Can I use Granactive Retinoid with Lactic Acid?
When it comes to skin care, there are a few ingredients that are essential for keeping your skin healthy. Chemical peels like lactic acid and retinol are undoubtedly two of the most effective ingredients that can deliver dramatic results. With so many different ingredients and formulas, it can often be overwhelming to figure out how to properly apply these active ingredients. Not to mention how important it is to know which products can be used together and which ones should be avoided altogether.
We’ll explore this in more detail in today’s blog post, focusing on the popular, potent lactic acid and granular retinoic acid. So let’s dive in for more information, starting with exploring the benefits each ingredient can have on your skin.
What is Granactive Retinoid?
Granactive Retinoid, also known as Hydroxypinacol Retinoate, is a derivative of Vitamin A and one of the most researched retinoid ingredients. Compared to other derivatives, Granactive Retinol is able to deliver a wealth of skin benefits with minimal side effects, some of which are commonly associated with retinol, such as: B. Skin redness, increased irritation, and peeling.
Skin Care Benefits of Granactive Retinoid
Granactive Retinoid stimulates the growth of skin cells for a radiant, healthy-looking complexion.
Granactive Retinoid helps thicken the skin so it can better protect itself from the sun.
Granactive Retinoid speeds up skin cell turnover, reducing fine lines and wrinkles and preventing further wrinkle formation.
Granactive Retinoid works deep within the skin to help unclog pores of excess sebum, dirt, bacteria and other impurities that can cause blackheads and other forms of acne.
Granactive Retinoid helps even out skin tone, making it brighter and more vibrant, and visibly reduces signs of hyperpigmentation.
Granactive Retinoid stimulates the production of collagen and elastin, making skin firmer, plumper and smoother.
If you want to learn more, check out Skin School for a more in-depth blog post on other forms of retinoids. Be sure to check it out.
What is Lactic Acid?
Lactic acid is considered the gentlest chemical peel of the alpha hydroxy acid family. Derived from kefir and other dairy products, it can produce similar results to stronger acids like glycolic acid, without the risk of skin irritation. Here are some examples of the benefits of lactic acid for your skin.
Skincare Benefits of Lactic Acid
Lactic acid removes layers of dead skin cells that can build up over time and cause breakouts, blemishes and spots.
Lactic acid can help refine the skin, making it firmer and thicker.
Lactic acid can visibly reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, helping skin look smoother.
Lactic acid also acts as a humectant, which means it attracts water and holds it to the surface of the skin, keeping the lipid barrier hydrated and healthy.
Lactic acid is available in a variety of concentrations, from 5% to over 12%, allowing you to get the best results you need.
The larger molecular size of lactic acid means it can’t penetrate too deeply into the skin, preventing unwanted irritation.
Lactic acid is suitable for all skin types and can be used with confidence, as it delivers results without the worry of redness, dryness or irritation.
If you want to learn more about lactic acid, read our dedicated blog post.
Can I use retinol and lactic acid together?
Yes, you can, but there are a few things you need to keep in mind to ensure you are able to reap the benefits of these ingredients without suffering any negative side effects.
It is believed that the most effective way to use lactic acid and retinol together is to apply each ingredient at different times of the day.
Using lactic acid during your morning routine can remove any residue or buildup from skincare products on your skin. It also helps to prepare your skin for the next steps in your daily routine and helps other formulas absorb quickly. You can then apply your retinol in the evening so that it is protected from free radicals like pollution and UV rays while you get your beauty sleep.
It is important to use retinol at night because any type of retinoid becomes completely useless and ineffective when exposed to the sun. You will also find that your skin is more sensitive to the sun, so using a sunscreen of SPF 30 or higher every day is essential to prevent sun damage.
Once your skin has built up a tolerance to these two ingredients, you will find that your routine can significantly improve the skin’s complexion, overall health, and its lipid barrier. Not all skin is the same, and if you find that the above applications are too much for your skin, try using it every other day. If you have any concerns (especially if this is your first time applying these ingredients to your skin), consult a dermatologist or trained professional to ensure you find the best product for you and your skin’s needs.
Can AHAs be used with Granactive Retinoid?
Yes, you absolutely can, just be careful when using it to enhance your skin’s benefits. What I mean by this is that while Granactive Retinoid is praised for its non-irritating properties, it shouldn’t be applied with acids. This is mainly because the pH of the formula is on the acidic side, which can temporarily disrupt the acidic pH of the skin when used on the face. If there are too many acids, the risk of irritation, redness, severe dryness, and general discomfort increases.
To avoid this, the most effective way to use AHAs and Granactive Retinoid is to use the AHA in the morning and the Retinoid in the evening. Or do both in the evening to give the skin enough time to rebalance and prepare for the next step in your skincare routine.
It may take some time and patience, but if used correctly and in the right order, the results can be very impressive. Don’t forget: If you have more questions about layering skincare ingredients or other skin-related issues, follow us on Instagram to learn more.
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.