Can you use retinol after glycolic acid?
When it comes to skincare, there’s no denying that glycolic acid and retinol are two powerful ingredients that can deliver impressive complexion results. No wonder you’ll find them in a range of products from different brands.
If you’ve been here for a while, you’ve no doubt read about how to use retinol and glycolic acid in your routine, but the question is: can you use retinol after glycolic acid? Let’s find out. If you need a reminder of the benefits of each ingredient, check out our blog posts on glycolic acid and retinol on The Beauty Insiders.
What to use after glycolic acid?
Glycolic acid is commonly found in cleansers, exfoliating toners/peeling pads, and serums. Whatever you choose in your routine, combining glycolic acid with hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid or niacinamide will restore the water and oil content of the skin barrier and protect it from free radicals. Using a serum or moisturizer enriched with these ingredients ensures that moisture is locked on the surface of the skin while forming a protective barrier to prevent further damage.
You can apply glycolic acid twice a day, morning and night. Still, remember to use SPF 30 for UV protection every day, even on cloudy and rainy days.
What Not to Mix with Glycolic Acid?
It is believed that using glycolic acid with another acid, especially salicylic acid, can cause your skin to become very dry and irritated. This is because each acid affects different layers of the skin. Glycolic acid on the outer surface removes layers of dead skin cells, while salicylic acid penetrates deep into the pores to remove bacteria, dirt, and other impurities. You see, mixing such potent ingredients can cause your skin’s pH to become unbalanced, depriving your skin of important oils it needs to function properly and protect itself from damage.
Don’t forget: If you’re unsure about what ingredients to apply on your skin, it’s best to consult a doctor or dermatologist to avoid unnecessary irritation.
Can I use glycolic acid with retinol and niacinamide?
Yes, you can. All three ingredients will have impressive results on the skin. Knowing the best way to layer them will not only ensure they work their way onto the skin, but also prevent irritation or reactions. Ideally, you should use glycolic acid-rich skin twice a day, as it can remove impurities from the skin. After 30 minutes, you should apply a serum containing niacinamide to draw moisture back to the surface of the skin and keep your complexion plump. For your evening routine, you can use a retinol product, which can work undisturbed while you catch up on your beauty sleep. Before trying any new skincare ingredient or formula, I highly recommend doing a 24-hour patch test before applying anything directly to your face. This will give you a better idea of whether you will benefit from using these ingredients in your daily skincare routine.
Can I use glycolic acid in the morning and retinol at night?
Of course, you can actually use glycolic acid twice a day. However, as I mentioned before, an imbalanced pH level can cause dry, tight, and irritated skin. Therefore, it is important to leave enough time between product applications to avoid this and reap the benefits of these two powerful duos.
Retinol is also an ingredient that cannot be used during the day, as UV rays render it useless and completely ineffective. You will also find that retinol works quickly and effectively if you use glycolic acid in the form of a toner beforehand. Clearing away dead skin cells, bacteria, dirt, and debris that build up on the surface of the skin. As these pollutants build up, you’ll notice that any formula you apply to your skin will take longer to absorb through this physical barrier.
When should I use glycolic acid on a regular basis?
You can use glycolic acid in every step of your daily life, and much of it will depend on the products you choose. You’ll find this powerful AHA incorporated into a variety of formulas, from cleansers, toners, serums, face oils, to moisturizers. Depending on which product contains glycolic acid will determine when you use it in your basic care routine, which is: H. You start with the thinnest consistency and gradually work your way up to the thickest. This allows each product to be absorbed into the skin without having to overcome the physical barrier created by thicker formulas.
Is it OK to use glycolic acid every day?
Yes, it’s fine if your skin allows it to be used daily. Glycolic acid is one of the most commonly used yet potent members of the alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) family. These chemical peels typically work on the outer surface of the skin and offer a wide range of skin benefits, from a rejuvenated, more radiant complexion to a more even skin tone, as well as fighting early signs of aging like fine lines and wrinkles.
People with normal to oily skin typically benefit the most from daily use of glycolic acid. However, if you have a dry, sensitive skin type, you should avoid such strong acids and instead use a gentler lactic acid or one from the polyhydroxy acid (PHA) family.
Here’s more information on using retinol after glycolic acid. If you’ve talked to your doctor about these ingredients being safe for daily use and you use them as directed, there’s nothing wrong with using retinol after glycolic acid. Don’t forget: If you have any other skincare questions, check us out on Instagram, where you can find me via direct message.
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.
