Glycolic acid does, at 10% and higher concentrations. I used Azelaic Acid (Finacea) after pregnancy to help clear melasma and was happy with it, but I was breastfeeding at the time and didn’t have the same hormonal swings, so I’m hesitant about cutting out the Tretinoin entirely at this point. Acids do have a place in your skincare routine. Cleanser 2. This means it does double duty: it exfoliates the surface of the skin AND gets inside the pores, unclogging them from within. 1/4 cup distilled water; 1/2 teaspoon high molecular weight hyaluronic acid (I’ve ordered this brand and this brand and like them both); 1/4 teaspoon glycerin (optional); 1/4 teaspoon Leucidal liquid preservative (Optional – I don’t use a preservative. OTC forms of retinoids, like retinol and retinaldehyde, must be converted into retinoid acid to work their magic. Lily-Rose, start with salicylic acid every other morning. Hi Gio, thanks for taking the time to reply all the comments here! The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% +zinc 1% 3. Especially if you’re using anti aging superstars like retinol, glycolic acid and Vitamin C. These antiaging superstars are harsh on the skin, leaving it dry and sensitive. Loading... TINGA over a year ago. My AM routine: Son & Park Beauty Water – I just dab on my face bc I don’t like to wash my face in the morning Drunk Elephant C Firma Day Serum Ordinary Niacinamide + zinc Drunk Elephant Shaba Complex eye serum Drunk Elephant Protini moisturizer, My PM routine – this is where I struggle because I have a lot but don’t know what to use when Olehendriksen oil control toner Ordinary Rose Hip Oil Ordinary Marula oil Ordinary Azelaic acid Drunk Elephant Glycolic night serum Drunk Elephant C Tango multi vitamin eye serum Ordinary Retinol Ordinary Salsidic Acid Ordinary Lactic Acid Ordinary AHA 30% BHA 2% peeling solution. That’s why lots of people prefer to use Vitamin C derivates. You can use a vitamin C serum like Paula’s Choice C15 Booster after cleansing in the morning. Fast. If you need more help in putting together your skincare routine, I offer skincare consultations. If something ain’t broken, don’t fix it. Related: What Form Of Retinoids Is Right For You? But a right move could increase effectiveness and yield great results. You’re using all the right actives for your skin. Also, I was wondering if you could recommend a sunscreen to use? The most famous members of the family are glycolic acid, lactic acid and mandelic acid. I’m 40 and have hormonal acne – oily skin and cystic acne mid-cycle, but relatively normal skin otherwise. You’re using all of them and then you’re wondering why your skin’s all dry and flaky all of a sudden… . Hyaluronic acid, also called hyaluronan, is a substance that naturally occurs in the body and is found in the fluids in the eyes and joints, as well as the spaces in between the cells of the skin. Hyaluronic acid works by retaining moisture, so you’ll need to give it something to work with. Retinol and hyaluronic acid are both powerful at improving skin, so using them together can really amp up their effectiveness. I’m not a huge fan of benzoyl peroxide face washes as they tend to be dry. I bought: Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%, Hyaluronic Acid + B5, Natural Moisturizing Factors, Buffet, and Caffiene Solution + EGCG. Thanks for the article! This is what I’ve been wanting, a specialist to tell me if I’m putting too much or possibly missing products on my skincare routine! L'Oréal Paris Revitalift Derm Intensives 1.5% Pure Hyaluronic Acid Serum locks in moisture to replenish skin and help prevent premature signs of aging. anti aging superstars like retinol, glycolic acid and Vitamin C. Are They Dupes? Hyaluronic acid is a large molecule produced naturally by your body. Ash, use only salicylic acid! A family of water-soluble exfoliants that work by dissolving the glue that holds skin cells together so they can slough off. They’re less effective but gentler on the skin and last way longer too. Also, would you add TO Rose Hip Seed Oil to the end of the PM list? Also, would you suggest implementing anti-aging products? Sumaya, I would take out the glycolic acid. Yes! With that in mind, keep reading for the acid combination possibilities. Recenrly started adding The Ordinary serums into my skin care routine for oily/ combination skin that is prone to acne. But you can try