Can Hyaluronic Acid and Glycolic Acid be used together?
Yes, they are both called acids, but each has different benefits, and they work perfectly together. The question is, how exactly do hyaluronic acid and glycolic acid work together?
What are the specific benefits of incorporating both into your skincare routine? Stay tuned as we explore how you can benefit from the combination of these two powerful ingredients.
Which came first, glycolic acid or hyaluronic acid? When it comes to using hyaluronic acid and glycolic acid, while they are called acids, they are actually very different.
Glycolic acid is a member of the alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) family and exfoliates the top layer of skin, removing dead skin cells and debris while removing excess sebum, dirt, and bacteria from the pores. If not removed, pores can become clogged, leading to blackheads, blemishes, and acne.
Due to the exfoliating properties of glycolic acid, I recommend using it first, as you’ll find that subsequent hyaluronic acid-rich products will absorb into the skin quickly and effectively.
However, if you find that your skin type is prone to tightness and sensitivity, you can try using hyaluronic acid first and then glycolic acid to counteract this.
This way, you can ensure that your skin barrier is fully hydrated and can absorb every gram of water around your skin or other formulas, leaving your complexion constantly hydrated and radiant.
What Not to Mix with Glycolic Acid?
Since glycolic acid is a chemical exfoliant, it’s best not to mix it with other exfoliants, such as alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) like lactic acid and beta hydroxy acids (BHAs) like salicylic acid.
By avoiding these ingredients together, you won’t overstress your skin and deprive it of the important water and oils it needs to stay healthy.
Using these acids together can cause your skin to become tight, uncomfortable, and dry, while overproduction of sebum (the natural oil in your skin) can lead to an oilier face. This can cause acne, blackheads, and other issues that cause impurities.
You’ll also find that it’s best to avoid using niacinamide and glycolic acid together, as the two have similar pH levels and can cause imbalances in your skin, often leading to allergic reactions.
If you want to learn more about what not to mix with glycolic acid, you can read a dedicated blog post. Can I use glycolic acid, hyaluronic acid, and niacinamide together?
The short answer is: yes. The longer answer is that you can use all three ingredients together if you use them in the right order. What I mean by that is knowing what time of day to use which ingredient for the best results.
For example, after cleansing, you can use a high glycolic acid exfoliating toner to remove any residue and dead skin cells that remain on the surface of the skin. You can then use a serum rich in hyaluronic acid, which will help
keep the skin moisturized and hydrated throughout the day.
You may even find that certain product formulas that contain both ingredients work better than either ingredient alone. However, this also depends on your personal preference. As for using niacinamide in your daily skincare routine,
I recommend using it at night, as these powerful antioxidant and moisturizing properties can reverse any damage done to the skin during the day, leaving you feeling more plump and hydrated in the morning.
What should I apply to my face after using glycolic acid?
After using glycolic acid, it is best to apply a hydrating serum or cream that is rich in hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid. This way you can ensure that fresh and renewed skin cells benefit from the increased moisture that continues throughout the day. You will also notice that the skin’s protective barrier is strengthened and functioning properly. This ensures that it protects the skin and prevents damage caused by exposure to free radicals such as UV rays, pollution, and other environmental factors. After glycolic acid, another important product to apply to the skin is one with an SPF of 30 or higher to ensure protection from UVA and UVB rays that damage the skin. Which is better for wrinkles: glycolic acid or hyaluronic acid? The beauty of glycolic acid and hyaluronic acid is that you can use both at the same time! When dead skin cells build up, the complexion tends to appear dull, dry, and lackluster, and fine lines and wrinkles appear to be more severe than they really are. Chemical peels with glycolic acid exfoliate to reveal new, vibrant, youthful skin that minimizes the signs of aging.
When it comes to using hyaluronic acid, many people often confuse dehydrated lines on the skin with signs of premature aging. In this case, the extremely beneficial hydrating properties of hyaluronic acid ensure that the complexion remains plump, moisturized, and wrinkle-free.
As I mentioned earlier, you can use these two powerful ingredients individually or in a powerful formula that includes both.
Can glycolic acid be used daily?
Yes or no, that largely depends on your skin type, as those with dry, sensitive skin should use glycolic acid every other day to avoid dry skin. Of course, don’t forget that it’s always best to consult with a doctor or dermatologist to make sure new products are safe to use. Another thing to keep in mind is that the concentration of glycolic acid will affect how often you can use it. If this is your first time using glycolic acid, many experts recommend slowly introducing it into your routine to avoid unnecessary irritation or allergic reactions.
DQH Knowledge drop: In your 20s, your skin cell turnover decreases. (Cell turnover is a key component in keeping your skin youthful.) You know what else slows down? Your collagen production. Starting in your 20s, collagen decreases by about 1 percent per year. Should you want to prevent fine lines and wrinkles, start by eliminating behaviors that contribute to premature aging. “If it’s bad for you, it’s bad for your skin,” says dermatologist Michel Somenek.
“Cigarette smoking reduces blood flow to the skin and causes premature wrinkling and a dull skin texture. Making the repeated pursed motion to inhale can also cause smoker’s lines. Alcohol and recreational drugs are toxins for the skin that damage its cellular structure and DNA,” Somenek tells us. “The faster you eliminate vices while you are young, the better chance your skin and body have to recuperate.” Also, adopting an anti-aging routine in your 20s is key. After all, the best offense is a good defense. We spoke to Somenek and experts Joshua Ross and Audrey Kunin to find out more.
