If you have time, you can use hydroxy acids and retinol sequentially. After applying an AHA or BHA product, wait for 30 minutes to allow your skin's pH to return to normal, and then apply the retinol product.
Alternate them by using a retinol product at night and a salicylic acid product in the morning—or use a retinol product one day and a salicylic acid product the next. You can also apply retinol after thoroughly rinsing off a salicylic acid cleanser. Whichever way you choose, monitor your skin for signs of irritation.
Things can get a bit trickier when you're using serums with similar consistencies. Generally, it's fine to layer hyaluronic acid and retinol however you choose. However, if you're prone to dryness or sensitivity, we suggest applying the hyaluronic acid serum first, followed by the retinol.
Retinol and Lactic Acid can be used together safely, as their formulations do not conflict. However, it's important to be cautious about the potency of the products chosen, as they may significantly increase the risk of skin irritation.
Just apply it following the order of your normal skincare routine ``from the thinnest consistency to the thickest''. So, it means that you need to apply retinol serum first and followed by a moisturizer. In case you use 2 serums in your routine. Again, remember to start from the thinnest consistency to the thickest.
However, AHAs and BHAs serve as a caveat: “If you are using a peeling serum, like something that contains AHAs, mixed with another serum, it's always better to use the acid-containing serum first, then wait a few minutes before applying the next serum,” Hu says.
We recommend following the 1-2-3 rule: apply retinol once a week for one week, twice a week for two weeks, three times for three weeks, then move towards every second night if there are no side effects happening. If you do experience flaking, redness or sensitivity, simply move back to a lower frequency for a week.
Alpha and beta hydroxy acids – these ingredients are chemical exfoliants. Pairing retinol with strong alpha and beta hydroxy acids can lead to over-exfoliation and irritation, especially when you first start using retinol.
This can mean waiting 10-30 minutes after applying your choice of retinol product, allowing it to reach the lower layers of the dermis and begin the process of boosting collagen production [7]. Once the process has begun, you can lightly dampen the skin and apply hyaluronic acid to seal in the skin's moisture.
Retinol is a Vitamin A derivative, it can be quite strong and can cause irritation or dryness if not used properly. By using lactic acid first, you are helping to create a smooth surface for the retinol to penetrate, which can help to minimize any potential irritation or dryness.
Thin to Thick: Layer by lightest to thickest consistency. Many serums have a similar viscous consistency, but if you notice one is thicker, start with the thinner formula first. Take Your Time: Give each serum several seconds to set before moving onto the next.
However, a planned approach is required to ensure that products containing glycolic acid and retinol aren't applied immediately before or after one another. SkinCeuticals recommends using cleansers and serums formulated with glycolic acid in the morning and reserving retinol creams for your nightly regime.
Since retinol is such a powerful ingredient, it's important to be cautious about what you are pairing this with in your daily routine. To be specific, you cannot mix retinol with AHAs (Glycolic Acid Toner, Alpha Hydroxy Acid, Lactic Acid, Mandelic Acid Treatment, BHAs (Beta Hydroxy Acid Serum, PHA Toner.
Always apply retinol products at night, as sunlight can diminish their power. If you're a prescription-strength user, use retinol as the first layer on your skin after washing your face with a cleansing cream and before applying your anti-aging moisturizer.
It's important to always start with clean, dry skin to make the most out of using retinol. Retinol penetrates the skin better and is more effective when applied after gently cleansing the skin with a mild face wash and toning it but before any moisturizer, since it acts as a treatment.
Usage: Retinol is best used at night due to its potency and the potential for increased sensitivity to sunlight. Hyaluronic acid, however, can be used both morning and night and is often layered under other skincare products to maximise hydration.
Retinol and other retinoids work best if you use them daily. But when you first start out, you should begin using retinol every 1 or 2 days. This helps your skin get used to it, and avoid irritation. After a few weeks, slowly work your way up to using it every night.
The answer is yes. The combination of these two ingredients can help you treat multiple skin concerns and give you a more youthful, radiant complexion. However, it's important to use these ingredients in moderation and in the correct order to avoid any adverse effects.
1️⃣ month 1: use retinol every third night of the week. 2️⃣ month 2: use retinol every other night of the week. 3️⃣ month 3: use retinol every night.
The Best Moisturizers to Use After Retinol
Hyaluronic acid is the ultimate hydrator, she says, while products with ceramides help restore the skin barrier and lock in moisture. She also suggests using a formula that's fragrance-free (to prevent further irritation) and non-comedogenic (to avoid clogging pores).
For beginners, most dermatologists recommend a retinol with a concentration of 0.25 percent to one percent to see results. If your skin is not sensitive, you can usually tolerate something right in the middle; Dr.