Glycolic acid and retinol are among the most powerful ingredients available over the counter. Although they do the same job in slightly different ways, you need both to refresh your skin. Nonetheless, caution is important, too.

Learn how glycolic acid and retinol work scientifically and how to pair them in your skincare routine.

• Glycolic acid

Glycolic acid: an alpha hydroxy acid (AHA). Sugarcane is where glycolic acid originates, making an excellent skin exfoliant. Gentle exfoliation: Shed dead skin, clear clogged pores, and reveal the fresh skin beneath by promoting natural cell turnover that delivers a softer-smoother complexion with a more even tone. Glycolic is an excellent acid for acne, hyperpigmentation, and aging. The glycolic Bright range by L'Oréal Paris offers a wide array of products infused with glycolic acid.

• Glycolic Acid:

Exfoliation: Glycolic acid is an alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) that exfoliates the skin's top layers. It permeates the topmost layers of skin, breaking down dead surface cells, unblocking pores, and facilitating cell turnover. The result is brighter, smoother, and more even-toned skin.

Glycolic acid eliminates dead skin cells and provides an aggressive texture for reducing fine lines and wrinkles associated with rough patches.

Glycolic acid also contains properties that promote the shedding of discolored skin cells and the regeneration of fresh, evenly pigmented skin, so it can help lighten dark spots (armpits, too), acne marks,  

Retinol

Retinol is a vitamin A-derived retinoid. It is famous for its antiaging properties and toning and texturizing skin. Retinol helps to speed up your skin's cell-turnover process and prompts collagen production, significantly reducing the look of fine lines and wrinkles. It can also be beneficial in removing acne, and for those with oily skin, it will help cleanse your pores, leaving you with a clearer & glowing complexion. Loreal Paris Revitalift Range — Retinol-containing Moisturizing Creams. They are also anti-aging, hydrating, and brightening.

• Collagen Production: Retinol supports the skin's ability to produce collagen. Skin elasticity and firmness are necessary to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, both functions that collagen supports.

• Cell Renewal: It increases the shedding of old, damaged skin cells to reveal new, healthy skin. This process helps attain smooth and glowing skin.

• Acne: Retinol is a great ingredient in acne-prone skin, as it prevents oily pores from clogging, and comedones (clogged dilated hair follicles) do not put on the surface better.

Glycolic Acid and Retinoids Science

Since 1995, dermatologists have been prescribing retinoids alone or in conjunction with glycolic acid-based regimens to treat everything from acne to signs of aging.

Research conducted until now has revealed that the blend of components has various elements. Studies also show that a cream containing retinol, lactose, and glycolic acid has an impressive effect on signs of photoaging after only 12 weeks.

More recently, another study compared a combined retinol/glycolic acid formula with rotational use of the constituents. After a year of applying the two formulas on alternate nights, the skin showed fewer wrinkles and other signs of sun damage overall.

Lastly, researchers found that retinaldehyde, a potent enzyme-active form of vitamin A (retinol), increased bioactivity when combined with glycolic acid. The good news is that it didn't make my skin quite as angry as full-on prescription retinoids. For patients with acne in particular, the combination was safe even when used concomitantly with other acne treatments.

Proper Way To Apply Glycolic Acid And Retinol

Overall, glycolic acid and retinol seem to be complete opposites since using them in combination could go a little bit haywire, but there are ways you can do this as well:

• Apply glycolic acid or retinol serum every other night after cleansing and moisturizing.

• Frequency is also worth playing around with, e.g., two to three nights of retinol in a row followed by glycolic acid on other evenings

• Most skin types can use glycolic acid in the AM and retinol at night. Wear sunscreen when using AHAs! ·

• Retinol can be used every night, and the exfoliating face wash with a glycolic acid cleanser can be used as needed.

If you have crazy-resilient skin, you might be able to tolerate long-wear glycolic medicine and retinoids together. Always apply glycolic acid first on clean skin and wait for at least 20-30 minutes until it has completely absorbed before applying retinol. This is NOT a route we recommend, as it can easily lead to over-exfoliation.

What Happens If I Mix Glycolic Acid And Retinol In My Routine

Although glycolic acid and retinol can be applied together, retinol is inherently unstable, so it must be formulated correctly to prevent its degradation. Otherwise, you'll either dilute your powerful retinol, which costs a fortune, or, even worse, deactivate the resulting mixture.

What To Know About Retinol And Glycolic Acid Safety.

Here are other precautions for your skin to be safe and avoid strokes of bad chemical reactions. Many times, I believe you must have noticed, starting after applications, how big a reaction might have come onto oxygen.

• Make sure to use sunblock religiously in the mornings as alpha hydroxy acids can make your skin more susceptible to damage from day sun safety.

• If you are new to chemical exfoliants and retinoids, introduce one formula at a time.

• Start by only using the product once every few days, slowly working your way up to every day or alternately, depending on how often you feel your skin can handle it.

• Notice what your skin tells you, and if redness or tenderness does not disappear within a minute after use, stop using Tretinoin.

• Do not add your second product (e.g., glycolic acid or retinol) until your skin tolerates the first active. ·

• If you see a slight redness or flaking, the actives are working but used less often, not stopped.

• Even if you decide to add more active skincare ingredients, keep this same process in mind

Conclusion

Used correctly, glycolic acid and retinol may become powerful allies in your skincare routine. You will also learn the unique properties of each procedure and how to utilize them correctly for superior skin or be careful to avoid potential risks. Introduce these powerful ingredients slowly and control your skin reactions well