this routine with a tweak: https://www.beautifulwithbrains.com/regimen-remove-sun-spots/. Framboos Glycolic Night Serum ($90.00). Hi, I don’t use any of these products and desperately need to start!! Glycolic and the peeling solution are probably contributing to your dryness. When it comes to exfoliation, less is more. Hi! Moisturisers with SPF don’t provide adequate protection. I have combination skin, bigger pores and sometimes small blackheads in my nose, which also tends to be a little red. My skin looks and feels great in the morning. For hyaluronic acid to really penetrate the skin’s surface when applied topically, it actually has to be bioengineered to have a much lower molecular weight. Hi! Hi, I have oily-combination skin, clogged pores, blackheads, whiteheads, cystic acne, and hyperpigmentation. I’m 47 years old with dry skin,redness on cheeks, dark spots, wrinkles and crows feet. “Hyaluronic acid is [naturally] produced in the dermal layer of the skin,” says Holevas. Adding nacinamide + zinc in the morning, will definitely help keep oil production under control. The catch? Susana, you can use Lactic Acid three nights a week after cleansing. So 99% of glycolic acid products out there won’t do much for your wrinkles. I would definitely place the priority on sunscreen, retinols, and antioxidants prior to an HA cream. But is there a right or wrong way to apply them? I would like to know how to incorporate TO hyaluronic acid B5 as I was recommended to use skinceuticals B5 gel (I live in Canada and it has been very dry lately- I have some flakiness and dry skin), as well as perhaps the salycilic acid and the ferulic acid as I was also told I could get some benefit from the Skinceuticals CE ferulic but I don’t want to pay the high price tag as these treatments are costing me a lot of money! If you don’t know that, you can buy the wrong acids/ingredients and make things worse. PM: cleanse, (L’Oreal mask once a week), salicylic acid, Niacinamide and night cream. Hyaluronic acid is also used in injectable dermal fillers to help eliminate … Skincare overload! All my teenage years I’ve had cystic acne and now that I’m 26 I still get acne and I also have texture scarring from previous years. I think at this point, you should be ready to increase to the 5% version. If you use salicylic acid, pixi toner becomes redundant. From your other replies it looks like I should add niacinamide, salicylic acid and potentially retinol into my routine. That’s why it’s prescription only. If you have breakouts, lactic acid and pixi glow won’t do. The Estee Lauder ANR and St ives are both about to run out, so I am open to changing them out. Skin-Care Tips Food and Nutrition and which products would be the best at helping me with my skin issues. Hyaluronic acid 2% b5, Niacinamide 10% zinc 1% Caffeine solution 5% egg Resveratrol 3% frolic acid 3% Salicylic acid 2% Lactic acid 10 % Glycolic acid 7% toning solution Vitamin c suspension 30% in silicone And natural moisturizing factors ha Advice on which products I should be using and when? SK-II Facial Treatment Essence 3. Thank you! Any comment would be really appreciated. A family of exfoliants that’s as effective as Alpha Hydroxy Acids but with a larger molecular structure. Any suggestions you have would be amazing! AHAs and salicylic acid are both exfoliants. 1. It kills P.Acnes, the bacteria that causes acne. Plus, they hydrate skin, too. The ordinary hyaluronic acid 2% + B5 4. Here is my current routine: AM Bioderma foaming gel cleanser Paula’s choice BHA salycylic acid The Ordinary hyaluronic acid The Ordinary Niacinamide + Zinc Bioderma Hydrobio Gel Moisturizer Paula’s choice wrinkle free Sunscreen PM Bioderma foaming gel cleanser The Ordinary Granactive Retinoid 2% The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid Bioderma Hydrobio Gel Moisturizer, I found that in the first two weeks i noticed a differenxe but then the breakouts started to get worse. Now with the winter my skin it's been pretty dry lately and I decided to buy hyaluronic acid 2 b5, by the ordinary. Step 4: Apply your moisturizer to help seal in the moisture, but also to provide moisture for the HA to absorb. Hope this helps. Hyaluronic Acid and Retinoic Acid (a Form of Retinol): Another “Do” Retinol is the queen bee of the beauty world, and as skin care royalty, she doesn’t mix with just anyone. Your help would mean so much. Love