Beauty

[virgosun]

I'm currently using 4% hydroquinone 2x day and Retin A every other night. I would like to switch to a 4% hydro serum that also has glycolic acid in it. Can I still use this over my Retin A at night? So far my skin is looking better (hyperpigmentation areas definitely lightening) with no peeling or redness. My hydro cream is about to expire so that is why I am considering the serum. It is from ASDM skincare that I know posters on here use. Thanks for your help

[virgosun]

I googled several derm dr sites and they say as long as you use the hydroquinone % & glycolic combo in the AM you can use Retin A at night. Do you agree with this?

[65and fabulous]

Maybe try your new "formula" on a very small patch of skin for a week, to see if you have a reaction.

[River Song]

Virgosun, I think you're going to be Ok using the ASDM 4% hydroquinone serum over your Retin-a.

I re-read the article from FutureDerm (Nicki Zevola) about whether to use acids with retinol to refresh my memory.

She states that the optimal pH for retinol activation within the skin is 5.5-6 and I'm assuming that is the same for prescription Retin-a. I believe that the retinoid could be deactivated at a lower pH and that is why it is advised to not mix acids with retinoids.

I tested my bottle of ASDM 4% hydroquinone serum and the pH was right around 5.5. So, the glycolic acid in their formulation is not at the optimal pH for an acid (pH 2 to 4) but should be perfectly fine to use with your retinoid product without deactivating it. Interestingly, I read somewhere (can't remember where, maybe FutureDerm) that it is better to apply hydroquinone first and the retinoid second.

The ASDM 4% hydroquinone is a nice, non-greasy lotion, not a watery serum, and works well under makeup. It works slowly, though, so don't expect instantaneous results.

[virgosun]

Susie Thank you so much for checking into this for me and for all the info. I really liked how the ASDM serum sounded so will give it a try !