Is retinol or glycolic acid better?

Overall, if you want to improve uneven texture, oiliness and clogged pores, we recommend turning to a glycolic acid treatment for help. If you want to prevent and address fine lines, wrinkles and sun damage, then retinol is your best choice!

Should you use retinol and glycolic acid?

It's a common misconception that using glycolic acid and retinol together cancels out their benefits. If you want to use both products, you absolutely can. Just make sure to use them at alternating times of the day or days of the week. Using glycolic acid and retinol together can be great for treating acne.

Should I use retinol or glycolic acid first?

While those with normal-to-oily skin are fine to give the coupling a go, if you're on the drier or more sensitive side, start with a glycolic acid and give your skin time to adjust. "If you're doing great with that and have no irritation, then you can add in the retinol," she explains.

Can you put retinol on top of glycolic acid?

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.

Can I use glycolic acid in the morning and retinol at night?

Absolutely, using glycolic acid in the morning and retinol at night is considered the most effective way of using these potent actives in your daily skincare regime. You'll find that the most common product formulas you'll find glycolic acid in are face cleansers, exfoliating toners, and serums.

Can You Use Glycolic Acid

Is it OK to use glycolic acid everyday?

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.

Which is better AHA or retinol?

Your Daily Skin Care Regimen

For example, retinol is not an exfoliant while AHAs are. On the other hand, retinol has antioxidant properties. Both ingredients can smooth skin tone and reduce wrinkles, but also provide unique benefits that the other lacks.

What should you not use glycolic acid with?

But overall, stick to using water-based products and serums together. 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.

What is better glycolic acid or hyaluronic acid?

“While hyaluronic acid helps in hydrating your skin, glycolic acid exfoliates dead skin cells,” he explains. It's one of the safest alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs) you'll find in skincare products—meaning, unlike hyaluronic acid, glycolic acid actually is an acid.

Which is better glycolic or salicylic acid?

While both glycolic acid and salicylic acid have some effect on acne, the latter is considered to be a better choice. Glycolic acid only works on the surface of the skin whereas salicylic acid goes deeper and reduces excess sebum production which is the leading cause of breakouts and acne.

Should I moisturize after glycolic acid?

After using glycolic acid, apply a hydrating serum or gel (to hydrate your newly exfoliated skin) followed by a more occlusive moisturizer (to seal in all the moisture). Only use glycolic acid in your nighttime routine, and always apply sunscreen in the morning after glycolic acid treatment.

Can I use retinol every night?

Retinol is best applied at night since it can increase your skin's sensitivity to the sun. When you do go outside, be sure to use sunscreen to protect your face. It's worth noting that you don't need to use retinol on a daily basis for it to effectively treat your acne. Even two to three times per week might be enough.

Do I need to exfoliate if I use retinol?

Because retinol makes your skin more sensitive, you want to make sure you don't over-exfoliate or irritate your complexion. But you can use your retinol and your exfoliating products together in harmony.

Can you use glycolic acid and retinol the ordinary?

A common misconception is that glycolic acid and retinol can't be combined together due to their differing pH levels. However, this is a myth and both can be very effective at the skin's natural pH level. So yes, you can use glycolic acid and retinol together – you just need to listen to your skin!

Can I use 7% glycolic acid everyday?

Don't use it daily otherwise you risk damaging your skin barrier by over-exfoliating. Do not apply it on damp skin! Glycolic Acid increases sensitivity towards the sun so a good sunscreen is mandatory.

Does glycolic acid shrink pores?

Additionally, for those looking for a more intense treatment, an over-the-counter glycolic acid peel or mask is a great way to speed up the exfoliation process and shrink the appearance of pores over time. Glycolic acid is also killer at reducing pore size, thanks to its ability to boost collagen production.

Is glycolic acid anti-aging?

Glycolic acid is a fantastic anti-aging agent that seems to do it all. It's very effective at exfoliating skin and reducing fine lines, preventing acne, fading dark spots, increasing skin thickness, and evening out skin tone and texture.

What to avoid while using retinol?

Don't Mix: Retinol with vitamin C, benzoyl peroxide, and AHA/BHA acids. AHA and BHA acids are exfoliating, which can dry out skin and cause further irritation if your skincare routine already includes retinol.

Do and don'ts retinol?

Don't give up!

It can take up to 12 weeks before some people see the first positive results. Retinol can be used on young and mature skin, regardless of whether it is dry, oily, combination, or sensitive. It should be used with caution to prevent peeling, burning, and other temporary reactions.

Do I need to wash retinol off in the morning?

Rouleau says the best time to use a scrub is in the morning. Overnight you've loosened up dead skin cells with your glycolic acid or retinol products, making the morning a perfect time to brush them off.

Does retinol make you age faster?

Retinoids reduce fine lines and wrinkles by increasing the production of collagen. They also stimulate the production of new blood vessels in the skin, which improves skin color. Additional benefits include fading age spots and softening rough patches of skin.

Is 2.5% retinol too strong?

Is 2.5% Retinol Too Strong? Absolutely not. In fact, we do recommend that you start with 2.5 as most people have never used Retinol previously. This will help your skin get acclimated to the product and you can move up to a higher strength when you are ready.

At what age should you start using retinol?

Generally speaking, I recommend most people start using retinol in their mid to late-20s, anywhere from 25-30. This is when collagen and elastin production starts to slow down, so it's the perfect time to start reaping the preventative-aging benefits retinol has to offer.

Which glycolic acid is best?

Does retinol go on before or after moisturizer?

For people with very sensitive skin, retinol may be used after moisturizer. However, a duration of about 20 minutes should be given to allow the moisturizer set in before applying retinol. These waters down retinol potency and can be effective for sensitive skin.