topic Re: Question re AHA and Retinol Use in Beauty

Question re AHA and Retinol Use

JudyL — Wed, 14 Apr 2021 14:45:54 GMT

Have a question re using an AHA and Retinol.

Right now I'm using Paula's Choice 8% AHA exfoliant and PC's Intensive Repair Cream with Retinol - its the lowest retinol they have, think 0.01% (can't get much lower than that! LOL). I use the AHA 4 nights a week and the Retinol the other 3 but never on the same night. I do plan on working up to higher percentages of both.

Can I use the AHA and the Intensive Repair Cream on the same night? Would like to use the AHA every night but not sure I should on the nights I use the Retinol.

TIA for your help!

Re: Question re AHA and Retinol Use

Desertdi — Wed, 14 Apr 2021 14:59:09 GMT

@JudyL wrote:
Have a question re using an AHA and Retinol.

Right now I'm using Paula's Choice 8% AHA exfoliant and PC's Intensive Repair Cream with Retinol - its the lowest retinol they have, think 0.01% (can't get much lower than that! LOL). I use the AHA 4 nights a week and the Retinol the other 3 but never on the same night. I do plan on working up to higher percentages of both.

Can I use the AHA and the Intensive Repair Cream on the same night? Would like to use the AHA every night but not sure I should on the nights I use the Retinol.

TIA for your help!

@SilleeMee

Re: Question re AHA and Retinol Use

JeanLouiseFinch — Wed, 14 Apr 2021 15:15:00 GMT

@JudyL wrote:
Have a question re using an AHA and Retinol.

Right now I'm using Paula's Choice 8% AHA exfoliant and PC's Intensive Repair Cream with Retinol - its the lowest retinol they have, think 0.01% (can't get much lower than that! LOL). I use the AHA 4 nights a week and the Retinol the other 3 but never on the same night. I do plan on working up to higher percentages of both.

Can I use the AHA and the Intensive Repair Cream on the same night? Would like to use the AHA every night but not sure I should on the nights I use the Retinol.

TIA for your help!

@JudyL Retinol is a very weak relative to Retin A (aka Tretinoin). It has to go through some metabolic changes in order for the skin to receive it as retinoic acid. With each of those conversion steps, the retinol weakens even more. Tretinoin, on the other hand, is already retinoic acid, right out of the tube - no conversion steps. IMO, I’d question the real effectiveness of a product that’s that weak to begin with and then weakens even more, but that’s me.

There are differing opinions out there on if AHAs and retinoids can be used together. It would be worth your time to do some research and see which you believe. I personally believe consistency is key in using whatever the product is, rather than alternating days. I use them both daily, but separately - AHA’s in the morning, Tretinoin at night. My moisturizer doesn’t contain either.

Re: Question re AHA and Retinol Use

World Traveler — Wed, 14 Apr 2021 15:20:45 GMT

@JudyL Paging @SilleeMee who is many people's go-to on Retinol/Retin-A. She'll pop in and respond, I am quite sure.

Re: Question re AHA and Retinol Use

SilleeMee — Wed, 14 Apr 2021 15:22:41 GMT

Yes you can use AHAs with retinol. Apply the AHA first, let it dry and then apply the retinol. If you experience some irritation from doing that in the beginning then do it less frequently until your skin adjusts and it should.

Re: Question re AHA and Retinol Use

henderson — Wed, 14 Apr 2021 15:31:56 GMT

Yes, you can use both on the same night. I've used Paula's Choice since 1995 and it's the best skin care products I have found. You can also have a consultation with an expert at PC. They can also recommend other products for your skin type. I use both an AHA and BHA, just not at the same time.

Re: Question re AHA and Retinol Use

SilleeMee — Wed, 14 Apr 2021 15:45:26 GMT

One thing about using AHAs in general, particularly glycolic acid, is that it is best to apply it evenly and gently over the skin...swipe it on and do not rub it on with a lot of pressure or try to scrub it on your skin. Avoid applying AHAs if you have just scrubbed your face in any way with something else, for instance using a brush or rough face cloth.

Re: Question re AHA and Retinol Use

Caffeina — Wed, 14 Apr 2021 16:46:54 GMT

Re: Question re AHA and Retinol Use

JudyL — Wed, 14 Apr 2021 18:35:57 GMT

Thank you all! You are the best! Knew I could come here and get answers.

