Can You Use Glycolic Acid with Hyaluronic Acid?

Glycolic acid is an active ingredient that can smooth the complexion, help with breakouts and slow down the visible effects of aging. 

However, not every skin care ingredient is designed to work safely and effectively with other ingredients — and using them inappropriately can potentially worsen your skin instead of improving it. 

Because of that, it’s imperative that you have a working knowledge of how to pair skin care products and actives. Today, we’ll look specifically at the question “Can you use glycolic acid with hyaluronic acid?” (The answer is yes — with a few caveats that we’ll discuss).

What is glycolic acid?

For starters, glycolic acid falls into the category of alpha hydroxy acids (more commonly referred to as AHAs). AHAs — along with their close cousin, beta hydroxy acids (BHAs) — are powerful chemical exfoliants. 

Put simply, exfoliants help to break up the bonds that hold the top few layers of the epidermis together. This speeds up the skin’s renewal process, meaning that the skin you see is the newest, freshest skin possible.

There are many different concentrations of glycolic acid, some so strong that they can only be administered or prescribed by a skin care provider. Others, in lower concentrations, are safe and appropriate for home use. 

So, what can glycolic acid really do for your skin? Here are some of its most popular benefits:

• Improved facial radiance (aka, you’ll look extra glowy)
• Reduction in the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles
• Less visible areas of pigmentation (dark spots) and superficial scars
• Smoother, more even skin complexion

However, there are side effects that you may encounter when using glycolic acid. These side effects are mostly related to the strength of the exfoliant — high concentrations are far more likely to cause irritation, redness and sensitivity (especially when starting to use glycolic acid for the first time). 

What is hyaluronic acid?

Glycolic acid and hyaluronic acid may both have acid in the title, but the two actives couldn’t be more different. While glycolic acid functions like a traditional acid, hyaluronic acid works to heal and support the skin instead of sloughing it off.

Hyaluronic acid (or HA) is a naturally occurring substance in the body. It can be found in its largest concentrations in the spaces around joints and in the eyes, where it functions as a lubricant and helps keep everything moving smoothly. 

The benefits of using hyaluronic acid on your skin include:

• Increased skin radiance (“dewier” skin)
• Increased skin resilience 
• More youthful-looking skin
• Plumper, firmer skin
• Smoother skin texture

Regardless of the other ingredients that you include in your skin care routine, hyaluronic acid is the one that nearly everyone can (and should) use. Adding it into your routine can make a difference, no matter what skin type and concerns you may have.

Can you use glycolic acid with hyaluronic acid?

Although glycolic acid and hyaluronic acid are very different, the two can be very successfully used together to achieve the results that you’re looking for. 

Think of it this way — where glycolic acid sloughs and changes the skin, hyaluronic acid supports and boosts it. That means the two actives work in complementary ways, supporting each other's goals instead of fighting against each other.

That information can also guide you toward utilizing both products most effectively — glycolic acid will always go first, followed by hyaluronic acid. Glycolic acid is harsher because of how it works, and hyaluronic acid helps soothe and minimize potential side effects afterward. 

Applying them the other way around may keep these ingredients from actually getting into the pores — making both of them less effective.

However, even though you’re using hyaluronic acid for moisture, you shouldn't stop there. As amazing of a hydrating agent as HA can be, you still need to finish your routine with a quality moisturizer to protect your skin as much as possible. And, if you’re getting ready to start your day, don’t leave home with sunscreen — it’s the easiest way to look out for your future self. 

Where do glycolic acid and hyaluronic acid fit into your skin care routine?

Now that we’ve established that you can use both of these active ingredients in the same skin care routine, it’s time to talk about where, exactly, they fit in.

The first step in any effective skin care routine is a gentle cleanser. You can’t use any of your other products successfully if you start out with a layer of debris and buildup on your skin. Make sure to cater your cleanser to your specific skin type for the most effective routine possible. 

After your skin is cleansed (using lukewarm water) and patted dry, apply your toner. Toners aren’t the same as they used to be — they're much gentler than toners of the past. While you may feel a slight tingle, your skin shouldn't sting or feel uncomfortably tight. 

Instead, toners help to open your pores up even further and so they're ready to absorb your serum. Make sure you’re not overdoing it with the exfoliants.

After toning or exfoliating, it’s time for your serums. If your glycolic acid and hyaluronic acids are both in serum form, you’ll use them here. Give each one time to dry thoroughly before applying the next, and always apply them from the thinnest in consistency to the thickest. 

It’s best to limit your serums to just a couple in each routine — more serums aren’t necessarily better for your skin.

And finally, always end your skin care routine with a moisturizer. Moisturizers not only hydrate the skin but also help to make sure your products stay inside your skin and work properly. 

Even if your moisturizer has an SPF in it, you’ll want to make sure to apply sunscreen as the final step of your routine. 

How else can you make your skin look youthful and glowy?

Your skin care routine is paramount to achieving your skin goals, but it isn’t the only way. Cosmetic treatments can complement your at-home routine to improve your complexion even more. 

If you’re new to treatments, a good place to start is with a skin care consult. Taking care of your skin is incredibly rewarding, but knowing how to do it may feel intimidating — especially when first starting out. 

Booking a consultation guarantees that you get time with one of our providers, who will sit down with you and help create a personalize skin care plan for you. Regardless of what your skin care goals may be — less visible lines and wrinkles, increased radiance or just supporting an already healthy complexion — a skin care consult can help you achieve the best version of your skin. 

For those looking for cosmetic treatments that can benefit your skin similarly to glycolic acid and hyaluronic acid, chemical peels are an excellent option. Chemical peels use a stronger chemical exfoliant, helping to exfoliate your skin on a far deeper level. 

One thing to consider when scheduling chemical peels is that they require a little bit of downtime — so don’t schedule them close to any special events.

If you’re looking for something with less downtime, microneedling may be just the thing. Microneedling works by essentially tricking the skin into thinking it needs to repair itself more quickly. 

With microneedling, your skin care provider will make a series of tiny, controlled puncture wounds to your skin with a specialized tool. Combining microneedling with platelet-rich plasma (PRP) can improve the results even more impressively — all by harnessing the powers of your own body.

In summary...

Can you use glycolic acid with hyaluronic acid? The answer is yes — not only can you use the two together, but you should.

Glycolic acid is an excellent way to exfoliate your skin, and hyaluronic acid does a great job of soothing and hydrating it as it heals. However, when starting out with new ingredients or learning how to combine them effectively, it’s best to make sure you do your research — not every combination of ingredients works together so seamlessly.

For more ways to make the most of your skin care routine, contact our professionals at Skin Pharm.

This article was medically reviewed by Madeline Stoffer, MSN, NP-BC, a board-certified nurse practitioner with six years of experience in cosmetic dermatology.

Sources:

Topical AHA in Dermatology: Formulations, Mechanisms of Action, Efficacy, and Future Perspectives

Glycolic acid and its use in dermatology | ScienceDirect

Hyaluronic Acid | Science Direct

Impact of Water Exposure and Temperature Changes on Skin Barrier Function | PubMed