Skincare Routine Help-Glycolic Acid Help

[megan1102]

This whole skincare world can be so confusing...how many serums, what nights to do what etc. I'm wanting to incorporate a glycolic into my routine--whether by an AHA cleanser in the evening or a serum/moisturizer (trying to brighten my skin, have some uneven skin tone). I use a Lancer mask/peel 1x, and then the Ordinary peel 1x during the week. I also use the DE Glycolic night treatment 1x (not on a peel evening) and retinol 3x/week. I've spaced things out so my skin can tolerate accordingly. I also use some moisturizing serums like Matrixyl and Coenzyme etc.

During the morning, I use Vit C serums and the gentle Ordinary LA. I've read some really great things about La Roche's new pigment serum (has kojic acid) and thinking of swapping that in the morning for the LA.

I've read to always separate the acids but confused as to whether an AHA cleanser or treatment would be best in the eves?! Mae Love has couple items I'm looking at in this category.

Phew...that was some finger typing!

[greeneyedgirl107]

@megan1102 AHA in a treatment will do a heck of a lot more for you than AHA in a cleanser.  If used in a cleanser, the AHA isn't on your skin for long enough to do much of anything before it's rinsed away.  Same with BHA, antioxidants, etc.

[quspork]

It looks like you've already got a lot of exfoliation going on, including a couple products with glycolic acid already. I wouldn't recommend adding in another active unless you're looking to switch something else out in the evening. 

[LilaMJ]

Hi @megan1102 ! What is your skin type? What cleansers do you use? 😊

[megan1102]

My skin is combo (a little oilier during summer months)--I use Purity. Have for years and seems to do well for my face. I did some more research on glycolic/AHA cleansers, and more "experts" think a serum or cream is a better way?!

[LilaMJ]

Hi again @megan1102 ! Make sure to @ Tag me if you reply so I get notified 🙂

Purity is awesome! If that’s working for you, great.

The reason that people tend to recommend using a serum or a cream with those exfoliating ingredients is because the most effective form is in a leave on product. When you use a cleanser, you’re only having it on your skin for around 30 seconds, so while you’ll still be exfoliating, if you wanted those ingredients penetrated deeper into the skin, a leave on product is the way to go.

Having said that, I think exfoliating cleansers are still great to use, so it comes down to what you’re comfortable with and what you’d prefer. I’m sorry if I’m being a bit confusing, let me know if this doesn’t make sense - skincare is complicated! There are 2 types of exfoliation, physical (scrubs or face cloths) or chemical. Chemical exfoliating is more effective and less irritating so I’d recommend that.

Here are some of my suggestions for exfoliating cleansers and leave in products:

Kate Somerville ExfoliKate® Cleanser Daily Foaming Wash  Glow Recipe Watermelon Glow PHA + BHA Pore-Tight Toner 5.07 oz/ 150 mL  Youth To The People Kombucha + 11% AHA Exfoliation Toner with Lactic Acid 

I hope this helps! Please let me know if you have any questions, have a wonderful day 💕

[megan1102]

Complicated is an understatement! I think my biggest issue is with the layering and combinations. And of course deciding which is better; serum, mask, or moisturizer. *forehead slap* If my masks have glycolic (I use the Lancer and Ordinary) am I "covered" in that area 2x a week...or do I need to add a 3rd night. OR, would it be better to use a serum 2-3x/week opposite of my retinol eves. 

I'm unsure the 5% LA from Ordinary has done much. I do have some hyperpigmentation, some being melasma, and am going to try kojic acid-based serum in the AM (La Roche)--think it will be better for what I'm needing. But, I really want to incorporate a glycolic in the eves...just unsure how to add best!

I appreciate your knowledge and suggestions! @LilaMJ 

[LilaMJ]

Hi again @megan1102 ! I would stick to twice a week. The recommendations I gave are exfoliates that would be good. For hyperpigmentation have you tried Niacinimide? It’s a great ingredient that helps brighten your skin, fading dark spots, pigmentation, and balance oil production. Glycloic Acid! Summer Fridays Soft Reset AHA Exfoliating Solution is a great product - a bit expensive - but it has 16% Glycolic Acid and soothing ingredients like Glycerin and Aloe. It also has Niacinimide, which as I mentioned is awesome!  Glow Recipe Watermelon Glow PHA + BHA Pore-Tight Toner 5.07 oz/ 150 mL  is also great. If you try any new product (but especially an exfoliating product), start slow. Start with once a week, and then you can increase to twice a week, three times a week. 

The Ordinary LA is also an exfoliant, so be careful that you don’t use it too much. Over exfoliating can irritate your skin and cause redness and uneven skin tone. I’d recommend using that product and Glycolic Acid on different days. Using them at the same time could over exfoliate and damage your skin.

I hope this was helpful! I totally understand that skincare can be stressful and confusing, but you’re not alone and it’s totally fine! If you ever have any other questions for me, I’m so happy to help. 

[LilaMJ]

Also @megan1102 an essential part of your routine is moisturizing and sunscreen, so if you’re not already, incorporate those steps to your routine! Exfoliating can be damaging if you’re not using a sunscreen.

My other advice would be to just be careful that you’re not overdoing your exfoliation. Have an amazing day! ❤️