In this article we will be discussing a very common question: vitamin c and glycolic acid.
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Can Vitamin C Be Used With Glycolic Acid?
You’ll find that in these formulas vitamin C is on the lower side of the pH scale at around 3 which keeps it as neutral as possible, but effective at delivering results.
As for glycolic acid and other chemical exfoliants they have a much higher pH level that is more acidic. If you use both vitamin C and glycolic acid together in either one product or layered quickly on top of each other this may result in the skin becoming irritated with flare-ups of redness and rashes. Instead try applying vitamin C in your morning routine and then use a glycolic acid toner in the evening to rid the skin of any build-up of dirt and debris keeping your skin balanced, healthy and benefiting from the endless results you’ll see when using glycolic acid and vitamin C.
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N use vitamin C and glycolic acid together in your skincare routine. In fact, these two dermatological ingredients can work beautifully in tandem — as long as you know what you’re doing. Fortunately, we’ve got Dr. Sandra Lee (aka Dr. Pimple Popper) to explain the ins and outs of combining these potent superstars.
L-ascorbic acid, which is the most well-researched, is the most potent version, while a derivative like sodium ascorbyl phosphate is more stable, and gentler on skin (but less potent).
Why Is Glycolic Acid Good For Skin?
Glycolic acid is the smallest of the alpha hydroxy acids, so it’s able to penetrate the deepest, providing several benefits:
Exfoliating dead cells from the skin’s surface
Unclogging pores
Evening skin tone
Stimulating the production of hyaluronic acid
Boosting skin’s collagen production
Because it’s adept at both exfoliating and hydrating, glycolic acid is ideal for dry, dehydrated, and combination skin. These two potent ingredients can definitely coexist in the same skincare regimen — and using them both can boost their common benefits:
Brightening Skin
Evening Out Skin Tone
Stimulating Collagen
What’S The Best Way To Combine Vitamin C And Ahas?
Anytime you’re combining powerful dermatological ingredients, it’s a good idea to stagger their application. This will also help those with sensitive skin avoid irritation. A good rule of thumb, says Dr. Lee, is to apply vitamin C in the morning (to maximize its antioxidant potential), and AHAs like glycolic acid at night (to minimize its photosensitizing tendencies).
Dr. Lee’s last word
Glycolic acid and vitamin C are two of the most talked-about skincare ingredients today. These two have been clinically proven to brighten skin and promote a more even skin tone over time — while also boosting your collagen production.
What The Heck Is L-Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C)?
For this post, I’ll cover just L-Ascorbic Acid.
It’s just the higher up you go, the less effective it gets. Other forms of vitamin C aren’t so finicky. They work even at higher pHs.
Because the higher pH of glycolic acid is usually cited as reason why it’s incompatible with L-Ascorbic Acid. Best Picks:
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Related: Why You Should Add Vitamin C To Your Skincare Routine.