The Regimen

Alpha Hydroxy Acids + Retinoids: A Powerhouse Duo of Renewal

In recent years, the power duo of AHAs and retinoids has become a trend in skincare formulation. However, the origins of this innovative pairing can be traced to the pioneering work of Dr. Fulton.

Following his extensive research with retinoic acid and the development of Retin-A® for acne and photoaging, Dr. Fulton explored the benefits of combining alpha hydroxy acids with retinoids for enhanced performance. two powerhouse ingredients that work synergistically to enhance product performance, improve skin texture and tone, and supercharge results. His groundbreaking work leveraged the synergistic action of the two actives, ushering in a new era of advanced skincare.

What makes AHAs and retinoids such a great pair?

Alpha hydroxy acids and retinoids are powerhouse ingredients with complementary benefits. When used together, they work synergistically to comprehensively address a range of skin concerns and promote overall skin health.

Benefits of combining AHAs and retinoids:

1. Enhanced Exfoliation

Both AHAs and retinoids are exfoliating agents that promote the shedding of dead skin cells, revealing fresher, smoother skin underneath. AHAs, like glycolic acid, work on the skin's surface to loosen and remove dead skin cells, while retinoids encourage cellular turnover within the skin layers. When used together, they provide a more comprehensive exfoliation, resulting in improved skin texture and radiance.

2. Improved Skin Tone and Clarity

AHAs, such as glycolic and clinical mandelic acid, can help fade hyperpigmentation, uneven skin tone, and sunspots. Retinoids reduce the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and acne scars. In combination, these ingredients target multiple aspects of skin tone and clarity, resulting in a more even complexion.

3. Boosted Collagen Production

Retinoids are well-known for their ability to stimulate collagen production, which is essential for maintaining skin firmness and elasticity. Combining retinoids with AHAs can amplify collagen synthesis, leading to firmer and plumper skin.

4. Reduced Acne and Breakouts

AHAs unclog pores and prevent the formation of pimples by dissolving dead cells on the skin's surface. Retinoids work deep within the pores to accelerate cell turnover and disrupt the initial stages of acne development. Using both ingredients together shortens the acne cycle to speed clearing.

5. Enhanced Penetration of Ingredients

AHAs, with their exfoliating properties, clear dead cells from the skin’s surface, allowing other skincare ingredients, including retinoids, to penetrate more effectively, leading to better and faster results.

6. Supercharge an Ageless Regimen

The combination of improved skin texture, reduced hyperpigmentation, increased collagen production, and reduced fine lines makes the combination of AHAs and retinoids an excellent option for a comprehensive ageless skincare routine.

Keep in mind that both AHAs and retinoids are active ingredients that wake up cell function, accelerating processes like cell turnover, which can result in some flaking or mild redness as the skin adjusts. This is known as acclimation, a kind of “getting to know you phase” for your skin and new products.

If you’ve never experienced acclimation before, it’s because not all skincare products stimulate the cellular changes that lead to an acclimation phase. Dermatological skincare is active therapy that creates changes in the skin to improve tone and texture.