Can Hyaluronic Acid and Glycolic Acid be used together?
Yes, both are called acids, but they have different benefits and, more importantly, they work perfectly together. The question is, how exactly do hyaluronic acid and glycolic acid work together? What are the specific benefits you can expect from using both products in your skincare routine? Stay tuned as we explore together how you can benefit from the combination of these two powerful ingredients.
Which came first, glycolic acid or hyaluronic acid?
While both are called acids, hyaluronic acid and glycolic acid are actually quite different when it comes to what they do. Glycolic acid is part of the alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) family and works by exfoliating the top layer of skin by removing dead skin cells and debris while clearing excess sebum, dirt, and bacteria from pores. Without them, pores can become clogged, leading to blackheads, blemishes, and spots. Due to the exfoliating properties of glycolic acid, I recommend using it first as you’ll find that the hyaluronic acid-rich products you use afterwards will absorb into the skin quickly and effectively.
However, if you find that your skin tends to feel tight and sensitive, try applying hyaluronic acid first and then glycolic acid. By doing this, you ensure that your skin barrier is fully hydrated and able to absorb every gram of water or other formulas around your skin, allowing your complexion to thrive with constant hydration.
What Not to Mix with Glycolic Acid?
Since glycolic acid is a chemical exfoliant, it is best not to mix it with other exfoliants, such as members of the alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) group like lactic acid and members of the beta hydroxy acid (BHA) group like salicylic acid. By avoiding using these ingredients together, you will not overload your skin and deprive it of the important water and oils it needs to stay healthy. You may find that using these acids together can cause your skin to become tight, uncomfortable, and dry because sebum (the natural oil in your skin) is overproduced, making your face oilier. This can lead to the development of acne, blackheads, and other impurities.
You will also find that it is best to avoid using niacinamide and glycolic acid together, as they have similar pH levels, which 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 the related blog post.
Can I use glycolic acid, hyaluronic acid, and niacinamide together?
The short answer is: yes, you can. The longer one is: you can use all three ingredients together if you use them in the right order. What I mean by that is, you need to know what time of day is best to use which ingredient for the best results. For example, after cleansing, you can use an exfoliating toner with glycolic acid to remove any residue and layers of dead skin cells that remain on the surface of the skin. You can then apply a serum with hyaluronic acid, which will help lock in moisture to the skin and keep it hydrated all day long. You may even find that some products have both ingredients in their formulas, which are more effective than when used alone, but again, this is a matter of personal preference. As for using niacinamide in your daily skincare routine, I recommend using it at night, as this powerful antioxidant and hydrating properties will reverse any skin damage done throughout the day and give you a plump, hydrated complexion in the morning.
What should I put on my face after glycolic acid?
After using glycolic acid, it is best to use a hydrating serum or moisturizer that is rich in hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid. This way, you can ensure that fresh and newly emerged skin cells benefit from continued hydration throughout the day. You will also notice that the skin’s protective barrier is strengthened and can function properly. This means that the skin is protected and resistant to damage caused by free radicals such as UV radiation, pollution, and other environmental influences.
Another important product to apply to the skin after using glycolic acid is an SPF of 30 or higher to ensure that the skin is protected and resistant to skin-damaging UVA and UVB rays.
Is glycolic acid or hyaluronic acid better for wrinkle removal?
The beauty of glycolic acid and hyaluronic acid is that you can use them together! When dead skin cells build up, the complexion often appears dull, dry, and lackluster, and fine lines and wrinkles appear more severe than they really are. By utilizing the chemical peel benefits of glycolic acid, you can remove this layer of stratum corneum to reveal new, vibrant, and youthful skin, minimizing the appearance of 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 highly beneficial hydrating properties of hyaluronic acid can keep the complexion plump, moisturized, and free of fine lines. As I mentioned earlier, you can use these two powerful ingredients separately or use a powerful formula that includes both ingredients.
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 a doctor or dermatologist to make sure any new product is safe to use. Another point to note is that the concentration of glycolic acid can 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.
Here’s more information on using hyaluronic acid and glycolic acid together. And of course, if you have any questions, remember to follow us on Instagram.
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.
