Can you use Glycolic Acid AM and Retinol PM?
As the years go by, it often feels that skincare routines are becoming more complicated. With multiple products containing a vast amount of active ingredients, some you may be familiar with, others you may have trouble pronouncing, let alone heard of before.
The good news is, once you have a better understanding of how these ingredients work together, the more confident you’ll be when applying them. So, don’t panic, as by the end of today’s blog post you’ll have a better understanding of how you can use glycolic acid in AM and retinol PM. You ready? Let’s get stuck in and find out more.
Can I use glycolic acid in the morning and retinol at night?
Absolutely, using glycolic acid in the morning and retinol at night is considered the most effective way of using these potent actives in your daily skincare regime.
You’ll find that the most common product formulas you’ll find glycolic acid in are face cleansers, exfoliating toners, and serums. With this variety you’ll no doubt find a product that fits into your routine and delivers results. You’ll also find that you are able to use glycolic acid twice a day, especially if your skin is prone to be oily and experience frequent breakouts. However, apply with caution if you are using retinol during your evening skincare routine as this mixture can be too drying for the skin.
The reason retinol should only be used at night is due to the ingredient being photosensitive and any exposure to UV rays will make it loose its potency and prevent it from performing to the best of its ability. You will also find that retinol is blended into formulas such as moisturisers and serums which remain on the skin for longer amount of time, compared to face cleansers that are rinsed off. Applying retinol in the evening to work uninterrupted by exposure to daily free radical damage whilst you sleep will result in a glowing, brighter, more youthful complexion.
Can you use glycolic acid and retinol on the same night?
Yes and no, the reason for this is because you must remember to leave enough time in between applications to allow the pH levels of the skin to rebalance. If you are wanting to use glycolic acid and retinol on the same night, the best way to benefit from this whilst avoiding irritation is to use the most suitable products. Here is an example of a nighttime routine that uses both glycolic acid and retinol.
Remove makeup with remover or micellar water
Cleanse the skin to remove any remaining traces of makeup and impurities
Soak a cotton disc with exfoliating toner enriched in glycolic acid
Whilst the skin is still damp apply a serum containing hyaluronic acid to lock in moisture
Follow this serum with another that includes retinol in its formulation
Finally, apply a moisturiser enriched in nourishing ingredients, such as vitamin E, to keep the skin barrier supple and hydrated.
By following this routine, or one similar ensures you have enough time for the glycolic acid to slough away dead skin cells and allows the pH levels of the skin to rebalance before your retinol product.
Should I use glycolic acid in the morning or night?
You can use glycolic acid in the morning and at night, just ensure you have performed a patch test for 24 hours to ensure your skin is happy with the formulation. If glycolic acid is a new ingredient in your routine, I would suggest introducing by using a product that doesn’t remain on the skin, such as cleanser or exfoliating toners. This will give the AHA an opportunity to benefit the skin surface without causing too much irritation.
Do and don’ts with retinol?
Retinol is one of the most complex and misunderstood skincare ingredients. It often has a cloud of mystery surrounding it which leads to many using it incorrectly, or just avoiding all together. Here are some of the do and don’ts when it comes to using retinol in your everyday skincare routine.
The Dos
Do use it only in the evenings
Do start slowly by only applying it once a week
Do take your time to build your skin’s tolerance
Do increase to applying it 2-3 times a week
Do go up in strength once your skin is accustomed to the potency
The Don’ts
Don’t use a high percentage before building the skin’s tolerance
Don’t layer on top of other potent ingredients such as salicylic acid or glycolic acid
Don’t forget to apply a SPF in the morning
Don’t continue to use if you are suffering from severe dryness, itching, and redness
There you have a brief rundown of how to use retinol, but if you are wanting to know more about this potent powerhouse, check out our blog post about retinol and its skincare benefits.
Can I use retinol in the morning?
No, it is a huge no-no to use retinol in your morning regime. This is because exposure to UV rays makes retinol completely useless and the potency and effectiveness of the ingredient are jeopardised. You’ll find that using retinol in the morning will only be wasted effort, but overtime will weaken the skin’s protective barrier making it more susceptible to damage caused by free radicals, such as pollution, central heating, and other environmental aggressors.
Can you mix BHA with retinol?
Nope, absolutely not, it’s considered best to completely avoid mixing BHA with retinol. Salicylic acid is the most used BHA in various skincare formulas and is often favoured by those with an oily and acne-prone skin type. One of the main benefits of salicylic acid is the fact it’s oil soluble meaning it can penetrate far down into the lower layers of the skin and unclog the pores of excess sebum, dirt, bacteria, and other impurities. Because of this, you should not follow a product enriched with salicylic acid with a retinol as this will result in dryness, increased sensitivity, redness, and rashes.
I hope that is clears up a few questions you have about glycolic acid and retinol. Don’t forget if you have any questions come and follow us on Instagram, you’ll find me in the direct messages!
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.
