-ui4bu]

Thanks a lot! I have adult acne, but salycilic acid makes my skin condition, unfortunately, worse :( Glycolic acid works so much better, use it for face and for the entire body, as well.

[@janiewatt5048]

Thank you so much for all the great information about skin care.

[@karenA6039]

Thank you for this clear & informative video ❤

[@xxo5294]

Also excited for the fall and holidays! I love using both glycolic and salicylic acid 😊 Also, for my fellow Hidradenitis Suppurativa sufferers - mandelic acid, particularly in higher concentrations for *me* is super effective for boils! It significantly improves inflammation and speeds up the healing process. I’ve been using 25-40% for years on my butt, inner thighs, legs. This is super high so I wouldn’t recommend using it right away, but this is what works for *me* and it is the only topical that truly helps.

[@fatimasidra7490]

What product do you use? Would you kindly share the name? I have pimples on my butt and thighs. Thank you so much

[@perlarahmeh]

Hello from Lebanon! Can you do a video about Bakuchiol as a natural Retinol alternative? This ingredient seems to be trending now but few information is available about it. Thank you :)

[@juliaw6129]

Really educational! I need this! Thank you!

[@alkhalilalhadidi3158]

Thank you Dr. Shereene Idriss for this video. I am a guy who don't understand anything about skincare. I love how you explained this stuff in an understandable normal English.

[@sergeyvesselovsky150]

Thank you for all the information, the little details and caveats! Very useful and informative, as usual! 🙏🏼🤓 P.S., loooove the TF fragrance on your shelf there! The room must smell amazing 🥰👏🏻

[@EKPLUK]

I use a combo because I do still get adult acne. I use Purito AHA BHA Refreshing Solution. It has 7%glycolic acid, 0.28% citric acid, and 2% salicylic acid.

[@natalienetanya7401]

Thank you so much for educating us!!! Great info!

[@BEABE4242]

Super super video. Excelent way did you explain the diference in between them. Thank you thank you❤❤

[@catetanenbaum2418]

Off label use but mandelic acid worked really well for me as a deodorant replacement. The one from the ordinary isn't very expensive and worked better than any aluminum free deodorant I've ever tried!

[@sarahrosen4985]

Thanks for the tip!

[@PiXie232]

Better than glycolic acid? That’s what I’ve been using and it works well too. Maybe I need to try that:)

[@catetanenbaum2418]

@@PiXie232 Oh, I've never tried glycolic under my arms. I always think of glycolic as more intense, but I will definitely give it a try.

[@User_87937]

What are your thoughts on snail mucin

[@moniquegenua7287]

Hi I get my snail mucin essence on Temu, 97% almost 4 oz. Under $5.It’s unbelievable!

[@debrandw246]

Great video. It really explained the different tupes very well. You are amazing. Thank you

[@sundancer207]

Dr. Idriss, your content is life giving!! I've struggled to feel confident in my skin all my life. When I decided to take control and visited my last derm I was looking forward to talking with the doctor about my skin and asking a lot of questions, he gave me some product recommendations but didn't go further in depth with helping me understand the skin. It felt dismissive and was super discouraging. Watching most skincare creators feels overwhelming since I can't gauge what is useful or just trendy. I am SO SO SO grateful for your content as you break everything down so well!!! It's really empowering and I feel like it'll be fun to learn how to care for my skin as opposed to this overwhelming task that will only lead to disappointments and dead ends. THANK YOU X100!!

[@raquelrodriguez5672]

Last night I wore your mask overnight. I do it every once in a while, but really I should do it once a week because it does make a huge difference. Not a popular opinion it I hated the Paula’s Choice salicylic acid. Hated it! The Ordinary’s salicylic mask twice a week and it does control the oil and the breakouts. So satisfied with it. (For those who enjoy this mask, Sephora has the bigger tube)

[@michelletidler6773]

I hate the Paulas Choice SA too. It just sits on top of my skin. Feels weird.

[@nadialongnl]

Maybe try their blue bottle instead. I liked the texture much better.

[@clerval88]

Thank you for this! I have been using Paula’s choice BHA just on my nose for prominent sebaceous filaments and it makes no difference. Any other recommendations? Also I have read that BHAs do NOT make you sun sensitive so could be used in the morning. Is this a bit of a grey zone?

[@jocelyn21111]

I also tried Paula’s choice BHA for sebaceous filaments on my nose and it did nothing! A couple weeks ago I started using glycolic acid from the inkey list and it’s working great!! Surprising since salicylic acid is supposed to be better for cleaning out pores, but I’m happy I tried glycolic

[@aisha9109]

Thank you very much this has been my very big headache. But with this video I understand everything so helpful to me ❤❤

[@areejalfaisal5601]

Ugh.. I regret every day from the past 5 years coz I didn't know you before. You are my mentor in everything skin related. I just received your line and I am in Saudi Arabia and feel so blessed having your line in my room and on my face every day. Love you

[@sarahpieren7403]

Could you please, do a video on how chlorine water effects your face and products you recommend? Because, after going in chlorine water I can't put the same products on my face or else my face burns. No one has answers for me except Google and its not the best reference. Please, please help.

