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Can glycolic and lactic acids be used together?
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Can glycolic and lactic acids be used together?

14 September 2024





Can glycolic and lactic acids be used together?




Both glycolic and lactic acids belong to the alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) family. Both ingredients help with chemical exfoliation by working on the outer surface of the skin and removing the buildup of dead skin cells, dirt, and impurities. By clearing this residue from your face, your skin will look fresher and more revitalized, and fine lines and wrinkles will be significantly reduced. You’ll find that your other skincare products absorb quickly and show results quickly without having to compete with the barrier created by dead skin cells.





Each acid can be formulated in different percentages, with glycolic acid being the most effective of the two. Due to its smaller molecular size, it can penetrate deeper into the skin. This doesn’t necessarily mean that glycolic acid is the most effective, but it is better suited for people with combination or oily skin. For dry skin that is prone to mild sensitivity, lactic acid can step in and exfoliate without worrying about irritation. Lactic acid’s molecular size is very large compared to glycolic acid, so it can’t penetrate too deep into the pores and instead works on the outer surface. Due to the acid’s hydrating properties, it also hydrates the surface of the skin, locking moisture into the protective barrier.




Now that I’ve given you a quick review of the main benefits of these acids, let’s take a closer look at whether or not you can use glycolic and lactic acid together.





Can I use glycolic acid in the morning and lactic acid at night?




You can, but only if this habit keeps your skin happy and healthy. If you want my advice, I recommend using lactic acid in the morning and glycolic acid at night. No matter what acid you use, it’s important to wear an SPF 30 or higher sunscreen every day, even on cloudy days.





The effectiveness of a formula and the percentage of active ingredients determine how well it works on your skin. For example, cleansers and toners have lower amounts in their formulas than serums and moisturizers.




Should I start with glycolic or lactic acid?





If you’re new to acids or might want to use both in your routine, it’s best to start with caution. With that in mind, start with lactic acid, as it’s gentler and provides extra hydration. Once your skin has developed a tolerance for it, you can switch to a glycolic acid formula. Remember, you must perform a 24-hour patch test on any skincare product to ensure your skin is comfortable and to avoid unnecessary irritation. If you have any concerns, it is best to consult a doctor, dermatologist, or medical professional for reassurance.




Is Lactic Acid a Good Exfoliant?





Yes, lactic acid is a good exfoliant. You will find this acid often mixed into a variety of formulas. However, toners and cleansers are the most common products that contain active lactic acid. When using exfoliating toners, the acid content is quite high, but since toners are products that are generally not left on the skin for a long time, the irritation to the skin is minimal.




Since lactic acid is the most gentle and effective chemical exfoliant, everyone can benefit from using it in their daily skincare routine. However, if you have a very oily or acne-prone skin type, you should choose a formula that contains BHA, salicylic acid.





Can I use glycolic acid after a peel?




No, it is best to avoid using glycolic acid after a peel. If you use a physical exfoliant to exfoliate your skin, I strongly recommend not using other forms of exfoliation on your skin. Although glycolic acid may not seem to work as effectively on the skin as it does on the dermis, it can actually penetrate all layers of the epidermis. This can cause over-irritation and lead to negative consequences like redness, flaking, itching and rashes. You’ll also find that over-exfoliation can strip the skin of its natural oils (also known as sebum), making the face feel dry and uncomfortable.





Does Lactic Acid Stimulate Collagen Formation?




Yes, it does! With regular use, lactic acid can improve signs of aging like fine lines and wrinkles and stimulate collagen production. In about 4 weeks, you’ll see an improvement in the overall appearance of your skin. Signs of hyperpigmentation, dark spots, loss of elasticity and dullness on the skin’s surface are improved while damage to the natural protective barrier is minimized.





Does Glycolic Acid Whiten Skin?




No, glycolic acid does not whiten skin. However, it can help fight signs of uneven skin tone, dark spots and hyperpigmentation. It does this by working on the surface of the skin and shedding dead skin cells. When dead skin cells build up and are not removed, the overall complexion appears dull and lackluster. Dark spots and other forms of sun damage can also appear darker. By removing the excess, unwanted layer, it removes pigmentation from areas of uneven skin tone, revealing a brighter, more even complexion.





Can Lactic Acid Shrink Pores?




Yes, it can make pores look less noticeable. The problem with pores is that once enlarged, they can no longer be reduced. Large pores are not the end of the world, although they can be difficult and frustrating. With the help of lactic acid, you can keep them free from any pollutants.





