Is Retinol Or Glycolic Acid Better For Keeping Your Skin Youthful? We Explore These Two Anti-Aging Powerhouses
## Is Retinol Or Glycolic Acid Better For Keeping Your Skin Youthful? We Explore These Two Anti-Aging Powerhouses
**Pick up any magazine, click on any beauty article regarding “active ingredients,” or better yet ask a dermatologist what they’d recommend to hit the pause button on aging skin, and you’ll undoubtedly hear that in the morning, you should slather on sunscreen…and lots of it. As for the nighttime, things get more divided because the pros recommend the powerhouse ingredients retinol and glycolic acid in equal measure…so much so that I wondered which of the two is actually queen of the skincare aisle.**
What I found out was that the reason they’re named equally among dermatologists is that the answer is kind of a toss-up. Factors such as skin type, your skin age, and overall #skingoals significantly come into play here, so knowing the resumes for each could help you find your best skin on repeat. Here, dermatologists share how to use the two-star players and how to determine which one is right for your regimen.
## How do glycolic acid and retinol work?
Okay, so to kick things off: It’s important to understand what each of these active ingredients is doing for your skin. Let’s start with glycolic acid. “It’s one type of alpha hydroxy acid and a chemical exfoliant that removes dead skin cells by loosening the ‘glue’ that holds the dead cells to the top layer of skin,” explains Dennis Gross, MD, a New York City dermatologist and founder of Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare. “Once these dead cells are removed, new youthful cells are revealed.”
By consistently removing the top layer of dead skin cells, you uncover new ones which are good for a number of reasons. First off, your treatment products like peptides, for instance, penetrate the skin more deeply without having to first traverse a layer of over-it skin cells. They, also, help to speed up cell turnover—which slows down as you get older—in order to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
Retinol, on the other hand, is a vitamin A derivative that does a ton of different things. It’s often used to treat acne because it, too, helps to speed up cell turnover, keeping dead cells from chilling on your complexion and plugging your pores. As an anti-ager, it offers the benefit of stimulating collagen production as well. This is super important because, as we age, we produce less and less collagen, which can often lead to skin laxity.
“It can improve the texture of your skin some too, but it’s really known for decreasing fine lines and wrinkles,” says Jeanine Downie, MD of New Jersey’s Image Dermatology. “And it does that by boosting collagen and elastin, which are building blocks of your skin.”
## What else can the two ingredients do?
Helping you prolong fine lines and wrinkles isn’t the only thing these products are good for. “Glycolic acid tends to be milder than a retinol, and is ideal if your concerns are more focused on dull or tired-looking skin,” says Dr. Gross. “It gives skin a radiant glow, reduces the appearance of pores, fades discoloration, helps prevent and treat breakouts, and improves overall texture.” So, in short, if you’re looking for a quick way to bring a glow to your complexion, look no further.
For its part, retinol does work overtime to help with zits. “I’ll put prescription Retin-A on [a zit] three days in a row and just deal with the flaking because I want the zit gone,” says Dr. Downie. “They work great as an anti-acne remedy.” Retin-A is the prescription-strength iteration of retinol so you can get even more of an impact if your dermatologist deems it necessary.
It’s important to note that both glycolic acid and retinol can make skin more photosensitive or, in other words, more likely to get burned by the sun. If you add either to your routine, make sure to glob on the SPF in the mornings to make sure you’re protected.
## So, which one should you be using?
Turns out, it’s not really an “either/or” decision with retinol and glycolic acids. “The key is to use both ingredients as part of your overall anti-aging skincare regimen,” says Dr. Gross. “They work differently yet join forces to provide a wholesome healthy rejuvenating treatment for your skin.” He suggests starting with an AHA at around age 24, then adding retinol in your mid-to-late-20s when cell turnover and collagen production start to slow down.
Look for a glycolic acid that contains other AHAs and BHAs at low concentrations, which allows you to target multiple skincare concerns at once and won’t be as irritating as a hardcore glycolic peel. Avoid layering them along with prescription retinoids, like Retin-A, benzoyl peroxide, and instead, use one in the morning and one at night.
Because retinol generally tends to be drying, you’ll need to taper your use based on what kind of skin you have. If you’re on the oilier side, you should be good to go 7 days a week, but if you have dry or combination skin, you should only be applying one to three times a week to keep your skin from getting aggravated. Take note: since retinol’s job is to speed up cell turnover, that can mean that you might get some degree of peeling. It’s normal. No, seriously everyone goes through it. If it seems excessive, check in with your derm, who can problem solve it by switching up how many days a week to use your product. Otherwise, slather on your way to better skin.To prevent breakouts and congestion, use these products on your face and body, promoting a clear complexion overall.
**Ole Henriksen Invigorating Night Transformation Gel — $38.00**
This serum focuses on transformation by utilizing a blend of AHAs to address skin tone and texture issues, reducing discoloration, fine lines, and wrinkles.
**Dior Capture Youth Serum Collection — $95.00**
This serum is designed to rejuvenate and brighten the skin, combining AHAs with vitamin C for a revitalizing effect.
**Vivant Skin Care Exfol-A Level 2 — $68.00**
Containing glycolic, lactic, and kojic acids, this serum is a powerhouse in the AHA realm. It exfoliates the skin while niacinamide soothes and reduces irritation.
**iS Clinical Active Serum — $138.00**
This serum provides both immediate and long-term benefits to the skin. Users will experience instant tingling upon application, resulting in brighter and more even skin tone. It aids in combating hyperpigmentation, redness, acne, fine lines, and wrinkles.
**Shop retinols**
**Sunday Riley A High-Dose Retinoid Serum — $122.00**
A quality vitamin A serum that combines retinol with skin-nourishing CoQ10 and Hawaiian white honey to combat aging without causing irritation.
**SkinMedica Age Defense Retinol Complex 0.5 — $78.00**
With a 0.5 percent retinol concentration, this serum effectively fights signs of aging. Additionally, the inclusion of algae extract aids in hydration and protects against free radicals.
**PCA SKIN Intensive Clarity Treatment 0.5 Pure Retinol Night — $111.00**
Ideal for acne-prone skin, this retinol treatment stimulates cell turnover, reducing breakouts and smoothing skin texture. It also contains witch hazel to control excess oil production.
**SENTÉ Bio Complete Serum — $118.00**
This serum is packed with ingredients to combat signs of aging, including retinol, collagen-stimulating peptides, and vitamin C for plump and clear skin.
**First Aid Beauty FAB Skin Lab Retinol Serum 0.25 Pure Concentrate — $58.00**
A gentle yet effective retinoid serum with a 0.25 percent concentration suitable for all skin types.
**Resist Intensive Wrinkle-Repair Retinol Serum — $42.00**
With a 0.1 percent retinol formula, this serum visibly plumps the skin, offering a silky smooth application suitable for all ages.
**Murad Retinol Youth Renewal Serum — $89.00**
Containing three types of retinol, including instant release and time-release versions, this serum works tirelessly to plump and smooth skin for a youthful appearance, a beloved product among beauty editors.
