Can you use dr dennis gross peel with retinol?
Both our peels and retinol products are designed to be used together. If you have sensitive skin and/or are worried about irritation, you can use the peel in the morning and the retinol at night.
If you have time, you can use hydroxy acids and retinol sequentially. After applying an AHA or BHA product, wait for 30 minutes to allow your skin's pH to return to normal, and then apply the retinol product.
This also means that you'll not use any Vitamin C, Retinol or Exfoliating Acids while you use this product for a week. The only product you should stick to is hydrating toners, serums and sunscreen for the entire week.
Research from 2015 also suggests that combining retinol and an AHA exfoliant together can be an effective combination for hyperpigmentation caused by acne. However, experts generally advise not using the two ingredients at the exact same time, since this can lead to dryness and irritation.
Is It Safe to Use BHA and Retinol at the Same Time? In short, yes. “For those with oily skin that's not particularly sensitive, this combination may be tolerated on a daily basis,” says Dr. King.
Big note: Experts caution against exfoliating and using retinoids (particularly tretinoin) in the same routine because both can cause irritation—especially when used one right after the other.
Skin Care Ingredients To Avoid Using With The Ordinary AHA BHA Peel. Since this has a high acid content with an exfoliation that is quite intense to the skin, I would recommend avoiding any products with Vitamin C, retinol, or other acids in them after applying this peel to avoid further irritation.
An overnight one-step peel powered by our Phyto-Retinol Blend to smooth uneven tone and texture, brighten, and improve the look of imperfections.
No matter what other skincare ingredients you apply — even the ones like retinol or vitamin C that can make skin a touch reactive — hyaluronic acid is still OK to use at the same time. It won't irritate your complexion or neutralize the efficacy of another ingredient.
Dennis Gross suggests that first-time peel users may apply every other day until your skin becomes acclimated and then once you've introduced it with no sensitivities, they recommend using these daily either in the morning or night.
What not to mix with retinol?
Don't Mix: Retinol with vitamin C, benzoyl peroxide, and AHA/BHA acids. AHA and BHA acids are exfoliating, which can dry out the skin and cause further irritation if your skincare routine already includes retinol.
Can you use retinol and AHA in the same week? Yes, it's absolutely fine to use AHA and retinol in the same week, just make sure you are using the products the correct way. It's considered best to avoid layering AHAs, such as glycolic acid, with retinol.

Since a retinoid is not advisable after an exfoliating product, use retinol or retinoid the following day. Start with cleansing > retinol or retinoid > moisturiser.
Instead, use a product with AHAs in the morning and retinol at night. AHAs or alpha hydroxy acids, like glycolic acid and lactic acid, are great chemical exfoliants and are often less abrasive than physical exfoliating scrubs.
Hyaluronic Acid and Retinol
While you're better off not mixing retinol with AHAs and BHAs (like glycolic and salicylic acid), retinol and hyaluronic acid are a perfect match. Combining these two actives can mean less fine lines and dry skin — which is a win-win, #letsbefrank.
Glycolic Acid and Retinol are two very powerful antiaging ingredients that shouldn't be used together in the same application as there is a high risk of irritation, dryness, itchiness, peeling, flaking and sensitivity to the sun. If you are noticing this, you should cut back on your applications.
Retinol + Chemical Peels: The Bottom Line
This combination of products is a way to supercharge your anti-aging results. Both work well to reverse the look of sun damage, increase skin collagen levels, and reduce the look of wrinkles.
Avoid using retinols and glycolic acids for 10 days post peel. Do not use scrubs, loofahs, exfoliating sponges or other means of mechanical exfoliation on your face for 7-10 days. Do not go to a tanning bed for at least two weeks post procedure.
If you're experiencing excessive dryness and peeling from using retinol, stop using the product and consult a dermatologist. They may suggest a gentler formula or recommend that you limit your use of the ingredient (every other night or even just twice a week).
Graf says that the combination of the two can cause too much irritation. Using retinol or Retin-A (the stronger, prescription form of retinol) makes the skin barrier more penetrable, which means the ingredients in a professional-grade chemical peel will get deep into your skin, fast.
Can I use retinol serum after glycolic peel?
Can you use glycolic acid and retinol together? Yes, you can totally use both of these skin care ingredients. Just don't mix them. And start slow, using them at different times of the day or week, to avoid irritation.
A one per cent retinol is the maximum that can be sold over the counter in the UK, so this product couldn't be 1.5 per cent concentration, but many consumers won't be aware of that fact. The reality is that at 0.3 per cent, this is a gentle, entry-level retinol.
Use in AM or PM, 1-2 times/week. Can be used more frequently as needed once skin is acclimated. After cleansing, apply "Step 1" onto clean skin using gentle, upward strokes paying special attention to the T-zone. Wait 1 minute and repeat for "Step 2." Finish with hydrating serum or moisturizer.
What it is: A two-step AHA/BHA peel pad pre-dosed with seven acids and 12 antioxidants to clear the complexion, reduce the look of wrinkles, and visibly improve skin tone and texture. Highlighted Ingredients: - Glycolic Acid (AHA) and Mandelic Acid (AHA): Visibly reduces lines and wrinkles and balances skin.
The key difference between glycolic acid and hyaluronic acid and retinol is that glycolic acid helps in exfoliating the dead skin cells, and hyaluronic acid helps in hydrating the skin, whereas retinol boosts collagen production to reduce fine lines and wrinkles.
Retinol and Hyaluronic Acid
“AHA, BHA, retinol and benzoyl peroxide can be mixed with moisturizing ingredients like hyaluronic acid, ceramides and rosehip oil to get effective results — just ensure you are not using retinol as well as AHA or BHA's during the day," says Graf.
