On the compatibility of glycolic acid and retinoic acid
for skin care, the compatibility of chemical agents is related to the effectiveness and safety. Glycolic acid and retinoic acid both play a pivotal role in the field of skin care, but whether they can be used together is a matter of great concern to skin care practitioners.
Glycolic acid is an α-hydroxy acid with excellent exfoliation effect. It can loosen the connection between keratinocytes, promote the shedding of the old stratum corneum, make the skin surface renewed, radiant, and can improve uneven skin tone, fine lines and other problems. Furthermore, glycolic acid can stimulate collagen synthesis in the dermis and enhance skin elasticity.
Retinoic acid, derived from vitamin A, has a profound impact on the growth, differentiation and metabolism of skin cells. It can accelerate keratinocyte renewal, prevent hair follicle blockage, and is quite effective in acne treatment and anti-aging. Can improve acne, acne, reduce wrinkles, and improve skin texture.
However, when used in combination with the two, it should be treated with caution. Glycolic acid thins the stratum corneum of the skin, enhances skin permeability, and retinoic acid itself is also irritating. The use of both may exacerbate skin irritation reactions, such as erythema, desquamation, itching, and tingling. If the skin is not well tolerated, these reactions are more likely to appear.
If you want to use both glycolic acid and retinoic acid, you should first evaluate your own skin tolerance. Those with strong skin tolerance can start with low-concentration products and use them at different times. For example, use glycolic acid products during the day and retinoic acid products at night, and use the frequency from low to high, so that the skin can gradually adapt. During use, be sure to do a good job of skin moisturizing and sun protection to reduce irritation and reduce the possibility of adverse reactions.
In short, although glycolic acid and retinoic acid are both good skin care agents, they must be used with caution in combination. Check the skin tolerance first, and implement it according to the correct method and steps to ensure skin health when achieving the purpose of skin care.