[@iceprincessone7168]

Huge misunderstanding that dry skin does not have acne, white head, milia, black heads !!!

[@DaaiDaaiable]

LOVVVEEE DR.Idriss, so informative and no nonsense!! You are my GO TO skin Queen Dr! 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻♥️

[@georgiagrl219]

This was so good! I had no clue 😮 Thank You! ❤

[@dracarys9488]

So The Ordinary AHA 30% + BHA 2% is not recomended? Way cheaper than the both options aha+bha said in the video but idk if its good

[@PassionPno]

This product is dangerous and it’s banned in some countries.

[@JL-bx2uf]

She said the % for AHA in the video, so you know why

[@nafichowdhury99]

For the love of this nerd community, I'd like to give product recommendation-Cos de Baha glycolic acid toner has 7%glycolic acid with salicylic 0.5%. In addition with 2%niacinamide.I use it twice a week. Goes very long way. 200ml and cheap❤

[@angelicaalvarez3587]

Where did you find it? Thanks !

[@n.y5345]

This was my sign to finally buy some cos de baha products 😂

[@nafichowdhury99]

@@n.y5345 Lol! That's dupe. What you're gonna buy?

[@emilia-qq3du]

I use 10% from L'oreal which the doctor herself was using before she created her products. Since we can't buy her products in Europe, we buy what we have

[@nafichowdhury99]

@@emilia-qq3du The glycolic serum one?

[@tquirkyt7118]

❤I am with you about THIS time of year‼️✨

[@alexiawagner2514]

Thank you so so much Shereene! xx

[@rabbitlissa]

Off topic please talk about your bracelets

[@KikiCandy_]

Yes!! They're gorgeous 😍

[@Andromeda2976]

Absolutely helpful, thankyou so much for sharing

[@susiejochesney]

Absolutely love you and all your great information. Also love your products!! You are my favorite derm, xoxo

[@santhiasanthia4870]

Just love all your topics❤️

[@krc0607]

Thank you so much!!! I needed this information.

[@BrunoMbaya-i9z]

Thank you doctor for the clarity ❤

[@radmilanikolic1297]

much needed video!

[@Punkys14]

Hello, Dr. Idriss! I love watching your videos. Your content is superb, your delivery intelligible, and your authenticity makes you relatable and fun to spend time with--thank you for making me smile! I have a request: as a self-proclaimed skin nerd and skin care addict--I should start a 12-step meeting--would you please consider building into your discussions the issue of actives within skin care as it relates to shaving the face? Eg., safe application time between shaving my beard area and neck with a blade and using AHAs. Thank you! Mark

[@baddieb5129]

Thank you for this video. You broke it down perfectly

[@raymonddejesus9350]

Just got into skincare, so thankful for Dr. Idriss, she is simply flawless and elegant. I strive to have skin like hers one day.

[@mood5945]

You gained a new customer today.

[@micahsmom1883]

Thank you so much for doing this video. I have been confused about the different acids and have been using them very sparingly because I have sensitive skin. Now I am more informed and l can go forth with confidante of my choices of acids. I also love that pumpkin spice is in the air, I just bought a wonderful coffee that has the mildest pumpkin spice flavor yesterday and it is perfect with our moody weather here in the UP and starting our fall weather.

[@bevkee1183]

great video! so clear!

[@Katie21892]

Such a helpful video! Thank you!! 💜💜💜

[@fzhandeo]

Thank you so much for all the information it has helped me so much for the last few years. Thank you for all the tips and eye openers. And I am a big fan of you and your products as well. I am asking my friends to buy them for me and bring them to Turkey. And they are the best, my skin has never looked this good!!! Wish I lived in NY and get an appointment with you.

[@ummha2]

Thank you! Now i know what my skin really needs ❤

[@marjanf7403]

Thank you very much for your informative and simple videos.

[@AnnaKarenina23]

Hi Dr.! I really love this videos, the info and your freshness, in your skin & in your attitude as well lol

[@msb2380]

Wow! This is one of the best video I have listened to that explained Glycolic Acid for people of colour above age the age of 50. I used Glycolic acid it does not burn my skin, yes I did experienced some tingling sensation but not anymore. My skin was looking dull and dry. Every one telling me how youthful my skin looks. Thanks for explaining

[@abeeraahmed9227]

Love your energy Ma Sha Allah!! ❤❤

[@i0020]

Thank you for this wonderful explanation ❣️

[@fernandavaldivia4404]

Very educative Dr. Idriss . Thank you :)

[@tinamerlot4403]

THANK YOU . DR. IDRESS. VERY HELPFUL

[@AnnaMarieBooth.Educator]

Useful! Thanks! Will patch test 👍🤗👍🏼