Expert Guide: Using Vitamin C with Glycolic Acid – Everything You Need to Know

Vitamin C and Glycolic Acid: Can You Use Them Together?

If you’re interested in skincare, you’ve probably heard of vitamin C and glycolic acid. These two ingredients are incredibly popular in the beauty industry and are often touted for their ability to brighten skin, reduce fine lines, and provide a range of other benefits. But can you use these two potent ingredients together? Are they safe to use in the same skincare routine? In this article, we’ll explore the ins and outs of combining vitamin C and glycolic acid.

The Benefits of Vitamin C and Glycolic Acid

Before we delve into the question of whether vitamin C and glycolic acid can be used together, it’s worth taking a moment to review what makes these ingredients so special. Vitamin C, also known as ascorbic acid, is a powerful antioxidant that helps protect the skin from harmful free radicals. It’s also been shown to brighten skin and even out skin tone. Glycolic acid, on the other hand, is an alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA) that helps exfoliate the skin by dissolving dead skin cells and unclogging pores. This can lead to smoother, brighter skin and can even reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

Using Vitamin C and Glycolic Acid Together

Now, let’s get to the heart of the matter: can you use vitamin C and glycolic acid together? The short answer is yes, you can. In fact, many skincare experts actually recommend using these two ingredients together to help boost their benefits. However, it’s important to keep a few things in mind when combining these two powerhouse ingredients.

Tips for Using Vitamin C and Glycolic Acid Together

• Start slowly: Both vitamin C and glycolic acid can be potent ingredients, so it’s best to introduce them slowly into your skincare routine. Start by using one product containing one ingredient and gradually add in the other.
• Be mindful of pH: Both vitamin C and glycolic acid work best at a low pH, but using them together can sometimes cause irritation. To avoid this, use your glycolic acid product in the morning and your vitamin C product in the evening.
• Use a gentle cleanser: Because both vitamin C and glycolic acid can be drying, it’s important to use a gentle cleanser that won’t strip your skin of its natural oils.
• Protect your skin: Vitamin C can make your skin more sensitive to the sun, so it’s important to use a broad-spectrum sunscreen during the day.

Product Recommendations

If you’re interested in incorporating both vitamin C and glycolic acid into your skincare routine, there are plenty of products on the market that combine these two ingredients. Below, we’ve highlighted a few of our favorites:

• The Ordinary Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution: This budget-friendly toner contains glycolic acid to exfoliate the skin and improve texture. It’s also infused with amino acids, aloe vera, and ginseng to soothe and hydrate the skin.
• Sunday Riley Good Genes All-In-One Lactic Acid Treatment: This cult-favorite serum contains both lactic acid (another AHA) and brightening vitamin C to leave your skin looking radiant and even-toned.
• Paula’s Choice C15 Super Booster: This potent booster contains 15% vitamin C to brighten skin and protect against environmental stressors. It’s also infused with vitamin E and ferulic acid to enhance its antioxidant benefits.

In conclusion, vitamin C and glycolic acid are two incredibly powerful skincare ingredients that can provide a range of benefits when used together. By following the tips above and choosing high-quality products, you can easily incorporate these two ingredients into your skincare routine and enjoy smoother, brighter, more youthful-looking skin.