Can You Use Hyaluronic Acid and Glycolic Acid Together?
Yes, they both have the name acid, but each provide different benefits, and more importantly, work wonderfully together. The question is, how exactly can you use hyaluronic acid and glycolic acid together? And what exactly are the benefits you can expect to see when layering them both in your skincare routine. Stick around as we will investigate together how you can benefit from combining these two powerhouse ingredients.
What goes first glycolic acid or hyaluronic acid?
When it comes to using hyaluronic acid and glycolic acid, although both are called acid, they are in fact quite different. Glycolic acid is a member of the Alpha Hydroxy Acid (AHA) family and can provide exfoliation to the top layer of the skin, by helping to slough away dead skin cells and debris whilst unclogging the pores of excess sebum, dirt, and bacteria. If left you’ll find the pores become blocked which results in blackheads, blemishes, and spots. It is because of the exfoliating benefits of glycolic acid I suggest using it first as you’ll find that the hyaluronic acid enriched product you use after will absorb quickly and effectively into the skin.
Having said that, if you find you have a skin type that is prone to feeling tight and mildly sensitive to combat this you can try applying hyaluronic acid first followed by glycolic acid. By doing this you are ensuring the skin barrier is fully hydrated and able to absorb any ounce of water surrounding the skin, or other formulations resulting in a complexion that thrives with a continuous boost of hydration.
What can you not mix with glycolic acid?
Since glycolic acid is a chemical exfoliant it is considered best to not mix it with other exfoliants, such as members of the Alpha Hydroxy Acid (AHA) such as lactic acid and Beta Hydroxy Acid (BHA) such as salicylic acid. By avoiding using these ingredients together you are not overworking the skin causing it to become stripped of the vital water and oil it needs to remain in its healthiest state. What you may find is by using these acids together the skin will become tight, uncomfortable, and dry with the sebum (the natural oil in the skin) being over-produced causing the face to become oilier. This can then lead to breakout in spots, blackheads, and other imperfections.
You will also find it best to avoid using niacinamide and glycolic acid together as they both have similar pH levels which can cause an imbalance to the skin which often results in allergic reactions.
If you are wanting to find out more about, what can you not mix with glycolic acid, you can check out the dedicated blog post.
Can I use glycolic acid and hyaluronic acid and niacinamide?
The short answer is, yes you can, the longer one is you can use all three ingredients together if you apply them in the correct order. By this I mean knowing the best time of day to use which ingredient to gain optimal results. For example, after cleansing you can use an exfoliating toner enriched in glycolic acid to help slough away the remaining debris and layer of dead skin cells on the surface of the skin. You can then follow this with a serum enriched in hyaluronic acid that will help lock moisture into the skin and keep it hydrated throughout the day. You may even find that some product formulations contain both ingredients for more of an impact compared to using them separately, but this also boils down to personal preference. As for using niacinamide in your daily skincare routine, I would suggest applying it in the evening as the antioxidant benefits and humectant properties will give this clever powerhouse to reverse any damage caused to the skin throughout the day and leave you in the morning with a plumped, hydrated complexion.
What should I put on my face after glycolic acid?
After using glycolic acid, it is best to apply a hydrating serum or moisturiser that is enriched in a hydrating ingredient, such as hyaluronic acid. By doing this you are ensuring the fresh and newly surfaced skin cells benefit from a continuous boost in hydration throughout the day. You’ll also find that with the protective skin barrier is strengthened and able to function correctly. This results in it ensures it can protect the skin and ward off any damage caused by exposure to free radicals, such as UV exposure, pollution, and other environmental aggressors.
One other vital product you need to apply to the skin after glycolic acid is a SPF of 30 and above to ensure the skin is protected and able to combat skin damaging UVA and UVB rays.
Is glycolic acid or hyaluronic acid better for wrinkles?
The beauty of glycolic acid and hyaluronic acid is the fact you can use both together! Quite often you’ll find when there is a build-up of dead skin cells the complexion can begin to look dull, dry, and lacklustre with fine lines and wrinkles appearing to look worse than they are. By using the chemical exfoliating benefits of glycolic acid, you are removing this layer and revealing new, vibrant, and youthful looking skin, minimising the appearance of any signs of ageing.
As for using hyaluronic acid, many often mistake dehydration lines on the skin to be premature signs of ageing. This is when the hugely beneficial hydrating properties of hyaluronic acid can keep the complexion plumped, moisturised and line free. As I have already mentioned, you can use both powerhouse ingredients separately, or use a potent formulation containing both.
Can you use glycolic acid every day?
Yes and no, this is very much dependant on your skin type as those with dry skin which is prone to sensitivity should use glycolic acid every other day to avoid stripping the skin. Not forgetting of course that it is best to consult with a doctor or dermatologist to ensure it is safe to use a new product. Another point to remember is the concentration of the glycolic acid plays a part in how frequently you can use it. Finally, if you are new to using glycolic acid many experts suggest you introduce it slowly into your routine to avoid any unwanted irritation or allergic reaction.
There you have a little more information about using hyaluronic acid and glycolic acid together, remembering of course if you have any questions, don’t hesitate to follow us on Instagram.
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.
