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.
Combining glycolic acid with other potent exfoliants (even other AHAs or BHAs) can lead to over-exfoliation. The signs include irritation, redness, and a compromised skin barrier.
Combining glycolic acid and lactic acid can be quite potent and is generally not recommended due to the increased risk of irritation. Both acids are effective exfoliants, and using them together can over-exfoliate the skin.
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.
Avoid combining glycolic acid with other strong actives like retinol or salicylic acid to prevent irritation. Pair with a hydrating moisturizer to support your skin barrier. Listen to your skin--reduce usage if you experience redness, peeling, or excessive dryness.
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.
If you mix glycolic acid with niacinamide, the latter will increase the pH level of glycolic acid and it will no longer be acidic. Using these two ingredients together at the same time can cause redness and itchiness on your skin.
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.
Retinoids don't combine well with AHAs, benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid, or vitamin C due to potential stability issues and skin sensitivities, and soap-based cleansers can also reduce vitamin C's skin benefits.
AHAs include glycolic acid from sugar cane, lactic acid from milk, and citric acid from citrus fruits. To cease its action during a peel, glycolic acid necessitates a neutralizing agent, such as sodium bicarbonate and water.
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.
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.
However, as with all chemical exfoliants, using glycolic acid too frequently, at too high a concentration, or incorrectly can result in skin irritation or damage.
Yes, you can! With strategic use, the combined benefits of glycolic acid and retinol can help you attain a healthier, radiant complexion. Need help with your skincare routine? Take help from the L'Oréal Paris Skin Genius tool to get a customized skincare routine and take care of your skin like a pro.
Common side effects reported after the use of glycolic acid peels include reddening; a stinging sensation or sensation of pulling of facial skin; mild burning; and temporary post-inflammatory dark spots.
To double down on anti-aging benefits, pair glycolic acid with either lactic acid or malic acid, both of which unblock pores so that exfoliation is more effective.
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.
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.
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.
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.
CAN YOU USE BOTH GLYCOLIC ACID AND VITAMIN C? While both glycolic acid and vitamin C are skincare superstars, using them together requires a bit of caution, and it's generally not recommended to use them at the same time. If you're not sure about your routine, it's best to avoid using them in unison.
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.
DON'T MIX: AHA/BHA and niacinamide
Niacinamide is used to treat hyperpigmentation and reduce fine lines and wrinkles, while alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) and beta hydroxy acids (BHAs) are chemical exfoliants. To understand why niacinamide shouldn't be mixed with AHAs and BHAs, you need to consider pH.