this. Hi I am currently experiencing a lot of texture along with hormonal breakouts. It can cause severe dryness, peeling and irritation. Retinoic acid is the only form of Vitamin A your body can recognise and use to treat wrinkles. Also I have the sensitive alpha beta peel pads from dr. Dennis gross as well as good genes serum from Sunday Riley and was wondering if I could incorporate either of those into my routine as well? Dr. Farber tells us that both “can be very drying and irritating when applied together,” so it’s better to use them separately. You can book your consultation here: https://www.beautifulwithbrains.com/skincare-consultation/. In contrast, lighter substances such as glycolic acid, vitamin C and vitamin A derivatives such as retinoids can be absorbed. I wanted to add products from The Ordinary possibly or maybe something what do you think? I plan to add on bha salicylic acid 2% from ordinary to be use alternately with pixi toner until my blackheads and dark spots gone and maintain with pixi toner later.. HOW TO USE HYALURONIC ACID SERUM. The ordinary Salicylic acid 2% 3. Thank you! Gio, thanks for this post. They’re gentler but less effective. Any tips? Maxine, what makes you think that every person on the planet needs AHAs? They’re good at fading away dark spots. Error: skincare overload! The most famous members of the family are glycolic acid, lactic acid and mandelic acid. Lactic acid. The only thing I’d add is sunscreen. As it’s so harsh on its own, it’s not a good idea to use it together with salicylic acid or retinoids. Hyaluronic acid served as a humectant in skincare products. I have signs of aging -lines and wrinkles around the eyes, and sagging around the mouth. You’re already using salicylic acid so glycolic is redundant. Thank you!! You can add hyaluronic morning and evening before moisturizer. Salicylic acid is the only BHA used in skincare. If I could get your input I would greatly appreciate it!! I've been using niacinamide 10% + zinc for a few months now and it's been working out great for my skin. Also, be careful mixing benzoyl peroxide and retinol. f you need more help with your skincare routine, I’ve created a bespoke skincare routine consultation service. Thenk you for your answer, Best Regards Susana. It’s also best to exfoliate with good genes first and then apply vitamin C on top. Thank you. If you need more help with your skincare routine, I’ve created a bespoke skincare routine consultation service. Framboos Glycolic Night Serum ($90.00), for example, has both glycolic, lactic and salicylic. My current skincare routine is: AM – Cerave Foaming Facial Cleanser Oil Control SK II Treatment Essence The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% Clinique Fresh Pressed Daily Booster Vit C Clinique Pore Refining Solutions Elta MD sunscreen, PM – Cerave foaming cleanser Clinique clarifying toner with Salicyclic acid The Ordinary Lactic Acid 10% + HA The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% Curology with 1% Clindamycin, .25% Zinc Pyrithione and 4% Zinc Origins super spot remover for on the spot acne I also use LUNA sleeping night oil from time to time and Laneige water sleeping mask. Tags: antiaging skincare, drunk elephant, exfoliation, exuviance, indeed labs, neostrata, niod, paula's choice, skinceuticals, the ordinary. Hyaluronic acid is a common ingredient in skincare products. “One person may do well with certain combinations while another may become dry and irritated,” says Dr. Farber. You just need to know how to mix and match them to get the best results without the irritating side effects. Daytime I use hylaronic acid, Pixi Phenomenol Serum and sunscreen. If you indeed have fungal acne, try Cosrx Blackheads Liquid or Stridex pads. Hyaluronic acid is a hydrophilic molecule which literally means “water loving”. I am 48, have brown spots from teenage acne scars and sun damage. Chloe, why are you exfoliating 3 times a day?! Thank you!! They’re formulated to give you the most benefits with the fewer side effects. I’ve been using The Ordinary Products for coming up to a week now and I think I’m starting to notice a big difference. PD: I live in a VERY humid city, round 80/90% humidity most of the year. Loved the article and I’m trying to get into TO skincare. Hi Gio! Glad to hear you like the blog. You may get an overall concentration of acids that’s too strong for your