Time to move on from Glycolic Acid? Whats next?

[Hungry675tf]

I've been using glycolic acid for years and it has been wonderful. I only use a cheap one (superdrug) and it has helped significantly with the tone of my skin.

I'm going through some...hormonal changes...and recently I'm finding that despite using it regularly my skin is more prone to spots and fine lines.

I'm wondering whether I need to change my skincare routine but have no idea what to try next.

Would welcome your ideas oh wise women of MN.

I’m mid 50s, gone through the menopause early 40s and I use:
Witch hazel (Boots £2) as a toner (with Lidl Cien wipes to clean makeup);
Olay Total Effects Anti Aging spf15 (£10);
The Ordinary Lactic Acid 10% twice a week (£5).

None of it expensive and people always assume I’m a good few years younger when they know my age.

I use this one which is a mixture of acids and I love it! Has really revitalised my skin (sorry for massive link!)
www.boots.com/versed-weekend-glow-brightening-solution-120ml-10294067?cm_mmc=bmm-buk-google-ppc--PLAs_HeroCompare--Skincare-_-UK_Brand_Shopping_Skincare+SSC&gclid=CjwKCAjwlrqHBhByEiwAnLmYUD2EaK1hYyw6O-olRU7474Ydi0LJXr1qYJfPTkOUC7J8yxzOzKXLDRoCbqwQAvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds

Is it the glycolic overnight peel that you've been using? I've just tried it for the first time and really liked it... (wasn't sure if you were referring to the Superdrug glycolic toner or pads, etc - or maybe you've tried everything!)

www.superdrug.com/Skin/Face-Skin-Care/Face-Masks/Peel-Off-Face-Masks/Superdrug-Naturally-Radiant-Glycolic-Overnight-Peel-30ml/p/953857

Couple of other options...

m.feelunique.com/p/The-INKEY-List-Retinol-Serum-30ml

www.cultbeauty.co.uk/medik8-crystal-retinal-3.html

Swiss apricot scrub in shower, rinse off with ordinary water, moisturiser (I use Aldi 40+ with spf30) works better than all the expensive stuff I used to buy

@FreshFaceTime its the glycolic toner I've been using. Its brilliant stuff.

Maybe I'm over moisturising, might tone that down a bit and see if that helps. Am loathe to introduce something more expensive if I can tweak this to get it right.

Have loved apricot scrub and witch Hazel and they are cheap and cheerful so will give them a go!

If you want a stronger acid try The Ordinary. They do glycolic acid which is probably stronger than what you’ve been using, and their “red peel” is very strong (be careful with it, do a patch test first).

The other thing you need is retinol - you can get that from The Ordinary too. Start once a week and build up, make sure to use sunscreen during the day.

@SilverOak how would I incorporate a retinol into my routine? I wasn't sure i could use it in combination with glycolic acid?

Maybe try salicylic acid which is good for hormonal spots etc.
I use the Aldi salicylic acid toner followed by a niacinamide serum which has worked wonders for my skin.

Azelaic acid is my favourite. It's an anti inflammatory too so really good for spots.

how would I incorporate a retinol into my routine? I wasn't sure i could use it in combination with glycolic acid?
Use them on different nights. I use retinol on a Sunday night and glycolic acid during the week. Mature skin will also benefit from peptides and hyaluronic acid under your moisturiser on a daily basis.

Thanks @SilverOak I will have a look into that. Appreciate everyone's thoughts. Feels a bit overwhelming when there is so much choice out there.

If you're happy with what glycolic has done, then why drop it?
I use glycolic on alternate nights with retinol on the other.
Glycolic remember works completely differently to salicylic- one is for ageing and lines, while salicylic is for spotty breakouts. Glycolic does what those dreadful gritty scrubs we all used to use did but in a gentler to the skin barrier way. Salicylic goes into the skin and slurps out the oil and imperfections. (iyswim!)
I can't recommend Nadine Baggott videos enough- in all she recommends only 5 things
Vit C serum (this is THE product imo, the thing that makes the most difference to my skin)
SPF 50
Moisturizer/Hyaluronic acid
Retinol
Cleanser

If you want to add other actives like acids, fine. But those are the 5 biggies.

For spots add salicylic and azelaic acid to your routine, I really like Skintheory ones.

I like a witch Hazel or vitamin C toner but my 'can't do without' cream is this very affordable derma collagen filler which I use as a full face cream, you don't need much. It is a must for me. www.ebay.co.uk/itm/133346384438

theordinary.deciem.com/gb/theordinary_regimenguide.html

I can't recommend The Ordinary products enough. There are some guides on this website and a regimen builder to help you work out what to try.

If you google you should be able to find a table showing you which ordinary products shouldn't be used together, but that just means at the same time so you could use one in the morning and a different one in the evening if you find products recommended that 'clash'.

For example I use:
A gentle refreshing toner from ESPA in the morning followed by The Ordinary Buffet & Hyaluronic Acid serums, then a Vichy anti ageing factor 50 spf.
In the evening I use The Ordinary 7% glycolic acid toner (strongest I've found easily available) followed by the hyaluronic acid & ascorbic acid 8% + alpha arbutin, then the Indeed retinol reface.

I use The Ordinary AHA & BHA peeling solution once or twice a week in place of the glycolic acid toner - fab product, and St Ives Apricot scrub some weeks in place of the peeling solution as it's great at getting rid of any flaky under-mask skin.

My regime is for hyperpigmentation & signs of ageing so you may find other products recommended for your issues, but none of what I use is particularly expensive and my skin has never been better.

Be wary of over exfoliating- it's easy when you're adding in other products not to realise but the glycolic toner is a chemical exfoliant and if you add a scrub and / or a peel, you don't want to be using them all on the same day as you'll strip your poor skin.

@Geamhradh

If you're happy with what glycolic has done, then why drop it? I use glycolic on alternate nights with retinol on the other. Glycolic remember works completely differently to salicylic- one is for ageing and lines, while salicylic is for spotty breakouts. Glycolic does what those dreadful gritty scrubs we all used to use did but in a gentler to the skin barrier way. Salicylic goes into the skin and slurps out the oil and imperfections. (iyswim!) I can't recommend Nadine Baggott videos enough- in all she recommends only 5 things Vit C serum (this is THE product imo, the thing that makes the most difference to my skin) SPF 50 Moisturizer/Hyaluronic acid Retinol Cleanser

If you want to add other actives like acids, fine. But those are the 5 biggies.

Which Vit C serum pls? Another person overwhelmed by the choice!

Obagi Nuderm. Nothing comes close

I use different acids on a sort of rotation basis - salcylic, glycolic, lactic

I really like The Inkey List retinol - it is way gentler than others I have tried and really inexpensive

I am currently using The Ordinary lactic acid but really enjoyed the Superdrug Me+ one

For Glycolic I think my favourite one is from The Ordinary - but I might give Paula's Choice one a go one day!

I currently use Salyclic Acid in a face wash form but actually my fave HG one is the Loreal Age Perfect smoothing cleanser

I bought Creightons Salicylic Acid and white clay foaming cleanser from Home Bargains for DS3s teenage skin but tried it myself and its improved my skin feel and texture and its only £1.99!

Stick with the glycolic, it’s much better for your skin than a physical scrub. I’m 41, I alternate glycolic and lactic acid daily. Followed with hyaluronic acid,vittamin c serum, moisturisers then spf. I started with The ordinary range. I now use mainly Sunday Riley. I use retinol in the evening, have a look at skin and me or dermatica for retinol. It’s worth looking at Caroline Hirons and Cassandra Bankson on YouTube too.