Can Retinol be used with AHAs?
Are you new to skincare, or maybe you’ve decided to upgrade your already established routine. Either way, you’ve undoubtedly come across retinol and AHAs. You know that when you incorporate both into your daily routine, your skin will be taken to the next level. The question, however, is, can retinol be used with AHAs? That’s exactly what we’ll explore in today’s blog post.
If you want to learn more about both ingredients and their benefits, I’ll share some links to dedicated blog posts below.
What is retinol? What are its benefits for skincare?
What are AHAs? What do they do for the skin?
Now let’s dive in to learn more about using both AHAs and retinol in your daily skincare routine.
Which came first, AHA or retinol?
A lot of that depends on which product formula contains these ingredients. There’s a basic skin rule that requires you to use your skincare products in the correct order, starting with the thinnest consistency and working your way up to thicker ones. This way, you can ensure that each active ingredient can penetrate the skin and work without having to fight the physical barrier created by applying a thick product first.
Retinol is often found in products that are applied at the end of your daily regimen, such as essential oils, serums, and moisturizers. AHAs, such as glycolic acid, are often found in many products, the most popular of which are cleansers and toners, which means they are applied to the skin first and then the retinol is applied.
Are AHAs the same as retinol?
No, AHAs and retinol are not the same thing. This confusion may be due to the mistaken belief that retinol exfoliates the skin, when in fact it increases the skin’s cell turnover cycle, causing new skin cells to surface more quickly. AHAs, also known as alpha hydroxy acids, such as glycolic acid and lactic acid, are chemical exfoliants, which means they remove dead skin cells, bacteria, and impurities that have accumulated on the surface of the skin. You’ll also find that retinol and AHAs work on different areas of the skin, with retinol penetrating the lower layers of the skin more effectively than AHAs.
Can retinol and glycolic acid be used together?
Yes and no, you can use retinol and glycolic acid together, but you should use them at different times of the day. Since retinol is sensitive to UV rays and cannot be used when exposed to the sun, it is best used in the evening. So, this means you can use glycolic acid products during your morning routine. By using these ingredients in separate formulas, you will benefit from the numerous skin benefits they offer while avoiding increased skin sensitivity or irritation.
Before trying any new skincare product or ingredient, it is best to do a 24-hour patch test. Apply about 10p of the product to the inside of your forearm, leave the product there overnight, and if there are no signs of irritation in the morning, your skin is in good condition and can be applied to your face.
Can AHAs and retinol be used together?
Yes, but be careful and make sure you use it at the right time of day. Many of us don’t realize that skin pH plays a vital role in ensuring that the skin barrier remains healthy and intact. Using skincare products with different pH levels can create an imbalance, often leading to flare-ups or skin reactions. So, when using AHAs and retinols, leave at least 30 minutes between each application. If your skin is prone to moodiness, consider alternating between an AHA formula and then a retinol product in the evening.
I strongly advise against using both an AHA and retinol at the same time, as this can strip the skin of its oils, leaving it dry, tight, uncomfortable, and susceptible to further damage when exposed to free radicals such as UV rays, pollution, central heating, and adverse weather conditions. If you have any questions about your products, contact your primary care physician or dermatologist for reassurance.
Should retinol be applied before or after a serum?
As I mentioned before, this really depends on the product formula the retinol is mixed into. You will often find retinol in facial oils, serums, and moisturizers, which will be applied at the end of your daily routine. Serums are lightweight and thinner in consistency, and are more effective for the lower layers of the skin. Many people find that using 2 serums with replenishing ingredients before applying a thicker moisturizer produces impressive results.
When should retinol be applied?
You should apply retinol at the end of your evening skincare routine. This prevents the retinol from losing its effectiveness due to not being exposed to the sun. You’ll find retinol in products like serums and moisturizers, which stay on your skin longer than a cleanser that rinses off. Using retinol at night gives you the best chance of keeping your skin private while you get your beauty sleep. To counteract the drying effects that retinol often brings, I also recommend using a serum that’s rich in hyaluronic acid. The hydrating properties of this clever ingredient attract and lock in moisture to your skin, keeping it healthy and plump all day long.
I hope today we’ve answered some of your questions about whether you can use retinol with AHAs. If you have any other skincare questions, you can find me on Procoal’s Instagram. I look forward to seeing you there!
