Can You Use Retinol With AHA?
So, you’re new to all thing’s skincare, or maybe you’ve decided to up the ante when it comes to your already established routine. Either way, you have no doubt already stumbled across the likes of retinol and AHA. You understand that adding both into your daily routine will take your skin clarity to the next level, the question is, can you use retinol with AHA? That is exactly what we’ll be investigating it today’s blog post.
If you are still wanting to know a little more about both ingredients and their benefits, I’ll share with you some links below to our dedicated blog posts.
What is retinol and what are its skincare benefits?
What are AHAs and what do they do for the skin?
Now, let’s dive in and find out more about using AHAs and retinol together in your daily skincare routine.
What goes on first AHA or retinol?
This is very much dependant on which product formula these ingredients come in. There is a basic skin rule that involves applying your skincare products in the correct order, starting with the thinnest consistency, and moving up to a thicker consistency. By doing this you are ensuring that each active ingredient can penetrate the skin and get to work without having to compete against a physical barrier caused by a thick product applied first.
Retinol is often formulated in products that are usually applied towards the end of your routine, such as oils, serums, and moisturisers. AHAs, such as glycolic acid are often found in many products with the most popular being cleansers and toners, meaning they will be the first to be applied on the skin before retinol.
Is AHA the same as retinol?
No AHA and retinol are not the same. This confusion may be a result of the misconception that retinol exfoliants the skin, when in fact, it increases the skin cell turn over cycle resulting in new skin cells making their way to the surface quicker. AHAs, also known as alpha hydroxy acids, such as glycolic acid and lactic acid are chemical exfoliants meaning they can slough away dead skin cells, bacteria, and impurities that can build-up on the skin surface. You’ll also find that retinol and AHAs work on different areas of the skin, with retinol penetrating the lower layers of the skin more effectively than AHAs.
Can you use retinol and glycolic acid together?
Yes and no, you can use retinol and glycolic acid together but should be applied during different times of the day. As retinol is sensitive to UV light and becomes useless when exposed to sunlight, it is best to apply it in the evening. This therefore means you can use your glycolic acid product during your morning routine. By applying these ingredients in separate formulations you’ll reap the rewards of the plethora of skin benefits they provide, whilst by-passing any increased skin sensitivity or irritation.
Before trying any new skincare ingredients or products it is best to perform a patch test for 24 hours. Apply a 10p size about of the product on the inside of your forearm, leave the product there overnight and if there is no sign of irritation in the morning, your skin is happy and ready for you to apply it to the face.
Can I use AHA and retinol together?
Yes, but with caution and ensuring you are applying it during the correct time of day. Many of us are unfamiliar about the fact that the pH levels of the skin play a vital role in ensuring the skin barrier remains healthy and happy. When you apply skincare products that contain different pH levels an imbalance occurs which can often lead to flare-up in reaction or skin reaction. Therefore, there should always be at least 30 minutes in between applications when using an AHA and retinol. If you have a skin that can be slightly temperamental you should alternate the time of day to apply AHA formula followed with your retinol product in the evening.
I would strongly advise against using AHA and retinol together as this will lead to the skin becoming stripped of oil and become dry, tight, uncomfortable, and prone to suffering from more skin damage when exposed to free radical, such as UV rays, pollution, central heating, and harsh weather conditions. If you have any concerns with your products, consult with your GP or dermatologist for peace of mind.
Does retinol go on before or after serum?
As I have already mentioned, this really depends on the product formulation your retinol is blended in to. You’ll often find that retinol is found in face oils, serums, and moisturisers which are applied towards the end of your routine. Serums are lightweight and have a thinner consistency which tend to work in the lower layers of the skin. Many find that applying 2 serums containing complimentary ingredients before a thicker moisturiser deliver impressive results.
When should you apply retinol?
You should apply retinol at the end of your evening skincare routine, this will avoid the retinol from losing its potency as it won’t be exposed to sun light. You’ll find retinol is formulated in products, such as serums and moisturisers which remain on the skin for a longer period compared to cleansers that are rinsed off. By applying retinol in the evening, you are allowing it to receive the best opportunity to work undisturbed on the skin whilst you catch up on your beauty sleep. To counteract the common drying effects of retinol I would also recommend you use a serum enriched in hyaluronic acid. The humectant traits of this clever ingredient will draw moisture into the skin and lock it into skin keeping it healthy and plumped all day.
I hope that today we have answered some of the questions you have about whether you can use retinol with AHA. If you have any further skincare questions you can come and find me over on Procoal’s Instagram, look forward to seeing you there!
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.
