Glycolic Acid vs Retinol

Glycolic Acid vs. Retinol: Discover the Ultimate Anti-Aging Skincare Solution with Metrin’s Accelerated Performance System

Rejuvenate your Skin: Accelerating Skin Cell Turnover 

Are your wrinkles and fine lines becoming more visible? 
Tired of dull skin, uneven tone, texture and stubborn signs of aging?  
Glycolic Acid vs. Retinol for Anti-Aging.

Discover the Metrin Accelerated Performance System—a powerful, all-in-one exfoliating and hydrating duo featuring Glycolic Acid (AHA), designed to reveal a brighter, more youthful complexion. If you’ve been exploring Glycolic Acid, Retinol, tretinoin, or other anti-aging solutions, this is the proven, painless, safe, effective and easy to use skincare treatment to meet your skincare needs. 

What is the Accelerated Performance System? 

Our innovative, esthetician recommended  system combines the deep exfoliating power of Glycolic Acid (AHA) and a rejuvenating, healing hydrating serum, delivering professional-level exfoliation, hydration, and nutrients right at your fingertips. Whether you’re new to skincare or a seasoned enthusiast, this system is perfect for tackling dullness, wrinkles, hyperpigmentation, and uneven skin tone. 

Why Choose the Accelerated Performance System? 

Glycolic Acid vs Retinol for antiaging

Experience the Power of Glycolic Acid 

Glycolic Acid is known as the most effective Alpha Hydroxy Acid (AHA) due to its ability to deeply penetrate the skin, making it ideal for exfoliating dead skin cells, stimulating cell renewal, and boosting collagen production. Metrin’s Revitalizing Glycolic Acid boasts a high level of excellent quality Glycolic Acid, initiating intensive deep exfoliation and cell renewal. 

Say goodbye to dull skin and hello to a brighter, smoother complexion.  

Glycolic acid vs Retinol for antiaging

Deep Hydration with Reactivating Serum

Our serum is infused with aloe vera, gentle glycerin, and herbal extracts like Arnica, Chamomile, and Yarrow, to soothe the skin while enhancing the benefits of Glycolic Acid. Experience intense hydration that leaves your skin feeling revitalized. The Reactivating Serum is an imperative step of the Accelerated Performance System. It moisturizes, heals, sooths and calms, which allows for you to experience a deep exfoliation without purging, redness or burning. These symptoms are often seen as a side effect from lesser products’ poor quality, or poor balance of, exfoliating ingredients, and lack of follow up hydration. Avoid skin purging, redness, and burning by using the esthetician’s recommended Accelerated Performance System. 

Glycolic Acid vs. Retinol: Which is Right for You? 

Glycolic Acid and Retinol are two powerhouse ingredients in anti-aging skincare, but they work in different ways. 

Here’s how they compare and why Glycolic Acid might be your go-to choice for deep exfoliation and skin renewal treatments: 

Benefits of Glycolic Acid

  • Immediate Exfoliation: Works on contact to remove dead skin cells, revealing smoother, glowing skin. 
  • Boosts Collagen: Stimulates collagen production to reduce fine lines and wrinkles. 
  • Suitable for All Skin Types: Less likely to cause irritation compared to Retinol, making it safe for sensitive skin. 
  • Combats Hyperpigmentation: Helps fade dark spots, age spots, acne scars, and uneven skin tone. 

Benefits of Retinol

  • Targets Fine Lines: Retinol works over time to stimulate cell turnover and improve skin texture. 
  • Reduces Blemishes: Known for its effectiveness in reducing acne and refining pores. 

Why Choose Glycolic Acid for overnight deep exfoliation treatments? 

Glycolic Acid offers faster, visible results with exfoliation and hydration benefits all in one. While Retinol can be highly effective, Glycolic Acid provides an instant glow without the wait, and it’s gentler on your skin. Experience the best of both worlds with Metrin’s Accelerated Performance System, which prioritizes Glycolic Acid for immediate rejuvenation. 

(Our daily use skin care products such as #3 Vita Conditioner and #5 Enriched Vita Conditioner contain Vitamin A/ retinol. This way you can provide your skin daily with this powerful anti-ageing skin care ingredient which works over time without over-exposing your skin to it causing unwanted skin burning or purging, and still access the immediate glow that only a well formulated glycolic acid can offer with the Accelerated Performance System.) 