skin, destroy its protective barrier and be left with a red, flaky, painful mess. 7. When I use the overtime mask, I use the Summer Fridays Jetlag Mask and leave it on overnight. Lee, thank you! It’s irritating and disrupts your skin’ protective barrier! A family of exfoliants that’s as effective as Alpha Hydroxy Acids but with a larger molecular structure. Translation: they exfoliate skin just as well but are less irritating. To apply hyaluronic acid on skin correctly, make sure to follow this one esthetician and beauty expert-approved tip for locking in the most moisture. Apply a thin layer of hyaluronic acid serum to damp skin. These products are formulated so the overall ratio of acids does the exfoliating job without irritating skin. But after salicylic acid has cleared up your can, you can turn to glycolic to clear up the spots. Finish this off with a layer of moisturizer to seal it in for maximum hydrating effect. Sunscreen, PM Routine 1. Hi Gio, I switched to a new skin care routine about a month ago. The only thing I’d change is the Granactive Retinoid. I apologize in case of bad grammar, I’m not English. i would appreciate your feedback on my current routine which could use some improvement. Appreciate your advice on this! I was hoping you could help me decide when to use what product. Currently, am facing issues such as blackheads on my nose, bigger pores around cheeks and white bumps around my face as well. SPF is non-negotiable. Rachel, don’t use the apricot scrub, it’s too harsh! There are so many others out there that are so confusing and they all say something different it’s just so nice to be able to come here and know you will definitely take the time and answer questions. Lyndsety, start by figuring out your skin type. To make sure I give the best possible advice for everyone’s particular circumstances and needs, I’ve created a bespoke skincare routine consultation service. The two types actually have different properties (even though many people seem to use them interchangeably), and can be used together for increased effectiveness. With that counteract the AHA? AHAs and BHAs as well as retinoic acid are pretty powerful skin treatments and they should be used sparingly. I am so happy that I found this website and it is so kind of you to reply to everyone. Joy, you DON’T need 3 acids. A weak acid, L-Ascorbic Acid is the pure form of vitamin C. It fights free radicals, brightens skin and boosts collagen. Should I mix my hyaluronic acid with an oi based serum OR layer them? Thanks.. Hi Liana, you can use salicylic acid in the morning right after cleansing instead of the pixie toner. Any input into what I could be doing different or incorporating?? Joji, have you tried hydroquinone or alpha arbutin? Routine Help. Due to the amount of comments I receive, it’s become impossible to keep up with everyone’s request and provide the in-depth advice people need. But lactic acid is for exfoliation, not wrinkles. And then use hyaluronic acid like in the Skin Inc Hyaluronic Acid Serum, $45, for long-lasting moisture and a plumping effect. In a similar vein, we don’t recommend combining these products with ascorbic acid (. You can book yours here: https://www.beautifulwithbrains.com/skincare-consultation/. Lactic acid is useless to you so return it if you can. I know it’s early days so I’m not sure how long this is going to last but I’ve currently got no spots, and even some of my red scars & blemishes are starting to fade and smooth over. I’ve had quite a lot of tiny hard pimples pop up but they disappeared quickly and I’ve not had any other new spots crop up around my chin and mouth area as I normally do! Michele, you definitely need salicylic acid. I’ve just recently begun using Kiehl’s products, mostly for moisturizing and have, in the past used Roc products sporadically. Thank you so much for putting the time and effort into all these blog posts!! Click on the image below to subscribe to my newsletter and receive the “How To Combine Actives Like A Pro” cheatsheet. I’m 28, I have dry, fairly sensitive skin with some light to deep pink hyper-pigmentation splotches (from when I used to have hormonal acne), as well as clogged pores and blackheads in my t-zone. I think your skincare routine is already wonderful as it is. Hi Gio! The ordinary Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA, PM Routine 1. SK-II Facial Treatment Essence 