On the combination of glycolic acid, vitamin C and retinol
for skin care, glycolic acid, vitamin C and retinol are all key things. However, whether the three can be used together is really confusing.
Glycolic acid, a fruit acid or the like, has the ability to gently exfoliate, can make the skin surface old exfoliation, rejuvenate, make the skin smoother and more delicate, and can promote skin metabolism, help improve dull complexion.
Vitamin C, a strong antioxidant. It can resist free radical damage to the skin, lighten pigmentation, brighten skin tone, and promote collagen synthesis, making the skin firm and elastic.
Retinol, a derivative of vitamin A, has a significant effect on the differentiation and renewal of skin cells, and can effectively improve wrinkles, fine lines, and improve skin texture.
However, when using these three in combination, it is necessary to be cautious. Glycolic acid has certain irritation and can cause temporary fragility of the skin barrier. Retinol is also irritating to the skin. The use of both may exacerbate skin irritation, causing redness, swelling, tingling and other discomforts.
Although vitamin C is relatively mild, its acidic properties when used in combination with glycolic acid may change the pH of the skin and affect the stability of retinol. And high-concentration vitamin C and high-concentration glycolic acid are used together, or excessively irritate the skin.
If you want to use it together, you should start with a low concentration and a small range of trials. If you first condition the skin with low-concentration glycolic acid, after the skin adapts, you can introduce low-concentration retinol, and the use time of the two should be staggered. For example, glycolic acid is used in the morning and retinol is used in the evening. Vitamin C can be used during the day to strengthen antioxidant. At the same time, be sure to do a good job of moisturizing and sun protection to protect the skin barrier.
In short, the combination of glycolic acid, vitamin C and retinol, if obtained, may be synergistic, but improper operation will easily damage the skin. Therefore, users should be cautious and act reasonably according to their own skin conditions.