AHAs and BHAs, such as glycolic, salicylic, and lactic acids should never be used with Vitamin C. Vitamin C is an acid, too, and is unstable, so the pH balance will be thrown off by layering these ingredients together and might as well be useless.
One ingredient that can be layered with glycolic acid with no worry of irritation is hyaluronic acid as this humectant can instantly hydrate the skin and aid replenishment, this is an ideal teammate for glycolic acid as it avoids any chances of the skin feeling tight, dry or irritated.
Even though niacinamide and glycolic acid are both natural and have similar benefits, it is not advisable to use them together because of their pH levels. While niacinamide has a much higher pH level than glycolic acid, it won't get completely absorbed into the skin.
The variance of pH between glycolic acid and niacinamide products can make the products less effective when used together. If you apply niacinamide directly after glycolic acid, it may potentially raise your skin's pH. Unfortunately, it has been shown that AHAs (i.e., glycolic acid) don't absorb as well at higher pHs.
Summary – Can You Use Hyaluronic Acid and Glycolic Acid Together? Yes, you absolutely can use hyaluronic acid and glycolic acid together in the same skincare routine! In fact, this combination may boost collagen production and reduce the irritation potential of glycolic acid.
Niacinamide and glycolic acid are both common ingredients in exfoliating products. Glycolic acid helps to break down the top layer of dead skin cells to encourage a smoother complexion. Niacinamide increases the skin's elasticity to help improve the appearance of fine wrinkles and lines.
Don't Mix: AHA/BHA acids with retinol. "I strongly caution those also using retinoids for acne or anti-aging as the combination with various acids may cause excessive skin sensitivity, irritation, and redness. In fact, AHA and BHA should not typically be used together with retinoids on the same day," explains Dr.
If you want, you can also use a toner, such as Bye Bye Pores Leave-On Solution Pore-Refining Toner, which has a mattifying effect. In the evenings, we recommend using your glycolic acid product followed by a moisturizer.
Glycolic acid should always be applied in the evening, as it makes your skin sensitive to sunlight. Applying it at night gives ample time for it to do its magic without a higher risk or damaging your skin in the sun. But you should still always apply an SPF moisturizer in the morning.
Can glycolic acid be mixed with salicylic acid? You can certainly use glycolic acid and salicylic acid together, but we would suggest avoiding mixing them together. This is because combining such potent ingredients will cause a severe reaction to the skin, as well as potentially damaging the skin barrier.
Can you use retinol and glycolic acid at the same time? Yes and no. You can use them at different times on the same day if your skin can tolerate it, but generally speaking it's best to alternate days to avoid sensitivity.
Yes, you can use Hyaluronic Acid and Niacinamide every day, adding them up to your day and night routine.
Pairing the two ingredients is safe and can make retinol easier to use. Niacinamide helps hydrate the skin, which reduces the risk of irritation caused by retinol. Niacinamide and retinol can be combined in one product or used as separate products.
Yes and no, just like all skincare ingredients, glycolic acid and niacinamide contain formulations that have different pH levels. This can be a problem when using them together in your daily routine as the imbalance can cause the skin to become flushed, red and irritated.
Hyaluronic acid and niacinamide:
Hyaluronic acid and Niacinamide are a great pair as both are water-based treatments. When used together, always go with applying hyaluronic acid first, followed by Niacinamide. By following this, you would be able to attract plenty of hydration first.
"Niacinamide is uniquely compatible with all products including retinol, peptides, HA, BHAs and AHAs, vitamin C and other antioxidants," Rhea Grous, aesthetics director and founder of La Suite Skincare at Union Square Laser Dermatology, told us. "It's a one-size-fits-all for the entire face, neck and eyes, too!
Second, avoid anything with harsh ingredients like alcohol and fragrance, or anything with a high acid concentration. “The majority of over-the-counter (OTC) cosmetic creams, lotions, and serums are water based and contain less than 2 percent hyaluronic acid,” Frey explains.
Don't use glycolic acid and retinol at the same time in your routine. Start by introducing one of them and use it consistently for a week, then switch to the other for a week. You may want to take additional time if you know you have sensitive skin.
Is Glycolic Acid okay for everyday use? Depending on the concentration, yes, you can use Glycolic Acid every day. If you're new to chemical exfoliants, you should work up to using it every day slowly rather than overdoing it at the beginning.
“AHAs and BHAs can certainly be combined. For example, for oily skin, a salicylic-based cleanser can be used followed by a glycolic acid toner. Generally, a glycolic acid is great for dry, dehydrated or combination skin, whereas salicylic acid would be perfect for oily/spot-prone/acne skin.
Can I use the Glycolic acid toner in the same routine as Mandelic acid? Deciem says: We suggest using them on alternate evenings and waiting until your skin has adjusted to one before introducing another.
Blackheads can be solved with consistent – and gentle – exfoliation. And for gentle, effective exfoliation there is no better ingredient to use than glycolic acid. Glycolic acid banishes blackheads with a trifecta of blemish-busting properties.
Skin purging symptoms
Skin purging may be intense and make you second guess if you should continue using a product, but understand that this process is temporary and a sign that the product is working. Common ingredients in skincare products that can stimulate skin purging include: Glycolic acid.
You can leave it on your face overnight and let it absorb into your skin. Wash it out the next day with water. However, remember that this can cause sun sensitivity and even aggravate acne in a few cases.