CAN YOU USE BOTH GLYCOLIC ACID AND VITAMIN C? While both glycolic acid and vitamin C are skincare superstars, using them together requires a bit of caution, and it's generally not recommended to use them at the same time. If you're not sure about your routine, it's best to avoid using them in unison.
What NOT to mix with Glycolic Acid. Retinol, other AHAs/BHAs, Vitamin C: Using these ingredients alongside Glycolic Acid in the same routine could irritate the skin.
Skincare ingredients not to mix with vitamin C
Vitamin C, AHAs (glycolic acid), and BHAs (salicylic acid) are acidic in nature. Layering them together can lower the skin's pH, making it more acidic. When skin pH goes off balance, it becomes a recipe for skin irritation, redness, and peeling.
Apply vitamin C in the morning and glycolic acid at night. Glycolic acid and hyaluronic acid: Since hyaluronic acid loads up skin with moisture, it makes for an excellent pairing with glycolic acid. Look for a product that combines both for easiest application, though you can also layer serums.
Glycolic acid and niacinamide.
Indeed, niacinamide used with AHA's like glycolic acid and lactic acid has no effect and can even cause redness. Since niacinamide has a pH of about 5-7, it can actually increase the lower pH of glycolic acid, which is about 3-4, and negate its properties.
Hyaluronic Acid acts a humectant by pulling moisture into your skin, making it ideal to use with Glycolic Acid, which can be drying or irritating at times. You can opt to layer Hyaluronic Acid over Glycolic Acid or use Hyaluronic Acid in the morning and Glycolic Acid in the evening.
Vitamin C + Niacinamide
However, when you combine niacinamide with Vitamin C, they'll cancel each other out chemically, making both formulas ineffective on your skin. Niacinamide takes out all the good properties of Vitamin C and makes it into a substance that can cause redness and trigger breakouts.
However, those accustomed to exfoliating with acids may have a higher skin tolerance and can use both Glycolic Acid and vitamin C together. If you do wish to combine these, we would recommend using them on alternate evenings and waiting until your skin has adjusted before introducing both together.
Retinoids and Glycolic Acid
Retinoids (including retinol) are fantastic for boosting cell turnover and fighting aging. However, pairing them with glycolic acid is like inviting two energetic party crashers into a small room—they can overwhelm your skin.
Everyday usage is acceptable while using a rinse-off product, like a cleanser with glycolic acid. But, while using a leave-on glycolic acid product (such as a serum, gel, cream, mask, or peel), one should only apply it one to three times per week.
Beta Hydroxy Acids
So that salicylic acid of yours should not be mixed with your vitamin C serum. It won't be able to help you with discoloration, collagen production, or protect you from UV rays. Additionally, combining the two can cause irritation and dryness.
The Verdict: Glycolic Acid Reigns Supreme
If brighter, more youthful skin is your skincare goal, it may be time to welcome a Glycolic Acid product into your skincare routine. However, always remember that consultation with a dermatologist is crucial before embarking on any new skincare regimen.
What NOT to mix with Glycolic Acid. Retinol, other AHAs/BHAs, Vitamin C: Using these ingredients alongside Glycolic Acid in the same routine could irritate the skin. However, alternating them between your morning and evening skincare routine means that you can enjoy the benefits without the risk of damaging your skin.
Opt for a Brightening Toner
Build on your vitamin C serum-based skin brightening regimen with the mineral-rich Fermented Rice Water Toner. With similar benefits to the vitamin C serum, this sake-infused toner can help brighten, soften, and rehydrate your skin.
USE THEM AT DIFFERENT TIMES
By alternating between the two ingredients, you remove the risk of skin irritation. Apply glycolic acid to cleanse the skin of impurities, makeup and oil buildup from the day. Apply vitamin C in the morning to protect against free radicals throughout the day.
Vitamin C serums are notoriously sensitive to light, air, and heat. Exposure to these elements can cause the serum to degrade, leading to reduced effectiveness. Unfortunately, this is a mistake that many people overlook.
Vitamin C can be destroyed by heat and light. High-heat cooking temperatures or prolonged cook times can break down the vitamin. Because it is water-soluble, the vitamin can also seep into cooking liquid and be lost if the liquids are not eaten.
Hydration Boost: Hyaluronic acid can help mitigate any potential dryness or irritation caused by glycolic acid, making it a perfect pair for those with sensitive or dry skin.
Separate Sessions: Always using them in separate sessions (e.g., can use vitamin C in the morning and glycolic acid at night). Proper Layering & Timing: Understanding how to layer glycolic acid and vitamin C appropriately, allowing sufficient time between applications.