Essentially when it comes to Glycolic Acid vs. Retinol for Anti-Aging, while they are both incredible ingredients not to be left out of your skin care routine, they both have their time and their place. For an immediate glow and long lasting antiaging effects, glycolic acid as an overnight treatment is the way to go. As a small dose daily use ingredient, retinol is perfect. As retinol works over time and can cause irritation, to get its best effects without skin purging, irritation or burning, look for moisturizers with retinol/ vitamin A in the ingredients. This will provide your skin with smaller doses of vitamin A/ retinol that your skin can absorb without irritating it, allowing it to reap its long term benefits of antiaging.

The Benefits of Glycolic Acid You’ll Love 

  • Brightens Dull Skin: Revitalize tired-looking skin with our potent exfoliating treatment. Your skin will glow more than you thought it could.  
  • Reduces Wrinkles & Fine Lines: Helps minimize the appearance of aging signs with every use. 
  • Fades Dark Spots & Scars: Targets hyperpigmentation, age/ sun spots, acne scars, and uneven tone for a more radiant look. 
  • Removes Dead Skin Cells: Sloughs off any and all dead skin cells, revealing smooth skin clear of texture and preventing clogged pores (which can cause acne/ pimples). 
  • Minimizes Pores: Keeps pores clear and refined, promoting a smoother texture. 
  • Gentle & Effective for All Skin Types: Safe for both men and women, our system is dye-free, gluten-free, cruelty-free, and vegan. 

While both are excellent for anti-aging, Glycolic Acid offers quicker results and can be less irritating, making it a great option for those seeking immediate exfoliation and brightness. 

Yes, but alternate their use to avoid irritation. Glycolic Acid can be used at night for exfoliation, while Retinol is best used in small doses daily (ideally as an ingredient in a moisturizer). 
Tip: Its best to use exfoliation treatments at night, when your skin does most of its exfoliation and renewal process and to avoid UV exposure during deep exfoliation treatment.  

Both can cause mild skin purging initially, but Glycolic Acid is generally more tolerable. Always follow with a deeply hydrating serum, and make sure to use sunscreen. 

How to Use for Maximum Results 

Revitalizing Glycolic Acid:
Apply this exfoliating treatment one to three times per week, at night, to clean skin before bed (double cleanse with Metrin’s Double Cleansing Duo to ensure fully cleansed skin) to dissolve dead cells and promote cell renewal. 
Gently smooth onto areas to be treated (do not massage) and leave on overnight.
This product may also be applied directly to blemishes, insect bite scars to help exfoliate and encourage skin renewal.

Reactivating Serum:
In the morning, after a night treatment of Revitalizing Glycolic Complex, double cleanse the skin again with Metrin’s Double Cleansing Duo. Gently smooth a liberal amount of Reactivating Serum to the face and neck. Enjoy as it cools, sooths and hydrates. (Optional: Follow with the final steps of the Metrin® Skincare System for maximum skin nourishment and hydration!)
This product is particularly effective in sealing in hydration and as an eye serum applied under the eyes to hydrate and de-puff the under-eye area, as it contains powerful anti-inflammatory ingredients.

Real Results from Real People 

“I really love this system, the glycolic complex is fantastic for sunspots and dark spots on my face and arms! Its cleared up all discoloration. I will be repurchasing.” 
-Fran C.

“What I like most about the APS is how easy it is to use in order to get the great results that I get from a fruit acid peel at the esthetician’s office. I love how soft my skin looks and feels. 
It makes my skin cleaner, clearer, brighter and my pores tighten up beautifully. 
The Metrin Skincare System give me a glowing complexion making me look 15 to 20 years younger than others in my age range. It’s kind of fun to have young people think I’m close to their age. The Accelerated Performance System gives a boost to the regular daily Skincare System with amazing results. 
I’m an esthetician and I use and recommend it for my clients as well.” 

-Rae L. 

“Pleasantly surprising!!! This duo has sooo much to offer. My skin simply radiates!!! My skins surface in appearance and to the touch.
This product relaxes fine lines around my cheeks and brow. The bottles look small, but the product goes a long way. I am now a repeat customer. This would make an amazing gift!” 
-Cindy G.

“I have been a Metrin user for 46 years and I can say without a doubt that the Accelerated Performance System has added significantly to my skins appearance – not that it was bad before but now it’s even better. I am 76 years old and am always seen as at least 20 years younger.” 
-Roy G.

“This product is a game changer. I have been using Metrin since the 1989. My skin seems so smooth and even textured. I use it 2 to 3 times a week and have seen great results. I am 63 and constantly get compliments on my skin.” 
-Barbara D.

“I have only used this about 3 times but it feels really good the next day! It does feel a bit like going for a facial and it’s so easy! I definitely recommend” 
-Liv M.

Limited Time offer

Ready to experience glowing, rejuvenated skin?
Use the coupon code 
ACCELERATETODAY
at checkout for a discount
on your first order of the
Accelerated Performance System. 

