Just take care to avoid using both ingredients at the same time of day, as this can easily lead to irritation. Instead, if your skin can handle both ingredients on the same day, you can try using an AHA in the morning and retinol at night, or vice versa.
Thus, adding exfoliation to this can cause or increase the potential irritation." So, if you use a stronger product, like a Retinol, make sure you space out its application from your exfoliating products. Since Retinols and the like tend to be used at night, an a.m. scrub might be better for you.
One way to combine hydroxy acids and retinol into your skincare routine is to use the products on alternate nights. Find a routine that works for your skin to reduce any irritation, and remember to give your skin a night off where you use just a moisturiser.
If your skin can tolerate both ingredients with no dryness or irritation, you can eventually begin using one in the morning and one in the evening. Just take care to avoid applying any products containing active ingredients, like vitamin C, directly after using glycolic acid.
b) Alpha-Hydroxy-Acids (AHA's, Glycolic, Lactic)
The other liquid exfoliant is Alpha-Hydroxy-Acids (AHA's, Glycolic, Lactic). As AHA's increase your skin's sensitivity to the sun, I'd suggest using this at night. If you use a AHA in the morning, always make sure to follow with a broad spectrum sunscreen.
When should I use a skincare acid? Both AHAs and BHAs can be used day or night. Some products are formulated to be used at night as an overnight peel, while others (often serums) are meant to be used in the morning to gently slough off any dead skin cells.
Don't Mix: AHA/BHA acids with retinol. "I strongly caution those also using retinoids for acne or anti-aging as the combination with various acids may cause excessive skin sensitivity, irritation, and redness. In fact, AHA and BHA should not typically be used together with retinoids on the same day," explains Dr.
Just take care to avoid using both ingredients at the same time of day, as this can easily lead to irritation. Instead, if your skin can handle both ingredients on the same day, you can try using an AHA in the morning and retinol at night, or vice versa.
“AHA, BHA, retinol, and benzoyl peroxide can be mixed with moisturizing ingredients like hyaluronic acid, ceramides, and rosehip oil to get effective results — just ensure you are not using retinol as well as AHA or BHA's during the day," says Graf.
Perform the nighttime skincare routine as directed above. After applying retinol to your skin (while it's dry) allow it to sit for 10-20 minutes. Mist your face with water or a facial spray, and then apply your hyaluronic acid. (HA serums are most effective when they're applied to damp skin.)
Using AHA and Niacinamide together will double the benefits of brightening, fading pigmentation, and reducing wrinkles. It is possible to find a few acid products containing low doses of Niacinamide, but using two different products will provide more beneficial properties.
Don't mix: Retinol with vitamin C, benzoyl peroxide (BPO) or alpha and beta hydroxy acids, otherwise known as AHAs and BHAs (glycolic acid and salicylic acid). Layering these products one after the other could cause irritation.
Pairing the two ingredients is safe and can make retinol easier to use. Niacinamide helps hydrate the skin, which reduces the risk of irritation caused by retinol. Niacinamide and retinol can be combined in one product or used as separate products.
To reduce your risk of irritation, the Cleveland Clinic recommends using AHA products every other day. As your skin gets used to them, you can then start applying AHAs every day.
Apply your AHA or BHA exfoliant after the cleanser and toner steps in your routine. If it's a liquid, apply it with a cotton pad; if a lotion or gel, apply it with your fingers. Apply an occasional-use rinse-off exfoliant peel to cleansed skin, and rinse after several minutes.
Which of these products can be used after the AHA peeling solution? You're welcome to apply Alpha-Arbutin or Niacinamide after the Peeling Solution.
Apply acids in the morning, and retinol at night.
Avoid applying retinol products during the day. Vitamin A formulations tend to break down in sunlight, which decrease their effectiveness. This method will make your skin more sensitive to sun damage, so make sure to apply sunscreen every day if you don't already do so.
Rouleau says the best time to use a scrub is in the morning. Overnight you've loosened up dead skin cells with your glycolic acid or retinol products, making the morning a perfect time to brush them off.
I suggest using your BHA in the morning and your AHA at night. Alternatively, they could be used on alternate nights. “If you want to apply them at the same time, BHAs should be applied to oilier areas such as the T-zone and AHAs everywhere else to avoid doubling up on the application on any section of skin.
The best product you can use in conjunction with retinol, according to Dr. Zeichner, is a moisturizer, which can help hydrate skin and reduce the risk of irritation from retinol. “Some people even prefer to mix their retinol with a moisturizing cream to dilute it out,” he says.
Hyaluronic acid doesn't function like an AHA or BHA in that it does not strip your skin — it's actually highly nourishing and hydrating, so having “acid” in the name is a bit misleading. Hyaluronic acid is great for applying after any exfoliating acids.
Using niacinamide before retinol works well. So does combining them into one product. A 2016 study found that a product containing retinol, niacinamide, hexylresorcinol, and resveratrol improved fine lines, sallowness, wrinkling, hyperpigmentation, and skin tone.
Retinoids work best if you use them daily. Specifically, they should be used at night because some types are deactivated by light and air. It's important to start slowly and allow your skin time to adjust. Using too much too quickly can cause redness, dryness, and irritation.