Apply glycolic acid first, then snail mucin. Glycolic acid, with its small molecular size, penetrates the skin easily and quickly, strategising a well-planned attack on dead skin cells. It's a sort of sorcerer with a spell potent enough to dissolve the binding lipids holding the old, cruddy cells together.
The serums you mentioned are all actives. The snail essence would go after actives, before moisturizer. If you wanted to use any non-active serums (like an hyaluronic acid serum or a niacinamide serum or a peptide serum, etc) then the snail essence would go before those serums.
Snail mucin products can be used with most other skincare ingredients, but avoid combining them with harsh exfoliants or acids to prevent potential irritation.
A: The BHA is a chemical exfoliator. I'd start with once per week and work up to 3 times a week. The snail mucin is fine for twice a day use. Do the BHA first, on the days you use the BHA, then wait 20 minutes to allow the exfoliator to do its thing, then apply the snail esence.
Timing Is Key: Start with glycolic acid. Use it in your evening routine, as AHAs can make your skin more sensitive to the sun. Apply a glycolic acid toner or serum, allowing it to fully absorb into your skin. Follow Up with Snail Mucin: After the glycolic acid has done its job, apply snail mucin.
Less is more, especially in the case of serums. Using too much doesn't make your skin better — it just means you'll use it up faster. If you do combine snail mucin and hyaluronic acid, you'll want to start with your hyaluronic acid product.
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.
Hydrate and moisturise: Use hydrating products like serums or moisturisers after using glycolic acid. These aid in rehydrating and nourishing the skin. Look for products that contain hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid, ceramides, or natural oils to help maintain a healthy skin barrier.
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.
Cosrx's snail mucin power essence is best applied before you layer on vitamin C and niacinamide products. In the morning, pair the snail serum with your favorite brightening serums, face sunscreens, and foundations or skin tints.
If you have allergies, skin sensitivity or acne prone skin, then it's best to avoid products containing snail mucin. Dr Sridhar recommends the following alternatives to address your specific skin concerns: *Hyaluronic Acid: For hydration, hyaluronic acid is a highly recommended alternative.
💦 Snail mucin is a natural compound that is made up of many different ingredients including glycolic acid, zinc, hyaluronic acid, proteins, peptides, etc.
Although petroleum jelly products are non-comedogenic, they can trap bacteria and dead skin cells worsening acne. Never slug when using active ingredients such at retinoids, salicylic, glycolic or lactic acids. (Save those for nights when you aren't slugging).
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.
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.
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.
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.
Skin purging is said to last 4-6 weeks, however, everyone's skin is different (2). This is only temporary and will eventually subside as your skin adjusts to the new treatment. In the meantime, it is important to cleanse gently and avoid picking at your skin, as this can cause further irritation.
Neutralisation is required to terminate the action of gly- colic acid peels and can be achieved using water, sodium bicarbonate, sodium hydroxide or ammonium salt solu- tions.
Apply glycolic acid first, then snail mucin.
And as an added perk, it waves its collagen-boosting wand, giving rise to plumped up, firmer looking skin. Meanwhile, the snail mucin, in all its slick glory, is not to be outdone.
Secondly, skip on the AHAs and BHAs when you're layering on snail mucin. Now, don't panic! These acid exfoliants are still your pals for dead-cell-sloughing goodness, but they demand their stage solo. They work in a low pH environment too and may throw off snail mucin's game.
Never apply snail mucin on dry skin the best way to effectively apply it is to ensure your skin is damp so always use a toner before hand 😀 2. Apply 1-3 pumps of snail mucin essence onto your damp skin.