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 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.
