Can You use Retinol After Glycolic Acid?
When it comes to skincare, there’s no denying that glycolic acid and retinol are two powerhouse ingredients that have impressive results on the complexion. It’s no wonder you’ll find them formulated into an array of products by several different brands.
If you have been around here for a while, you’ll not doubt have read about how to use retinol and glycolic acid in your everyday routine, but the question is- can you use retinol after glycolic acid? Let’s find out more about this together, if you need a reminder of what the benefits are of each of these ingredients, check out the blog post we have about glycolic acid and retinol over on The Beauty Insiders.
What do you use after glycolic acid?
Quite often you’ll find that glycolic acid is formulated into cleanser, exfoliating toners/pads, and serums. No matter which you decide to use in your routine following glycolic acid with a hydrating ingredient, such as hyaluronic acid or niacinamide will restore the skin water and oil levels in the skin barrier enabling it able to protect itself from exposure to free radicals. Using either a serum or moisturiser enriched in these ingredients will ensure hydration is locked into the skin surface whilst also forming a protective barrier preventing any further damage from occurring.
You can apply glycolic acid twice a day during your morning and evening routines, however, it is important to remember to use a daily SPF of 30 even on days that seem overcast and raining for UV protection.
What can you not mix with glycolic acid?
It is considered that using glycolic acid with another acid, in particular salicylic acid will result in the skin becoming very dry and irritated. This is because each acid works on different layers of the skin, glycolic acid on the outer surface sloughing away the layer of dead skin cells, and salicylic acid penetrating deeply into the pores and unclogging them of bacteria, debris, and other impurities. You’ll find that mixing ingredients as potent as these will lead to an imbalance in the pH levels of the skin as well as stripping it of the vital oils it requires to function correctly and keep itself protected from damage.
Don’t forget that if you are ever unsure of which ingredients you should apply to your skin, it is best to consult with a doctor or dermatologist to avoid unwanted irritation.
Can I use glycolic acid with retinol and niacinamide?
Yes, you can, all three of these ingredients deliver impressive results to the skin. Understanding the best way of layering them will not only ensure they are able to perform on the skin but will also prevent any irritation or reactions. Ideally you should be using a glycolic acid enriched twice a day as this will rid the skin of impurity build-up. You should then follow this after 30 minutes with a serum containing niacinamide to help draw water back into the skin surface keeping the complexion plumped. For your evening routine, you can then apply a retinol product to work undisturbed whilst you catch up on your beauty sleep. Before trying any new skincare ingredients or formulas, I would strongly suggest performing a patch test for 24 hours before applying anything directly onto the face. This will help you get a better understanding of whether you’ll benefit from using these ingredients in your daily skincare routine.
Can I use glycolic acid in the morning and retinol at night?
Absolutely, you can in fact, use glycolic acid twice a day. As I have already mentioned however, an imbalance in pH levels can result in dry, tight, and irritated skin. Therefore, it’s important to leave enough time in between product applications to bypass this and reap the rewards of this powerful duo.
Retinol is also an ingredient that cannot be used in the day purely because any exposure to UV light will render it useless and it will completely lose its potency. You will also find that if you use glycolic acid in the shape of a toner beforehand your retinol will be able to deliver results rapidly and effectively. By ridding the surface of the skin from any build-up of dead skin cells, bacteria, dirt, and debris. If these impurities are left to build-up, you will find that any formulations applied to the skin will take longer to absorb through this physical barrier.
When should I use glycolic acid in routine?
You can use glycolic acid in any step of your routine, it very much depends on which product it is you decide to use. You’ll find that this potent AHA makes its way into a variety of formulations, from cleansers, toners, serums, face oils, and moisturisers. Depending on which product contains glycolic acid will determine when you apply it during your routine with the basic skincare meaning you start with the thinnest consistency and work your way up to the thickest. By doing this each product can absorb into the skin without having to tackle a physical barrier created by a thicker formula.
Is it OK to use glycolic acid every day?
Yes, it is ok if your skin is happy for you to use it every day. Glycolic acid is one of the most used, but most potent member of the alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) family. These chemical exfoliants generally work on the outer surface of the skin and provide a plethora of skin results, from revived, brighter complexions to evening out the skin tone and combating first signs of ageing, such as fine lines and wrinkles.
Those who have a normal to oily skin type will quite often benefit the most from using glycolic acid daily. If, however you have a skin type that is dry and prone to sensitivity it is best to avoid using such a powerful acid, instead opting for lactic acid which is much gentler or a member of the poly hydroxy acid (PHA) family.
There you have a little more information about using retinol after glycolic acid. If you have established with your doctor these ingredients are safe to use in your daily routine and you apply them as instructed, there’s nothing stopping you from using retinol after glycolic acid. Don’t forget that if you have any more skincare questions, come, and find us over 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.