Keep reading for the best anti-aging products for your 20s, according to skincare professionals.
Sunscreen
“We all know that the sun is the number one cause of skin aging and starting the prevention in your 20s is very important,” Ross says. “The majority of your sun damage won’t start to appear until you’re in your 30s, so don’t wait until you see it surface or you’ll be behind the curve. Stay ahead of it with a good-quality zinc-based sunscreen worn daily.”
Farmacy Green Defense Daily Mineral Sunscreen
An invisible sunscreen with SPF 30, plus botanical extracts meant to protect skin with tons of antioxidants. Bonus: It’s clean and fine to use under makeup.
Bareminerals Complexion Rescue™ Tinted Moisturizer Broad Spectrum SPF 30
Although we recommend you use your SPF and moisturizer separately, we also understand moments when you don’t have time or energy for that extra step. For those times, this bareMinerals moisturizer is a great thing to have on hand.
Vitamin C Serum
“A great introduction to anti-aging is to start with a vitamin C serum in your morning skincare routine,” Ross says. “It’s a powerful antioxidant that will neutralize free radicals and brighten the skin.” He adds that it’s a great way to counteract the effects of the sun’s harmful rays, which, as previously mentioned, are among the biggest causes of premature aging.
Drunk Elephant C-Firma™ Vitamin C Day Serum
The Drunk Elephant C-Firma is a lightweight serum that promises to give skin a glow by combining the brightening powers of vitamin C with ferulic acid, l-ascorbic acid, and vitamin E. The included sodium hyaluronate is meant to replace hydration loss, so you shouldn’t have to deal with any irritation.
Sunday Riley C.E.O. Rapid Flash Brightening Serum
This potent serum is jam-packed with vitamin C (15 percent, to be exact), which means it’s a potential superstar at both brightening skin and dousing it in antioxidants.
Peptides
Using peptides on your skin has many benefits, says Somenek. “The skin barrier is what defends the body against pollution, UV rays, bacteria, and toxins. It can be damaged by several everyday factors. Using topical peptides aids in building a stronger barrier,” he says. “Peptides comprise elastic fibers, which are a type of protein. These fibers help to make skin appear taut and firm. Peptides can also help repair damaged skin, relieve inflammation, and even out skin tone. Some peptides can kill acne-causing bacteria that is common in 20-somethings.”
Kunin agrees, saying, “Peptides are an excellent entry point for supporting collagen.” She recommends looking for face and eye treatments that contain these collagen-boosting powerhouses.
Charlotte Tilbury Magic Eye Rescue Cream
This Charlotte Tilbury super-emollient eye cream has a base of coconut oil and shea butter (read: it’s incredibly hydrating). Botanicals plus peptides are meant to help reduce dark circles and boost collagen, respectively.
This creamy moisturizer serves up potent collagen-boosting peptides and pycnogenol, and antioxidant-rich vitamin C. “Instead of sitting on top of the skin, peptides penetrate the outer layer so they go deep. The ‘signals’ they send tell the cells to produce elastin and collagen, which are needed for youthful-looking skin,” explains Somenek.
At-Home Peel Pads
Remember that skin cell turnover fiasco we talked about earlier? One way to help support it is by exfoliating. “Exfoliation is important to help keep skin fresh and luminous,” Kunin says. She recommends using at-home peel pads as an easy and effective way to exfoliate.
“The goal in your 20s is to fight the slowing pace of cell turnover. It is wise to use products that gently exfoliate, yet still remove oil and other impurities. Products that have Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHA) or Beta Hydroxy Acids (BHA) are a good choice.”
According to Somenek, you should only exfoliate two to three times a week. “People of all ages are guilty of over-exfoliating and that can be too much of a good thing,” he says.
Dermadoctor Kakadu C Intensive Vitamin C Peel Pad
A few swipes of this Derma Doctor powerful peel pad promise to leave your skin glowing and smooth, thanks to the seven (yes, seven) types of chemical exfoliants, including AHA and BHA. It also contains vitamin C via Kakadu plum extract for added brightening and antioxidant protection.
KEY INGREDIENTS Kakadu plum extract is sourced from the Kakadu plum, a fruit grown in northern Australia. It contains vitamin C, which restores the skin’s natural barrier, increases collagen production, and soothes irritation.
Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Alpha Beta® Universal Daily Peel Pads
These are the gold standard of peel pads, with a cult following and over 900 five-star reviews on Sephora. They’re easy to use and contain a blend of anti-aging exfoliating acids.
Emollient Night Cream
“In your 20s, you need to start upping the hydration in your skincare routine. You may have been cautious of over-moisturizing because of acne in your teens, but as you enter your 20s, your skin transitions and becomes drier,” Ross says. “I recommend an emollient night cream added into your evening skincare regimen.”
“Twenty-somethings need to make sure that they are not using creams that will clog their pores and cause excess oil production,” says Somenek. Opt for non-comedogenic products.
Cerave Skin Renewing Night Cream
One great choice is the CeraVe Skin Renewing Night Cream, which is a non-comedogenic night cream that leaves skin soft and glowy. It combines the moisturizing powers of ceramides and hyaluronic acid.
RoC Retinol Correxion Max Hydration Creme
“The best night cream ingredients contain retinol, benzoyl peroxide, and/or salicylic acid or hyaluronic acid. The goal is to moisturize, yet remove excess oil,” says Somenek. This Roc Retinol Correxion cream fits the bill as it contains both hyaluronic acid and retinol so it promises to moisturize while also being non-comedogenic.