5. I have oily skin. Hi.. I have enlarged pores and some congestion with no visible breakouts. Or you could use something like Drunk Elephant Glycolic Night Serum, which has both glycolic and salicylic acid. I recently ran across your website because of the article about layering acids. The ordinary Rose hip seed oil, Is this a good routine? I recently turned 28 and decided to start taking my skincare seriously. Hope this helps. These ingredients can be harsh for some, so a caveat is that if you notice any irritation, dehydration, or other adverse effects while using both acids, dial it back and stagger usage. I find them super helpful and interesting to read however, I am a little stumped and overwhelmed on which products to incorporate into my daily routine!! Right now my routine is: AM Skinceuticals LHA Cleanser Skineceuticals LHA Toner Skinceuticals Blemish and Age SPF moisturizer PM Same cleanser and toner Nature’s Aid gel. Can i use a toner in the mornings? For your skin type, salicylic acid is all you need. SK-II R.N.A.Power Airy Milky Lotion. I didn’t know the important of suncreen before.. My skin routine Cleanser clinique 3 steps for oily skin or cetaphil gentle cleanser (depends on my skin mood) On and off pixi toner Clinique dramatically moisturiser gel Biore Sunscreen spf 50, Pm Cleanser clinique 3 steps for oily skin or cetaphil gentle cleanser (depends skin mood if feel too oily will use clinique) Pixi toner glow most of time – previously clinique 3 steps toner no 2 Estee lauder lauder advance night repair serum Clinique dramatically moisturiser gel, I would like to stop estee lauder in my routine due slightly pricey.. And didn’t make much difference to my skin. You need at least 10% glycolic acid for Anti-Aging purposes. How do you layer your acids in your skincare routine? Thanks. Hi I kind of chop and change my products but currently use: I am 39 with normal skin but really now looking to fight signs of aging. You’d be better off with a benzoyl peroxide spot treatment applied only on the active breakouts. Thank you for this article: This is my current routine: AM: AHA Firming Eye cream PM: tretinoin cream .025% (RX Retin A) anti aging eye cream A friend of mine with beautiful radiant skin (she’s 62) told me to add Hydralonic serum mixed with 100% organic aloe and 4 drops of lemon juice to my AM and PM routine. Mix And Match: The Skincare Ingredients You Should Never Use Together. Hyaluronic acid is technically a sugar. Related: AHAs VS BHA: Which One Should You Use? Yes! This post is just what I was looking for! I’m experimenting with adding in spearmint supplements. Also, you definitely need salicylic acid but not from Dr Dennis Gross pads as they’re NOT sensitive at all. Since retinol can be drying especially on dry or sensitive skin types, following up with hyaluronic acid is definitely a great idea, since hyaluronic acid is super hydrating. Hyaluronic Acid Should Be A Staple “Hyaluronic acid can be found in everything from serums to creams to capsules to sheet masks (and in injectables like Restylane or Juvederm). Weekly – Hyaluranic Face Mask Monthly – Hydrafacial treatment followed by Dermalux light therapy. Nope, the real risk here is irritation. This seems to be working but as it’s early days I’m not sure if I’m missing something somewhere or whether it’s going to come to a grinding halt after this first phase. Your skin only needs salicylic acid, but in a little higher amount. The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% 3. "Hyaluronic acid is a moisture magnet," says Allies of Skin founder Nicolas Travis. Your help is greatly appreciated! Plus, it has one more trick up its sleeve: it has anti-inflammatory properties that soothe redness and irritations. In fact, I recommend you do. Also some uneven texture. “Generally speaking, alpha hydroxy acids are great for treating dull, dry, and aging skin because they are water soluble,” says Zeichner. In fact, I recommend you do. It goes bad super quickly when exposed to light, heat and air. Didi, don’t get the lactic acid and don’t use glycolic either. You only need ONE exfoliant with salicylic acid in it. Morning Skin-Care Step #3: Follow With Hyaluronic Acid Serum. Maybe you have oily but sun-damaged skin that needs both glycolic and salicylic acids or it’s dry and sensitive and a combo of AHAs/PHAs suits it better than a high concentration of glycolic acid.