Re: Question re AHA and Retinol Use

tobes — Wed, 14 Apr 2021 20:16:16 GMT

@JudyL Hi all. Years ago I used AHA but had no knowledge of what it was just that my sin was glowing and everyone was commenting on my "creamy" skin. Then I began using Denese products the pads and serum and found that to be of great value as well. I am thinking of going back to AHA. Please advise if you also use a moisturizer over the AHA since I hear AHA dries the skin. In my youth when I first used AHA I did not have a problem with this since my skin was somewhat oily. I also love the Denese hydroshield serum so this is what i think I should do. First with AHA followed by the serum and then moisturizer followed by sunscreen (love Denese's SPF Defense Cream ahd hope she does not discontinue). I would not use the AHA during the day and would elimiate it then. What do you think. Thanks for sharing

Re: Question re AHA and Retinol Use

SilleeMee — Wed, 14 Apr 2021 20:21:59 GMT

@tobes

AHAs do not dry the skin and they can be hydrating. It's BHAs that are drying.

Re: Question re AHA and Retinol Use

tobes — Wed, 14 Apr 2021 20:46:48 GMT

@SilleeMee So is the product shown below does not dry .

Re: Question re AHA and Retinol Use

SilleeMee — Wed, 14 Apr 2021 20:55:28 GMT

@tobes wrote:
@SilleeMee So is the product shown below does not dry .

@tobes

I've used that before and it's hydrating. Glycolic acid inherently has the ability to attract and hold moisture.

Re: Question re AHA and Retinol Use

tobes — Wed, 14 Apr 2021 21:20:13 GMT

@SilleeMee Thanks.....I have been researching this myself but needed some backup. Appreciate it.

Re: Question re AHA and Retinol Use

JeanLouiseFinch — Wed, 14 Apr 2021 21:44:40 GMT

@tobes wrote:
@SilleeMee So is the product shown below does not dry .

@tobes That's a nice moisturizer. I'd use it myself, but I don't have anywhere in my routines to fit it in. Oooh, I just thought of something. Skinn used to have something called "Take The Weekend Off". It was a moisturizer and Dimitri recommended taking a break from the normal routine 2 days a week and only using that cream on those days. Hmmm, there's a possibility.

Re: Question re AHA and Retinol Use

SilleeMee — Wed, 14 Apr 2021 21:56:52 GMT

@JeanLouiseFinch

I finally found a way to incorporate using GA again in my routine. I'm using the QRxLabs glycolic/lactic acid toner in the AM followed by my serum and moisturizer. Skin looks terrific. I'm loving the toner! It's so gentle and gives my skin a healthy glow without weight. The toner is 8% GA + 2% lactic.

Re: Question re AHA and Retinol Use

JeanLouiseFinch — Wed, 14 Apr 2021 22:38:17 GMT

@SilleeMee wrote:
@JeanLouiseFinch
I finally found a way to incorporate using GA again in my routine. I'm using the QRxLabs glycolic/lactic acid toner in the AM followed by my serum and moisturizer. Skin looks terrific. I'm loving the toner! It's so gentle and gives my skin a healthy glow without weight. The toner is 8% GA + 2% lactic.

I’m using a 10% Glycolic/2% Salicylic pad. Technically I know that’s enough, but way back when, when I really started taking care of my skin, I used that Alpha Skincare moisturizer. I eventually moved on to try others and am currently content. Who knows, maybe I’ll revisit it one day.

Re: Question re AHA and Retinol Use

JudyL — Thu, 15 Apr 2021 00:49:17 GMT

@tobes wrote:
@JudyL Hi all. Years ago I used AHA but had no knowledge of what it was just that my sin was glowing and everyone was commenting on my "creamy" skin. Then I began using Denese products the pads and serum and found that to be of great value as well. I am thinking of going back to AHA. Please advise if you also use a moisturizer over the AHA since I hear AHA dries the skin. In my youth when I first used AHA I did not have a problem with this since my skin was somewhat oily. I also love the Denese hydroshield serum so this is what i think I should do. First with AHA followed by the serum and then moisturizer followed by sunscreen (love Denese's SPF Defense Cream ahd hope she does not discontinue). I would not use the AHA during the day and would elimiate it then. What do you think. Thanks for sharing

@tobes I"m no expert so what I do is trial and error. At night I cleanse, toner, then AHA. While that is sitting on my face, I will either watch tv for a bit or something for a few minutes, then I will use the Niancinamide (sp?) serum and the retinol and let that sit for a few minutes, then I will add moisturizer. Might sound like it takes me a long time but it doesn't - I either get dressed for bed or brush my teeth or whatever then on to the next step. I haven't found that the AHA dries me out. Will see how this new routine works out.

Re: Question re AHA and Retinol Use

tobes — Thu, 15 Apr 2021 01:13:46 GMT

@JudyL thank you so much for your insight.