Can you use glycolic acid with vitamin C?

Can you use glycolic

acid with vitamin C?

Glycolic acid and vitamin C rank among the most effective skincare ingredients for treating dark spots and hyperpigmentation. But do they work well together or should they be kept separate in their routines? The Vinoperfect range by Caudalie offers to harness the brightening power of glycolic acid and a patented vitamin C alternative, Viniferine.

Summary

What is glycolic acid?

Glycolic acid belongs to the alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA) family and stands out as one of the most effective exfoliating ingredients in skincare. With the smallest molecular size among AHAs, it penetrates skin easily to dissolve the bonds between dead skin cells, revealing fresher skin underneath.

Where does glycolic acid come from?

Glycolic acid occurs naturally in sugar cane, but can also be found in fruits like grapes and citrus. In skincare formulations, glycolic acid is typically synthesized in laboratories to ensure purity and consistent concentration levels.

Caudalie's glycolic acid formulations draw inspiration from vineyard science, combining this powerful AHA with grape-derived antioxidants for enhanced efficacy.

What are the benefits of glycolic acid?

Glycolic acid offers multiple benefits that make it a staple in advanced skincare routines:

  • Effectively removes dead skin cells to reveal brighter, smoother skin

  • Helps to clear dark spots on the face and reduce hyperpigmentation,

  • Stimulates collagen production for firmer, more youthful-looking skin,

  • Improves skin texture and minimizes the appearance of fine lines,

  • Enhances the absorption of other skincare products.

When used consistently, glycolic acid for hyperpigmentation can significantly lighten dark spots on the face and create a more even complexion.

What is vitamin C?

Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) is a potent antioxidant and essential nutrient renowned for its skin-brightening and protective properties.

How does vitamin C work on skin?

Vitamin C works through several mechanisms to improve skin appearance:

  • Neutralizes free radicals caused by UV exposure and pollution,

  • Inhibits melanin production to prevent dark spots formation,

  • Boosts collagen synthesis to improve skin firmness,

  • Strengthens the skin barrier function.

What are the benefits of vitamin C?

Vitamin C for pigmentation is highly effective, helping to fade existing dark spots while preventing new ones from forming.

For those concerned with uneven skin tone, vitamin C for dark spots provides visible improvement by inhibiting melanin production and promoting cell turnover. Regular use leads to brighter, more luminous skin with improved texture and tone.

Can you use glycolic acid and vitamin C together?

Using glycolic acid with vitamin C can be effective but requires careful consideration of formulation stability, skin sensitivity, and application timing.

Why combine glycolic acid and vitamin C?

Combining these ingredients offers complementary benefits:

  • Glycolic acid exfoliates and removes dead skin cells, allowing vitamin C to penetrate more effectively,

  • Together, they provide enhanced brightening effects for stubborn hyperpigmentation,

  • The combination accelerates cell turnover while providing antioxidant protection,

  • Both ingredients work to reduce dark spots through different mechanisms.

The exfoliating action of glycolic acid paired with vitamin C's ability to inhibit melanin production creates a powerful strategy to lighten dark spots on the face.

What is an alternative to vitamin C for the face?

While vitamin C offers excellent benefits, it's not the only option for treating hyperpigmentation.

Caudalie's Vinoperfect range features Viniferine, a patented ingredient derived from vine sap that outperforms vitamin C for dark spot correction. In vitro tests show Viniferine is 62 times more effective than vitamin C at inhibiting tyrosinase, the enzyme responsible for dark spot formation.

Unlike vitamin C, Viniferine remains stable in formulations, doesn't oxidize, and suits even the most sensitive skin types. This vitamin C alternative delivers exceptional results for those looking to eliminate age spots and achieve luminous skin without the potential irritation or stability issues of traditional vitamin C.

How to use glycolic acid and vitamin C together?

When using glycolic acid with vitamin C, proper application order and timing are essential for maximizing benefits while minimizing potential irritation.

How to layer glycolic acid and vitamin C?

While vitamin C offers excellent benefits, it's not the only option for treating hyperpigmentation.

Caudalie's Vinoperfect range features Viniferine, a patented ingredient derived from vine sap that outperforms vitamin C for dark spot correction. In vitro tests show Viniferine is 62 times more effective than vitamin C at inhibiting tyrosinase, the enzyme responsible for dark spot formation.

Unlike vitamin C, Viniferine remains stable in formulations, doesn't oxidize, and suits even the most sensitive skin types. This vitamin C alternative delivers exceptional results for those looking to eliminate age spots and achieve luminous skin without the potential irritation or stability issues of traditional vitamin C.

How often can you use them in your routine?

Finding the right frequency depends on your skin's tolerance and product concentration:

  • High-concentration treatments like the Vinoperfect Glycolic Peel Mask should be limited to twice weekly, even for experienced users,

  • Daily glycolic acid products, such as essences and night creams, can be incorporated into your everyday routine once your skin has acclimated,

  • Vitamin C or alternatives like Viniferine can typically be used twice daily,

  • Always amplify your sun protection when using glycolic acid products, as they can increase photosensitivity.

The Vinoperfect routine with glycolic acid and Viniferine

The Vinoperfect range offers a complete brightening solution with Viniferine and glycolic acid working together to target dark spots and reveal luminous skin.

1. Apply a dark spot brightening serum

The Vinoperfect dark spot serum for radiance delivers a powerful combination of olive squalane and Viniferine to target hyperpigmentation at its source.

Olive squalane, extracted from sustainably produced olive oil, moisturises and soothes skin without leaving a greasy residue.

Viniferine, Caudalie's patented ingredient derived from vine sap, provides exceptional dark spot correction—62 times more effective than vitamin C in inhibiting tyrosinase.

Apply morning and evening to clean skin, focusing on areas with hyperpigmentation.

2. Hydrate with a brightening moisturiser in the morning

This instant brightening moisturiser combines Viniferine with niacinamides to continue the brightening action while providing essential hydration.

Vitamin B3 works to diminish enlarged pores and soothe the skin, complementing Viniferine's dark spot correcting properties.

Apply each morning after your serum to lock in active ingredients and prepare skin for the day ahead.

3. Correct dark spots with a glycolic night cream in the evening

Caudalie’s anti dark spot night cream harnesses the power of papaya enzyme, Viniferine, and glycolic acid for overnight correction of hyperpigmentation.

What’s more, papaya enzymes provide natural, gentle exfoliation to enhance the skin renewal process.

Apply each evening after cleansing and serum application, allowing this trio of active ingredients to work throughout the night.

4. Exfoliate with a glycolic peel mask

This face peel mask with glycolic acid combines Viniferine to target dark spots at their source, while glycolic acid eliminates dead skin cells to reveal fresher, more radiant skin.

Furthermore, fruit acids, 100% natural and made in France, stimulate cell renewal for a brighter complexion.

Use twice weekly for optimal results, applying to clean skin and leaving for 10 minutes before rinsing.

Glycolic acid and vitamin C each tackle dark spots through distinct pathways—exfoliation and melanin inhibition. While traditional vitamin C presents stability challenges, Caudalie's Viniferine delivers superior results without the drawbacks.

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