Possible clashing skincare ingredients?

Nov 16, 2015

Bailey G.

I'm 25. I have resilient, oily skin that can take just about anything I do to it (for example, when I bought my Clarisonic I started using it twice a day, every day, never experienced a purge period or any skin irritation)

I'm currently thinking about adding a retinol to my regimen at night (I had Roc's in mind). I currently use a Glycolic cleanser both AM & PM (Nip + Fab Glycolic Fix+) Olay Regenerist Regenerating Serum (both AM & PM).

Wouldn't the Glycolic acid clash with the retinol and screw my skin up? Should I switch to a more mild cleanser (either for PM & keep using Nip + Fab in the AM or just get a new cleanser all together) if I start using retinol?

Nov 16, 2015

Bailey G.

I also should add that I use Olay Complete SPF 15 Daily Moisturizer in the AM (and I know I should improve to SPF 30 if I'm using a retinol) and Olay Age Defying Classic Night Cream.

Nov 16, 2015

Roz X.

I have insanely sensitive skin and use Olay Pro-x Nightly Purifying Peel while also having a low dose of Retin-A in my skin regimen. I had to seriously get on a schedule and stick to it, slowly introducing my skin to the new product...which for me was the Glycolic acid. You are doing the same, only our products are being introduced in reverse.

I went over this in detail with my derm. I first had to acclimate my skin to the Retinoid. That was from using it twice a week at first. Once my skin was stabilized on the Retinoid Then, I introduced the Glycolic product...using one night a week. It really is about finding what alternate regimen works for you...but tread lightly..even with tolerant skin. You want to minimize peeling and avoid irritation. So little Retinol is needed that I'd use it sparingly. I would personally switch to a very mild cleanser for both morning and evening.
The cleanser I was given and have used now for years is CeraVe. I alternate it with Philosophy Purity. A great hylauronic moisturizer...as well as some facial oils work to counter my dryness.
If you don't use oils, I suggest giving Sweet Almond, Jojoba, and Rosehip organic oils a try. I'd also add a C serum to my regimen, again, introducing it only after you see how the Retinol works with your skin regimen. You are so lucky you have tolerant skin! You seem to have done your research about the importance of bumping up your SPF! I'd actually kick it up to 40/50. Good luck. :)

(Although Roc isn't prescription strength, it is still a great drugstore Retinol option, I think Dr.Brandts Glow kit is the best OTC source for Retinol, with impressive results.)

Nov 17, 2015

Bailey G.

Thanks so much Rozberry! I used to use CeraVe foaming cleanser for a while but didn't like it much. I was thinking about trying out the new Active Botanicals face wash from Olay. I've tried using jojoba oil before but it turned my skin into a grease pit. May try a different oil, but I don't wanna overload my skin too much.

Nov 17, 2015

Roz X.

Well, you are really young so you are getting ahead of the game. I don't think Retinol is necessary at your age, but instead the Glycolic acid paired with SPF and a great serum would be enough for now, but I do respect your choice in any event. My CeraVe does not foam in any way, but if you did not like CeraVe, I think both Cetaphil and Philosophy Purity are gentle, excellent hydrating washes as well. I'm not familiar with that particular Olay wash, myself. If your skin didn't like Jojoba, you may like Sweet Almond which absorbs rapidly and very little product is needed. You know best what works for your skin and what does not. Hopefully you'll get more feedback on both the regimen change and products. Please keep us updated on your skincare journey. :)