Lactic acids and retinol?

[montanagirlie]

Can I use both the ordinary lactic acid and 2% retinol together? If so, which one do I apply first? Do I need to wait between the two? If not can I use the retinol with the drunk elephant glycolic serum? Help!

[ccelestexo]

Yes, I use mine together but I built up. I was only able to use a retinol about twice a week in the beginning! Be very careful! The results are great though and I love The Ordinary products! Good luck!

[TheEconomist]

It takes some time to build up to it, but you can use retinol and lactic acid. I use Sunday Riley's Luna Oil followed by Good Genes every night, although I'm not sure how the concentration compares to The Ordinary.  I'd start  with using one of them each night, then having an off-night with neither.  Adding in Glycolic sounds like too much, though.

[darlyndar]

@montanagirlie If you have never used acids and Retinol before, I suggest alternating nights until your skin adjusts. But yes, you can use them together. Start with your Retinol. Let that penetrate for a few minutes then apply your Lactic. Retinol penetrates deep into the skin while Lactic treats the surface. You can use your Lactic every night but start with incorporating your Retinol once a week then build up from there. Just make sure you are also using a moisturizer at night and an spf of 30 or higher everyday. 

As as far as Retinol and glycolic....no. That’s a recipe for over-exfoliation that will lead to dryness, redness and sensitivity. 

Keep retinol use to night time only and build up to everyday use. Retinol and AHA/BHA’s can be quite confusing at first. I recommend reading up on them and watching YouTube videos explaining how they work.

[Sarah818]

You would use the lactic acid before a prescription retinoid? In my case I want to use a lactic acid toner. What is the best order?

[montanagirlie]

Thank you so much for such a detailed answer!

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