Can I Use Granactive Retinoid with Lactic Acid?
When it comes to skincare, there are a few ingredients that are essential for maintaining a healthy skin. Chemical exfoliants, such as lactic acid and retinol are undoubtably two of the most effective actives that deliver noticeably results. With such an array of ingredients and formulas, it can often feel overwhelming trying to establish how to layer these actives properly. Not to mention the importance of knowing which products can be used together, and which should be avoided completely.
This is something we will be exploring a little further in today’s blog post, focusing mainly on the popular powerhouses, lactic acid and granactive retinoid. So, let’s dive in and find out more, starting with exploring the benefits each ingredient can leave on the skin.
What is Granactive Retinol?
Granactive retinoid, also known as hydroxypinacolone retinoate, is a derivative of vitamin A and is one of the most researched retinoid ingredients. Compared to other derivatives, granactive retinol is known for providing an abundance of skin benefits with minimal side effects, some of which are a common association to retinol, such as redness, increased irritation, and peeling to the skin.
Skincare benefits of Granactive Retinoid
Granactive retinoid can stimulate the growth of skin cells resulting in a complexion that is glowing and healthy.
Granactive retinoid helps to thicken the skin ensuring it can protect itself more effectively from exposure to sun light.
Granactive retinoid increases the speed of the skin cell turnover resulting in fine lines and wrinkles becoming reduced and preventing further ones from developing.
Granactive retinoid works deeply in the skin and helps to clear out clogged pores of excess sebum, dirt, bacteria, and other impurities that can lead to blackheads, and other forms of breakouts.
Granactive retinoid helps to even out the skin tone making it appear brighter, vibrant, with signs of hyperpigmentation visibly improved.
Granactive retinoid can stimulate the production of collagen and elastin helping the skin become firmer, plumped, and smooth.
If you wanted to find out more, there are more detailed blog posts about other forms of retinoid over on the Skin School, so be sure to check that out.
What is Lactic Acid?
Lactic acid has a reputation of being the gentlest chemical exfoliant in the family of alpha hydroxy acids. Derived from soured milk and other dairy produce, it can deliver similar results as potent acids, such as glycolic acid, without the risk of skin irritation. Here are some examples of the benefits of lactic acid on the skin.
Skincare benefits of Lactic Acid
Lactic acid can slough away the layer of dead skin cells that can build-up over time resulting in breakouts, blemishes, and spots.
Lactic acid can help improve the skin making it become firmer and thicker.
Lactic acid can visibly reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles helping the skin appear smoother.
Lactic acid is also able to work as a humectant, meaning it can pull moisture into the skin surface and lock it into place, helping to keep the lipid barrier hydrated and healthy.
Lactic acid can come in a variety of percentage strengths, from 5% to over 12% giving you the chance to gain optimal results you are wanting to achieve.
Lactic acid has a larger molecule size meaning it is unable to penetrate too far into the skin avoiding unwanted irritation.
Lactic acid is suitable for all skin types to use with the peace of mind it will deliver results without any concerns in causing redness, dryness, or irritation.
If you wanted to know more about lactic acid, check out our dedicated blog post.
Can I use retinol and lactic acid?
Yes, you can, but there are some things you need to remember to ensure you reap the rewards of each of these ingredients, without suffering from any negative side effects.
It is considered that the most effective way you can use both lactic acid and retinol together is to apply each ingredient during different times of the day.
Applying lactic acid during your morning routine will rid the skin of any residue or build-up of skincare products. It will also prepare the skin for the following steps of your routine, helping other formulas to absorb rapidly. You can then follow this in the evening with your retinol, allowing it to work undisturbed from free radicals, such as pollution and UV rays, whilst you catch up on your beauty sleep.
It is important to use retinol in the evening as any exposure to sunlight will render any form of retinoid completely useless and unable to deliver results. You will also find that the skin can have an increased sensitivity to sunlight so using a daily sunscreen with factor 30 and above is essential to protect from sun damage.
Once your skin has built its tolerance to both ingredients, you will find your routine has a significant improvement on the complexion and general health of the skin and its lipid barrier. Not all skin is the same, and if you are finding the application mentioned above is too much for your skin, instead try applying them every other day. If you ever have any concerns (especially if you’re introducing these ingredients to your skin for the first time) consult with a dermatologist or trained professional to ensure you find the best product for you and your skin’s needs.
Can you use AHA with granactive retinoid?
Yes, you certainly can, just be mindful about application to enhance the benefits to the skin. what I mean by this is, although granactive retinoid is praised for its non-irritating approach, it shouldn’t be layered with acids. This is mainly due to the pH levels of the formulations being more acidic, which when applied the face can cause a temporary disruption to the acidic pH on the skin. With too much acidity there is an increased risk of irritation, redness, severe dryness, and general discomfort.
To avoid any of this, the most effective way of applying AHA and granactive retinoid is to either use the AHA in the morning and retinoid in the evening. Or using both in the evening, allowing enough time for the skin to rebalance and prepare for the next steps of your skincare routine.
It may take some time and patience, but with the right application and in the correct order, the results you see are highly impressive. Don’t forget, if you have any further questions about layering skincare ingredients, or other skin related questions, come and follow us on Instagram for 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.
