Otherwise, a good way to incorporate retinol into your beauty routine in addition to glycolic acid would be to alternate them every other night: one night using retinol, another night using a no-rinse exfoliating treatment followed by a moisturizing cream.
Glycolic acid works decently with ceramides niacinmide and of course hyaluronic acid for starters you can gradually add other steps to your routine.
Glycolic acid offers excellent exfoliation and anti-aging benefits, but alternatives like lactic acid, retinol, salicylic acid, mandelic acid, and azelaic acid can be more suitable for sensitive skin, acne, or other specific needs.
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.
Because they're both alpha hydroxy acids, glycolic acid and lactic acid share many similarities. They work by exfoliating the skin, helping to improve texture, tone, and hydration. Here are some of the skin concerns both acids can help address: Premature aging: reduce hyperpigmentation, dullness, and fine lines.
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.
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.
In some cases, however, it can have the opposite effect. Especially if you're prone to hyperpigmentation (a common issue for people with medium to dark brown skin tones, for example, as the body already makes extra melanin, which can lead to dark spots), glycolic acid could make the issue worse.
Glycolic Acid, especially in high-strength solutions, can irritate the skin. If you have sensitive skin, a low-strength glycolic acid treatment can be added to your skincare routine. However, you should introduce them gradually, utilizing them just once or twice a week.
Glycolic acid is a compound that naturally occurs in certain fruits, beets, and sugarcane. In its pure form, it is odorless and colorless. Cosmetic and pharmaceutical companies include glycolic acid in topical products to treat skin conditions or to improve skin texture and appearance.
A fantastic anti-aging product that does everything is glycolic acid. Glycolic acid is the most widely used alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA) for skin care. Because it is the smallest AHA and is derived from sugar cane, it penetrates the skin the best.
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.
Combining glycolic acid with retinol can be tricky and should be approached with caution. Both ingredients are potent and can cause irritation, dryness, and sensitivity when used together. Here are some key points to consider: Alternate Usage: Instead of layering glycolic acid and retinol, use them on different nights.
One thing: we hope you're not using EVERY Glycolic Acid product at once. Too much of a good thing is, you know, really bad. You could end up over-exfoliating your skin, making it red, irritated, and vulnerable.
Generally speaking, if you alternate and give your skin enough time to settle between using glycolic with other ingredients, such as retinol, salicylic, vitamin C etc you'll be treating the skin without causing any irritation or damage.
Absolutely! In fact, these two ingredients are a skincare dream team. Glycolic acid exfoliates and renews your skin, but it can sometimes cause dryness or irritation. That's where hyaluronic acid comes in—it replenishes moisture and soothes your skin after exfoliation.
L-ascorbic acid is a form of vitamin C that is easily absorbed topically. Not only will vitamin C improve the tightness of your skin, but it will also brighten it and protect it from pollutants in the environment. It's definitely an ingredient that is worth looking for.
For glass skin, look for serums with niacinamide, vitamin C, or hyaluronic acid.
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.