Beauty

[JudyL]

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!

[Desertdi]

---

@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    

---

[JeanLouiseFinch]

---

@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. 

[World Traveler]

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

[SilleeMee]

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.

[henderson]

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.

[SilleeMee]

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.

[Caffeina]

[JudyL]

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

[tobes]

@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