Curious about mixing AHA and retinol? Here’s what you need to know before diving in. This question popped into my head when I was looking to upgrade my skincare routine for better results. Like many of us, I wanted to tackle multiple skin concerns at once—fine lines, dullness, and occasional breakouts. I tried various duos, such as Benzoyl Peroxide with Retinol, if you’re interested you can check it here!  But the thought of using two powerful ingredients together left me wondering if I’d end up with irritated, unhappy skin. What I found was both enlightening and reassuring, and now I’m ready to share the scoop with you. I’ve always been passionate about skincare, especially because my skin is acne-prone and sensitive. I’ve also tried using niacinamide with retinol, you can read it here!  My journey with AHA and retinol began when I was looking for ways to tackle my persistent breakouts. Then, I also combined salicylic with retinol, a person who is prone to acne can get me. You can check the article here!  I remember the first time I decided to combine these two powerhouses—I was nervous but excited. My skin needed something that would not only help with acne but also improve texture and tone. After doing extensive research and consulting with my dermatologist, I carefully introduced AHA and retinol into my routine.

What is AHA

Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHAs) are a group of naturally occurring acids that are found in fruits, milk, and sugar cane that are greatly used in skincare. They’re famous for their exfoliating prowess, which helps to gently shed dead skin cells and unveil the smoother, fresher skin beneath.

AHAs include well-known acids like glycolic acid, lactic acid, citric acid, and malic acid. Glycolic acid, from sugar cane, is a fan favorite because its small molecules penetrate the skin effectively. Lactic acid, derived from milk, is gentler and ideal for sensitive skin. Citric acid, from citrus fruits, and malic acid, from apples, are also part of this family but are less commonly used.

The magic of AHAs lies in their ability to exfoliate. By promoting cell turnover, they help reduce fine lines and wrinkles, improve skin texture, and even out skin tone. They can also prevent acne by keeping pores clear of dead skin cells.

What Is Retinol?

Retinol, a form of vitamin A, is a powerful ingredient in the skincare world famous for its remarkable ability to overcome a variety of skin concerns. From reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles to improving skin texture and tone, retinol does it all. It’s no wonder it’s often hailed as the gold standard in anti-aging treatments.

Derived from vitamin A, retinol works by accelerating cell turnover, meaning it helps your skin shed old, dead cells and replace them with new, healthy ones. This process not only smooths out the surface of your skin but also boosts collagen production (Another great ingredient for collagen is hyaluronic, can you use hyaluronic acid with retinol? Find the answer here!), which is essential for maintaining firm, youthful skin.

One of the standout features of retinol is its versatility. Whether you’re dealing with acne, hyperpigmentation, or signs of aging, retinol can be a game-changer. Back in time, I used to use azelaic acid with retinol, you can check it here! (Before all, we must know if our acne is bacterial or hormonal?) It unclogs pores, making it an excellent choice for acne-prone skin, and helps fade dark spots over time, revealing a more even complexion.

However, retinol isn’t without its quirks. When you first start using it, you might experience some dryness, redness,  peeling or even acne. I remember having breakouts after using retinol, You can check what I did in response here! This is completely normal and part of the adjustment phase known as “retinol purging.” To ease into it, start with a lower concentration and gradually increase as your skin builds tolerance. And remember, always apply retinol at night and use sunscreen during the day, as it can make your skin more sensitive to sunlight.

Can You Use Aha and Retinol Together?

Yes, you can use AHA and retinol together, but it requires a bit of care. Personally, I wouldn’t recommend using them simultaneously without consulting a dermatologist.

Every skin type is different, so getting professional advice is crucial. If you want to use both, start by incorporating AHA once or twice a week and skip retinol on those days. This approach helps your skin adjust without feeling overwhelmed. And always remember, sunscreen is your best friend when using these active ingredients!

Can you mix glycolic acid with retinol?

Mixing glycolic acid with retinol can be quite risky for many skin types. Here’s what you need to know to avoid potential skin disasters:

While some advanced skincare enthusiasts might find a way to safely use both glycolic acid and retinol in their routines, I personally wouldn’t recommend using them together, especially if you’re new to these ingredients. Both glycolic acid, an alpha hydroxy acid (AHA), and retinol are powerful exfoliants that can significantly improve skin texture and tone. However, combining them can often lead to irritation, dryness, and increased sensitivity.

If you still want to use both, here are some tips to minimize the risk:

1. Alternate Use: Use glycolic acid on one night and retinol on another. Never use them on the same day to give your skin a break.
2. Frequency: Start with using glycolic acid once or twice a week and retinol on the other days, gradually increasing frequency as your skin builds tolerance.
3. Moisturize: Always follow up with a good moisturizer to keep your skin hydrated and reduce irritation. 
4. Sun Protection: Both ingredients can increase your skin’s sensitivity to the sun, so make sure to apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen daily.
5. Consult a Dermatologist: Especially if you have sensitive or acne-prone skin, it’s wise to consult with a dermatologist before mixing these potent ingredients.

In short, while mixing glycolic acid with retinol can offer some benefits, it requires careful management to avoid over-exfoliating and damaging your skin.