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!
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.