So today I hope I have answered a few questions about using glycolic and lactic acid together. If you have any other questions, don’t forget to follow us on Procoal’s Instagram.




























DQH Can I use salicylic acid first and then vitamin C? It’s easy to create a skincare routine, but knowing how to use it is another thing entirely. In most cases, if you’re not getting the desired skin results, it could be due to the layering of conflicting ingredients. So, is it possible that salicylic acid and vitamin C are such ingredients? Or are these active ingredients the duo that’s been missing from your skincare routine? If you want answers, stick around because today we are going to explain the benefits of salicylic acid and vitamin C and how they can be used in your daily life. What are the benefits of salicylic acid for skin? Salicylic acid is one of the most commonly used beta hydroxy acids and is favored by many people with oily, acne-prone skin. This acid is derived from willow bark, and unlike its water-soluble relatives (called alpha-hydroxy acids), salicylic acid is oil-soluble, which means it can penetrate deeper into the lower layers of the skin. Once it reaches the lower layers, it can help unclog pores of excess sebum, dirt, bacteria, debris, and impurities. This results in clearer skin tones and greater definition. Not only does salicylic acid benefit the underlying layers, but the outer surface of the skin benefits as well. When applied to the skin, salicylic acid removes the buildup of dead skin cells. This is accomplished by breaking the bonds that hold dead cells to the surface. Over time, this can cause the complexion to look dull and prone to acne, blackheads, and other blemishes. If you’d like to learn more about salicylic acid and how it can improve your skin, check out this dedicated blog post from a beauty insider. What are the benefits of vitamin C for skin? Vitamin C is considered one of the most powerful antioxidants, which means it is very effective at fighting free radicals and preventing them from causing further skin damage. Examples of free radicals include pollution, central heating, UV rays and harsh climate. They attack proteins, fats and cell membranes as soon as they come into contact with the skin, causing signs of premature aging such as fine lines and wrinkles as well as hyperpigmentation, flaky patches of skin and loss of elasticity. Many people usually prefer to use vitamin C in their morning routine as this ingredient gives the complexion a radiant glow. You’ll also find that vitamin C can target areas of hyperpigmentation, plumping the skin and reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. The thing about vitamin C is that there are a lot of outdated studies going back to the 1950s that describe vitamin C as an unstable skin component. Thanks to improvements in modern technology, this is no longer the case as all products now contain a stable form of vitamin C. Visit The Beauty Insider to learn more about vitamin C. So please check out our blog post. Can I use salicylic acid first and then vitamin C? Yes, you absolutely can. In fact, it’s thought that using salicylic acid before using vitamin C ensures it penetrates faster and works faster. This is an efficient way to utilize two power sources, and the reason has to do with pH. For example, the skin’s natural pH is about 4.7, making it slightly acidic. Salicylic acid and vitamin C are also both acidic, and you’ll find that vitamin C is absorbed quickly into the skin. Therefore, using salicylic acid beforehand can increase the acidity of the skin and allow vitamin C to penetrate into the skin faster. While this is considered an effective way to combine two powerful ingredients, you need to be aware of your skin type and how it reacts to certain active ingredients. Even people with perfect, normal skin can experience skin sensitivity and irritation. Therefore, always consult a doctor or dermatologist before using any new products on your skin. It’s also important to follow skin application rules. In this case, you need to use the product correctly to ensure you get the best results for your skin. If you’re not sure what I mean, the basic rule for skin is to start with the thinnest consistency and work your way up to the thickest consistency. This prevents a barrier from forming on the surface, preventing other active ingredients from penetrating the skin. Can I use salicylic acid at night and vitamin C in the morning? Yes, absolutely, this is considered the most effective way to get returns without any adverse side effects. This is because there is enough time between applications to ensure that the skin’s pH levels return to balance. You’ll also find that Vitamin C is rich in antioxidants and is perfect for use in the morning to ensure your skin is protected and looking its healthiest. Due to the small size of salicylic acid molecules, it is an acid that is able to reach the deepest parts of the skin. While this is effective at keeping skin clear, it also increases the risk of irritation and photosensitivity. Therefore, many people prefer to use powerful BHAs in their evening routine without exposure to UV rays, pollution, or harsh weather. Warning: If you avoid using sunscreen every day, none of these ingredients will do what your skin needs. The combination of chemical peels and powerful ingredients increases the risk of further damage to the skin’s surface. Use SPF 50 every day to keep your skin protected and your lipid barrier healthy, even on cloudy days, keeping your skin in top condition.
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