Glycolic acid, lactic acid and vitamin A all turn up in conversations about smoother-looking skin, so it's easy to assume they do the same thing, or that using them together will double the effect. They don't work the same way, and layering them on the same evening is one of the most common reasons people end up with tight, irritated skin. Here's an honest look at what each one does, and how the A313 Anti-Wrinkle Moisturizing Face Cream can sit alongside an AHA product.
What AHAs do
Alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) are water-soluble acids that work on the very surface of the skin. They loosen the bonds between dead cells in the outermost layer so those cells shed more easily. Glycolic acid has the smallest molecule and tends to feel the most active; lactic acid is larger, is often described as gentler, and also helps the skin hold on to moisture. Mandelic acid, a larger AHA again, is sometimes chosen for sensitive skin.
Because AHAs work on the surface, many people notice fairly quickly that their skin feels smoother and looks fresher. They come as toners, serums, pads and peels, in strengths that vary widely: both the percentage and the product's pH affect how strong it feels. AHAs also increase sun sensitivity, so daily SPF matters while you use them.
What vitamin A does
Vitamin A works differently. Rather than loosening the surface, vitamin-A ingredients are used to support the skin's own renewal process over time. That's why vitamin-A skincare is usually associated with longer-term care for fine lines, texture and an uneven-looking surface, and why changes, if you notice them, tend to come over weeks to months rather than days. There can be an adjustment period at first, with some dryness, flaking or tingling. Vitamin A is generally used in the evening, with SPF during the day.
The A313 Anti-Wrinkle Moisturizing Face Cream combines vitamin A with a moisturizing cream base, so it is designed as the last step of an evening routine rather than as a stand-alone active.
Side by side
- How they work: AHAs exfoliate the surface; vitamin A supports the skin's natural renewal.
- Pace: AHAs are often noticed sooner as surface smoothness; vitamin A is a longer-term habit.
- Format: AHAs usually come as toners, serums or pads; the A313 Anti-Wrinkle Cream is a moisturizing cream.
- Sun: both call for daily SPF.
- Irritation: both can cause dryness or stinging, and the risk adds up when they're layered.
Can you use both? Yes, just not on the same night
Plenty of people use an AHA and vitamin A in the same routine. The key is to keep them apart. Applying an exfoliating acid and a vitamin-A product on the same evening raises the chance of redness, stinging and a weakened skin barrier, especially in the first months. A simple alternating schedule avoids most of that: AHA on one evening, vitamin A on another, and a plain-moisturizer rest evening in between.
How to use the A313 Anti-Wrinkle Cream alongside an AHA
- Start with one. If both are new to you, use the A313 cream on its own for 3–4 weeks before adding an AHA (or the other way round), so you know what your skin is reacting to.
- Alternate evenings. For example: Monday AHA, Tuesday rest, Wednesday A313, Thursday rest, Friday A313. Adjust to how your skin feels.
- One pump is enough. On A313 evenings, apply it to clean, completely dry skin, avoiding the eye area and the corners of the nose and mouth.
- Skip both if your skin feels tight, stings when you apply a plain moisturizer, or looks red. Give it a few rest evenings.
- No strong peels while your skin is still getting used to vitamin A, and pause vitamin A for a few days before and after a professional peel.
- Wear SPF every morning, all year round.
When to ask for advice
Check with a pharmacist or skincare professional before combining exfoliating acids and vitamin A if you have sensitive or reactive skin, eczema, rosacea, or broken or sunburnt skin. The same applies if you are pregnant, trying to conceive or breastfeeding, or if you use other prescribed skin treatments, including prescription retinoids. Stop using both and ask for advice if you notice persistent redness, swelling or burning.
AHAs and vitamin A aren't rivals: they do different jobs. Used on separate evenings, with patience and daily sun protection, they can sit comfortably in the same routine.
