Retinol vs Glycolic Acid for Youthful Skin:
Retinol vs Glycolic Acid for Youthful Skin:
Glycolic acid and retinol are two of the most popular anti-aging and perfecting ingredients talked about in skincare, but so many questions arise on how to decide which one is right for your skin type? Or, is it ok to use both at the same time? When should I start using them?
The short quick answer is that it really depends on your skin type, skin problem, age and what you are trying to achieve.
Let’s look start with a step by step explanation to help you find your answers:
Glycolic acid is an alpha hydroxy acid from sugar cane plant, it works by weakening the bonds between dead skin cells on the surface of the skin, allowing exfoliation to take place. With time, glycolic acid maintaines skin hydration and aids in smoothning uneven facils tones, reduce wrinkles, scares and scarred tissue.
It comes in different concentrations and can be used up to 10 % as a night serum or facial wash. Higher concentrations , 20 % – 70 % are used as chemical peels which provide a powerful effect to clear out acne and remove hyperpigmentation.
Chemical peels should be performed by a trained asthetician and be part of a regimen for peel session and home care products suitable for the procedure.
Retinol is a derivative of vitamin A that has the ability to penetrate lower skin layers and reach fibroblast to enduce production of collagen and elastin, which is why it is directed to age-related damage. Retinol is also used to treat acne due to its ability to speed up cell turnover, keeping dead cells from plugging your pores.
Retinol also comes in different concentrations, it is advised to with mild retinol product and build up gradually to avoid skin irritation.
Can You Use Glycolic Acid and Retinol Together?
The relationship between glycolic acid and retinol is a complicated one. The pH levels at which they are optimally effective are different and they are both ingredients that have the potential to cause skin irritation.
For starters, the skin’s surface pH is naturally acidic with pH levels ranging from 4.7-5 , while the optimal pH for retinol activation is somewhere between 5.5 and 6, while glycolic acid is most effective at a much lower pH (less than 3.5).
Well, some research suggests that glycolic acid is still effective at a pH of 4.4, which is still lower than what is apparently optimal for retinol.
However, which means that retinol is always used at a pH level that is less than optimal without its effectiveness being reduced. It is advised not to use the two ingredients at the same time to avoid lowering effectiveness of the result and to avoid skin irritations. Never mix and apply both ingredients at the same time though, it is recommended to use one a time with combination of Vitamin C.
Does Skin Type Play a Role?
Glycolic acid is a great option for skin brightening and improving textural issues like hyper-pigmentation from sun exposure, acne prone skin and large pores, so they’re best for addressing surface skin issues. In general Glycolic acid pretty well tolerated by most skin types, however you should avoid using it if you have sensitive or reactive skin, if you suffer from Eczema, Psoriasis or Rosacea. Glycolic acid acid should not be used during pregnancy.
Retinol is one of the best products for aging skin; it is very effective in keeping your skin looking youthful because of its ability to stimulate synthesis of collagen. However, it can irritate the skin, so it’s best used gradually to get to a full-strength product. Since retinol’s job is to speed up cell turnover that can mean that you might get some degree of peeling. Sunscreen and hydrating creams should be used along with Retinol.
The same applies to Retinol, it’s better to avoid using sensitive or reactive skin, if you suffer from Eczema, Psoriasis or Rosacea. Retinol should not be used during pregnancy.
The Verdict:
Turns out, it’s not really an issue of either/or decision with retinol and glycolic acid. Both ingredients have powerful anit-aging and skin perfecting properties. It is highly recommended that ,at any given time, they should be part of your skin care regimen, but should be used properly and handed with knowledge.