Can you use glycolic acid with hyaluronic acid? The answer is yes — not only can you use the two together, but you should.
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.
We recommend using glycolic acid before applying hyaluronic acid as its exfoliating benefits will help to slough away dead skin cells and debris, and unclog the pores by getting rid of excess sebum, dirt, and bacteria.
Because Glycolic Acid exfoliates the top layer of the skin, we would recommend avoiding any other products that also promote skin cell turnover. This would include ingredients such as Retinoids and Copper Peptides. Combining multiple resurfacing products may increase the chances of developing skin sensitivities.
As always, we recommend following the 3 core stages of a skincare regimen to layer your formulations. This involves cleansing the skin and preparing it for treatment. Apply a hyaluronic serum like our Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 (with Ceramides) after washing your face with a cleanser and toner.
Next, take an adequate amount of glycolic acid toner on your palm or a cotton pad and gently wipe your face and neck. Follow up with a hydrating face serum and face moisturizer for best results. Lastly, use an SPF or sunscreen before stepping out under the harmful UV rays.
After glycolic acid, use a hydrating serum. Hyaluronic acid, again, is a top pick. It binds to water and lubricates those parched skin cells like a mini oasis. Watch as it fluffs up your skin by infusing it with moisture, rounding out the effects of the glycolic acid.
Without drying your face after cleansing, apply your hyaluronic acid (or apply your toner first if you use one, then apply HA). This way, you'll lock in that moisture while it's there so your skin can stay more hydrated through the day or night.
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.
Salicylic acid
It is an exfoliating agent that removes dark spots and acne-causing bacteria along with dead skin cells that can lead to pigmentation.
Glycolic Acid Toner is a potent exfoliating treatment and we advise against everyday exfoliation as this can cause irritation and skin sensitivity. Exfoliating 1-3 times per week in your PM routine is ideal and you skin will still enjoy the benefits if you use this product consistently.
If you have dehydrated skin, use hyaluronic acid serum both in the morning and at night. In the morning, it might help hydrate your skin and prepare it for the day ahead. At night, it might help repair and rejuvenate your skin while you sleep. Be sure to follow up with a moisturizer to lock in the hydration.
Glycolic acid works as an exfoliant and serves to improve skin tone and texture - this can mean that fine lines, wrinkles, sun damage / spots, etc can be reduced or improved over time. Hyaluronic acid works as a great source of hydration for the skin and promote collagen while reserving moisture.
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.
Using glycolic acid and hyaluronic acid together can be highly beneficial, as they complement each other well. Here's how to combine them effectively: Layering Order: Apply glycolic acid first to exfoliate and prepare the skin. Follow up with hyaluronic acid to hydrate and replenish moisture.
Retinol. When it comes to your skincare routine, adding Hyaluronic Acid in the morning and Retinol at night can strike a great balance. While Retinol promotes cell turnover, which may cause some irritation, Hyaluronic acid can increase your skin's ability to counter these effects.
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.
Layer your glycolic acid with a mild retinol based moisturizer or a 0. 1% ah retinol. This is going to supercharge your anti-aging game.
Technically, you can use retinol and glycolic acid together — but we recommend being very careful and using the products on alternate days. Both ingredients have excellent exfoliating properties and can improve the skin's overall appearance, but when combined they can cause dryness, redness and flakiness.
In fact, this is an ideal combination. 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.
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.
For instance, Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHAs), such as Lactic Acid and Glycolic Acid, and Synthetic Retinol are a pair that can easily cause irritation.