Can You Use AHA or BHA With Retinol? A Sensible Guide
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Exfoliating acids and retinoids are two of the most active parts of a routine. Using them together is possible, but it pays to be thoughtful about how.
What AHAs and BHAs do
Alpha hydroxy acids such as glycolic and lactic acid are water soluble and work mainly on the surface of the skin, helping to loosen and lift dead surface cells. Beta hydroxy acid, usually salicylic acid, is oil soluble, so it can work within the pore lining. Both are forms of chemical exfoliation.
What retinol does, and why it asks a lot of skin
Retinol is part of the retinoid family, the most studied group of ingredients for visible skin ageing. A review in Clinical Interventions in Aging notes that gentler retinoids such as retinaldehyde and retinol are considerably less irritating than prescription tretinoin, which makes them more practical for everyday use, though irritation can still occur as skin adjusts (Mukherjee et al., 2006, PMID 18046911).
Combining the two without overdoing it
Both acids and retinoids increase cell turnover and can leave skin more reactive, so stacking them on the same night can be too much for many people. A measured approach helps:
- Use them on alternate nights rather than together, at least to begin with.
- Introduce one product at a time so you can judge how your skin responds.
- Keep a simple moisturiser on hand to buffer dryness.
- Use broad spectrum SPF every morning. Daily sunscreen use is strongly supported, with a randomised trial finding it slowed visible skin ageing compared with occasional use (Hughes et al., 2013, PMID 23732711).
If your skin is sensitive, a gentler polyhydroxy acid can be an easier place to start. We cover that in our guide to PHA exfoliants, and how to ease into vitamin A in starting a retinoid without irritation. At Verdo in Parnell we stock the Medik8 range and can help you sequence these safely.
Disclaimer: This article is for general information only and is not medical advice. The studies cited are from peer-reviewed journals and are provided for educational context. Individual results vary. Speak with a qualified healthcare professional or dermatologist before changing your skincare routine. Verdo Cosmetics makes no therapeutic claims about the products or services mentioned.
