Introduction
When it comes to skincare, there are a lot of different products on the market. Two popular ingredients that you might have heard of are glycolic acid and vitamin C. But can you use these two ingredients together? In this article, we’ll explore the benefits and drawbacks of combining glycolic acid and vitamin C in your skincare routine.
What is Glycolic Acid?
Glycolic acid is an alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA) that is derived from sugar cane. It is a popular ingredient in skincare because it can exfoliate the skin, improve texture and tone, and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Glycolic acid works by breaking down the bonds between dead skin cells, allowing them to be easily removed from the surface of the skin.
What is Vitamin C?
Vitamin C is an antioxidant that is found naturally in many fruits and vegetables. It is a popular ingredient in skincare because it can brighten the skin, reduce the appearance of dark spots and hyperpigmentation, and protect the skin from environmental damage. Vitamin C works by neutralizing free radicals, which are molecules that can damage the skin and cause premature aging.
The Benefits of Using Glycolic Acid and Vitamin C Together
When used together, glycolic acid and vitamin C can provide even more benefits for the skin. Because glycolic acid exfoliates the skin, it can help to remove any dead skin cells that may be blocking the absorption of vitamin C. This means that when you apply vitamin C after using glycolic acid, your skin will be better able to absorb the vitamin C, allowing it to work more effectively. Additionally, both glycolic acid and vitamin C can help to stimulate collagen production in the skin. Collagen is a protein that is essential for maintaining the skin’s elasticity and firmness. By boosting collagen production, glycolic acid and vitamin C can help to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
The Drawbacks of Using Glycolic Acid and Vitamin C Together
While there are many benefits to using glycolic acid and vitamin C together, there are also some potential drawbacks to consider. For example, both ingredients can be irritating to the skin, especially if you have sensitive skin. If you’re new to using these ingredients, it’s important to start slowly and gradually increase your usage over time to avoid any irritation or redness. Additionally, because glycolic acid can exfoliate the skin, it’s important to use sunscreen during the day to protect your skin from UV damage. When combined with vitamin C, which can also help to protect the skin from environmental damage, using sunscreen is especially important to ensure that you’re protecting your skin as much as possible.
How to Use Glycolic Acid and Vitamin C Together
If you want to start using glycolic acid and vitamin C together, it’s important to start slowly and gradually build up your usage over time. Begin by using glycolic acid once or twice a week, and then gradually increase to using it every other day or every day, depending on how your skin tolerates it. When using vitamin C, it’s important to choose a product that is formulated with a stable form of vitamin C, such as ascorbic acid or magnesium ascorbyl phosphate. Apply the vitamin C after using glycolic acid, and then follow up with a moisturizer and sunscreen during the day.
The Bottom Line
In conclusion, glycolic acid and vitamin C can be used together to provide even more benefits for the skin. By exfoliating the skin and improving absorption, glycolic acid can help to enhance the effectiveness of vitamin C, while vitamin C can help to protect the skin from environmental damage. However, it’s important to use these ingredients carefully and slowly, and to always follow up with sunscreen during the day to protect your skin from UV damage.