Note: This offer is only valid for new customers

Learn More About Active Ingredients 

Curious about other active ingredients like Retinol? Dive into our blog to discover the science behind skin care ingredients, like Vitamin C, Vitamin E, Aloe Vera and much more.

Vitamin K cucumber on eye for skin care purpose

Skin Care Benefits of Vitamin K and Treating The Dark Circles Under Your Eyes

Can topical application of Vitamin K on your skin help make the dark circles under your eyes disappear?   The short answer is yes, Vitamin K is an amazing way to prevent and make dark circles under your eyes disappear. Vitamin K is known for the following skin care benefits:   All of which are anti-aging, promoting a smooth…
Woman basking in the sun getting the benefits of vitamin D

Anti-Aging Skin Benefits of Vitamin D 

The sunshine vitamin that helps your skin be at its best.   Vitamin D plays an important role in your health and, in particular, your skin health.    Yes, Vitamin C perhaps may be the most well-known and marketed skin care vitamin, but unlike Vitamin C, Vitamin D plays a foundational role in the health and ageing…

 Vitamin C for the Skin – Its significant skin care benefits and the best way to get it

Vitamin C has tremendous health benefits. The human body cannot produce Vitamin C on its own and as such, it is obtained through food consumption and supplements. In addition to oral consumption of Vitamin C, topical application of the right type of Vitamin C in skin care products has amazing benefits for the skin!  What is Vitamin…
Vitamin C Vitamin E

The Unparalleled Power of Skin Care Synergy:  Vitamin E, Vitamin C, and Amino Acids for Ageless Skin 

SKIN CARE SYNERGY Key ingredients may be good on their own, but they are nothing compared to the powerful synergy  created when quality ingredients are combined and delivered perfectly to the skin. Powerful Skin Care Synergy for Healthy, Glowing, Ageless Skin forever   In the quest for radiant and healthy skin, the combination of powerful ingredients…
Aloe Vera (barbadensis) skincare ingredient

Aloe Vera – The Most Powerful Skin Care Ingredient on Earth

Proven skin care benefits over thousands of years What single plant with centuries of proven skin care effectiveness has multiple natural vitamins and 20 of the 22 amino acids required by humans?  And, not to mention, enzymes, minerals, fatty acids and other natural ingredients beneficial to the skin? It’s the Aloe vera (Aloe barbadensis) plant –…
Woman pinches and pulls at face with hand. Her skin is exfoliated and hydrated because she uses Metrin Accelerated Performance System.

Botanical Extracts for Skin Healing and Renewal after Deep Exfoliation using Retinol or Glycolic Acid 

In addition to daily gentle exfoliation, accelerated or deep exfoliation treatment is an effective way to remove dead skin cells and reveal smoother, brighter-looking skin. However, it’s important to protect the skin after deep exfoliation to avoid irritation and damage, especially when recovering from the use of retinol (which can be more harsh and irritating than…
Woman with Sunflower infront of face, enjoying the benefits of Vitamin E the best Vitamin for skin

Is Vitamin E the Best Vitamin for the Skin

Vitamin E was first discovered in 1922 through plants like nuts, spinach, whole grains, olive oil and the powerhouse of them all, the sunflower oil. There are 8 types of Vitamin E (alpha, beta, gamma, sigma tocopherols and their corresponding tocotrienols), with the gamma tocopherol being most abundant in diet while alpha tocopherol is the most abundant…

5 BEST SKIN NOURISING INGREDIENTS

Vitamins are necessary for your health, but can they also help to make your skin look better? Of course, they can.  But what are the 5 best skin nourishing ingredients?Firstly, let’s talk about the internal body versus the skin. The skin is the largest organ of the body, but unlike internal organs within the body, how…
Pregant Woman

Is Vitamin A, Retinyl Palmitate and Retinol Safe for Pregnant Women? 

Yes, it is safe to use in topical applications on the skin using properly formulated skin care products.   Unlike the liver, the skin doesn’t have the enzymes necessary to convert Vitamin A for transport into the blood stream. That is, Vitamin A, as Retinyl Palmitate used in skin care products should not lead to excess Vitamin…
Get smoother plumper skin faster

IS VITAMIN A THE SAME AS RETINOL?

What is Vitamin A?   A powerful skincare active, retinol—alongside other retinoids, such as retinoic acid and retinyl palmitate—is essentially a form of retinoid, or vitamin A,  which is one of the body’s key nutrients for boosting cell turnover.   Vitamin A is considered to be one of the most proven ingredients in skincare, because it promotes…