For at least 24 hours, it is important to ensure that you do not use products that have active ingredients like: Alpha Hydroxy Acids.
SpectraLite™ FaceWare Pro from Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare is an FDA-cleared device that reduces the appearance of wrinkles and acne.
For optimal results, use 2-3 times a week in PM. Thoroughly massage treatment pad onto clean, dry skin. If slight sensitivity occurs, reduce frequency of use until skin adjusts. Improve fine lines and wrinkles, and wake up to a firmer, smoother, instantly radiant complexion.
A chemical peel can cause various side effects, including: Redness, scabbing and swelling. Normal healing from a chemical peel involves redness of the treated skin. After a medium or deep chemical peel, redness might last for a few months.
Can you put hyaluronic acid over retinol?
Retinol and hyaluronic acid are two popular skincare treatments people use for fine lines, wrinkles, and sensitive skin. Both are powerful agents that offer a range of benefits, so you may be wondering, “Can I use hyaluronic acid with retinol?” The short answer is yes, you can.
Hyaluronic acid should be layered before retinol in case of dry or sensitive skin, as it helps create a barrier between retinol and your skin, offsetting irritation. Must-mention: let your hyaluronic acid serum dry before following with retinol as, if applied to damp skin, there's a higher risk of redness and dryness.
Yes, because both collagen and retinol have anti-aging properties. However, retinol is a more potent anti-aging product, so it's better for those with deep-set wrinkles. Collagen is better for those with fewer and finer wrinkles.
But does retinol work better without AHA or BHA exfoliants? In short, no. Research has actually shown that retinol combined with exfoliants (like AHAs) helps to fade hyperpigmentation in skin, and improves the results you get from both ingredients.
Your Daily Skin Care Regimen
Both ingredients can smooth skin tone and reduce wrinkles, but also provide unique benefits that the other lacks. When it comes to answering the question – Alpha hydroxy acids vs retinol – the answer is that ideally, your skin care regimen should include both!
It's perfectly safe and very effective to incorporate both retinol and vitamin C into your skincare routine, as long as you use them at different times of the day.
It's best to start with a retinyl palmitate or retinol, and to try it for three months and then have a three month break. This is due to research that suggests cell turnover is no longer increased after three months of usage.
You can use salicylic acid and retinol on the same day if you use them at different times. Use salicylic acid in the morning and retinol at night, as the latter is sensitive to UV light. Be sure to wear SPF during the day if you're using either of these ingredients, as they make your skin more sensitive to sun rays.
If you have time, you can use hydroxy acids and retinol sequentially. After applying an AHA or BHA product, wait for 30 minutes to allow your skin's pH to return to normal, and then apply the retinol product.
If it's a non-prescription retinol, apply it according to what type of product it is—a retinol moisturizer will act as the moisturizer step of your routine, while a retinol serum will act as the serum step.
How do you exfoliate dead skin with retinol?
For peeling skin related to retinoids, it is important to keep your skin moisturized and hydrated. Externally, utilizing a thick emollient over the retinoid will help with peeling skin. Emollients are essentially moisturizers that soothe and soften the skin, treating dry and peeling or flaky skin.
It is important to moisturize after a chemical peel. The fresh skin is sensitive, and the skin may still be peeling following the treatment. Moisturizers will not prevent the peeling process, as it is part of the chemical peel process.
AHA and BHA are the chemical exfoliators that clears out the dead skin and generates new healthy cells. Thus, it is never advised to use chemical exfoliators and Vitamin C as it will lead irritating and damaged skin.
Avoid Actives – Refrain from using retinoids, vitamin C, anti-acne products, other exfoliating agents like glycolic acid, salicylic acid and others for a minimum of 3 to 5 days post peel.
For five days after your chemical peel, do not have electrolysis, facial waxing or use depilatories. Avoid using retinols and glycolic acids for 10 days post peel. Do not use scrubs, loofahs, exfoliating sponges or other means of mechanical exfoliation on your face for 7-10 days.
- Vitamin C.
- Retinol.
- Benzoyl peroxide.
- Physical exfoliating scrubs.
Following with a soothing serum, replenishing moisturizer, and SPF during the day will help to protect and strengthen the skin's moisture barrier. Either way, sunscreen is a must when using AHAs or BHAs!
Yes! Contrary to popular belief, you can use Retinol with Salicylic Acid!
AHA and BHA are the chemical exfoliators that clears out the dead skin and generates new healthy cells. Thus, it is never advised to use chemical exfoliators and Vitamin C as it will lead irritating and damaged skin.
Discontinue retinoids 5-7 days before waxing, bleaching, peels, microdermabrasion, acne surgery, hair removal, and laser treatments, or you will be sorry. If you wax an area treated with a retinoid, strips of skin will come off with the wax when it is ripped off.
How many days after retinol do you peel?
After the application of the retinol peel, there is visible peeling of the skin for 2 to 4 days, which gradually subsides. The effect of the peeling is the reduction of fine wrinkles, hyperpigmentation, small scars, pores and rejuvenation of aging skin or skin destroyed by sunlight.
AHAs (glycolic acid, lactic acid, malic acid, mandelic acid) and BHAs (salicylic acid): You can start seeing results within minutes of the first application, but peak results — such as anti-aging effects — don't appear until 12 weeks.
You can use it twice per week for 10 minutes at most. We recommend starting with once per week if you're new to acids.
Can I Combine AHA/BHA With Hyaluronic Acid? Yes! In fact, this is an ideal combination. Hyaluronic acid doesn't function like an AHA or BHA in that it does not strip your skin — it's actually highly nourishing and hydrating, so having “acid” in the name is a bit misleading.
References
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