How do you rotate retinol and glycolic acid?

Author: Freddy Nitzsche Jr.  |  Last update: Wednesday, November 12, 2025

A good plan of action would be to start using retinol once a week to see how your skin reacts, and gradually increase to every other day if you can tolerate it. Then, add glycolic acid on a day you're not using retinol, and gradually increase that to every other day as well, so you're alternating between the two.

Can I use retinol and glycolic acid alternately?

Yes, it's possible to use both products, but it's best to keep them in separate evening routines to prevent skin irritation. Intro: 00:00 Example Routine Using Glycolic Acid – 1:21 Example Routine Using Retinol – 5:55 Example Evening and Morning Skincare Routines – 10:23 Additional Information – 12:13 How to S.

What order to use glycolic acid and retinol?

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.

How soon after a glycolic peel can I use retinol?

Glycolic peels and Retin A are designed to do the same thing, exfoliate the skin (remove dead skin cells), so using them around the same time is not advised. We would not recommend going back on the Retin A for at least 3-5 days after you see the last flaking from the Glycolic peel.

What Cannot be mixed with glycolic acid?

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.

How to layer skin care products | Which goes first | Vitamin C , Retinol, AHA, BHA | Dermatologist

What cancels out glycolic acid?

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.

What should you not mix with retinol?

Don't combine retinol with alpha or beta hydroxy acids, benzoyl peroxide, vitamin C, and other retinols or retinoids. Don't skip sunscreen Retinols are usually used as part of nighttime skincare routines, but even when they're applied at night, they can lead to lingering sun sensitivity.

Is retinol or glycolic acid better for hyperpigmentation?

Glycolic Acid: The Exfoliation Champion

Glycolic acid, an alpha hydroxy acid (AHA), excels in exfoliating the skin, helping to remove dead skin cells and promote a brighter, more even complexion. It is particularly effective for treating uneven skin tone, hyperpigmentation, and acne.

Can I use glycolic acid every day?

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.

How long to wait between exfoliating and retinol?

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.

What is best to layer with glycolic acid?

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.

Does vitamin C cancel out retinol?

It's perfectly safe and very effective to incorporate both retinol and vitamin C into your skincare routine, as long as you use them at different times of the day.

Is it better to use glycolic acid at night or morning?

Glycolic acid is easy to use because there are so many ways to incorporate it into your skin care routine. As a rule of thumb, use one glycolic acid product at a time to avoid irritation, and incorporate it into your evening routine, since it makes skin more sensitive to sunlight.

What happens if I use retinol after glycolic acid?

Glycolic Acid and Retinol are two very powerful antiaging ingredients that shouldn't be used together in the same application as there is a high risk of irritation, dryness, itchiness, peeling, flaking and sensitivity to the sun. If you are noticing this, you should cut back on your applications.

Can we use retinol daily?

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.

Can I leave glycolic acid on overnight?

If you do not face any skin reaction or irritation and want quick results, you can use 10% glycolic acid products 5 days a week. You can leave it on your face overnight and let it absorb into your skin. Wash it out the next day with water.

Can I use glycolic acid and retinol on alternate days?

Introduce Gradually: Begin by using each ingredient individually to allow your skin to adjust. Glycolic acid and retinol concentrations should start out lower. Alternative Usage: To reduce the chance of irritation, apply glycolic acid and retinol on different days or evenings at first.

Does glycolic acid remove dark spots?

Glycolic acid is highly effective in reducing dark spots and treating hyperpigmentation. It works by promoting the shedding of pigmented cells and encouraging the growth of new, evenly pigmented skin cells. This process helps to lighten dark spots and improve the uniformity of the skin's tone.

Should I use retinol or glycolic acid first?

“I don't recommend using glycolic acid and retinol at the same time initially,” Dr. Schlessinger says. Begin by using glycolic acid once a week and see how your skin reacts. Then incorporate a retinol product once a week and do the same.

What is the best moisturizer for aging skin?

SkinCeuticals' Triple Lipid Restore is our top pick because it absorbs well and promises deep hydration while providing skin a youthful glow. Glow Recipe Plum Plump Hyaluronic Cream is a close second because it can moisturize and plump skin intensely. Aging is a beautiful thing, but change isn't always easy.

What does retinol burn look like?

The skin goes red, inflamed, and peeling because retinol has chemically burned away the upper layer of skin, the new exposed skin has not had enough time to build up its natural protection film to UV light and pollutants that a good UV moisturising oil can help with and reduce the exposure to skin cancer risk, ...

What pairs best with retinol?

8 Products That Go Well With Retinol
  • Hydrating Cleansers: Retinol can be drying, so starting your routine with a gentle, hydrating cleanser is crucial. ...
  • Soothing Toners: ...
  • Antioxidant Serums: ...
  • Moisturizers with Ceramides: ...
  • Sunscreen: ...
  • Niacinamide: ...
  • Peptide Products: ...
  • Hydrating Masks:

What not to use with glycolic acid?

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.

What is the best peptide serum for face?

Our Top Peptide Serums
  • Best for Inflammation: Eighth Day Regenerative Serum, $195.
  • Best for Dullness: Best for Dullness: Drunk Elephant Protini Powerpeptide Resurf Serum, $82.
  • Best Budget: The Ordinary Multi-Peptide + Copper Peptides 1% Serum, $32.
  • Best Eye Cream: Dermalogica Phyto Nature Lifting Eye Cream, $127.

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