For the month of love, we’re exploring power ingredient pairs that are a match made in skincare heaven. One of the key parts of creating an effective skincare routine is making sure that the products you use don’t counteract each other, but rather work together to achieve the goal of a flawless and glowing complexion.
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Knowing what ingredients can be used together is important, this fusion can boost the formula’s efficacy, leaving you with smoother, brighter, and healthier skin. However, some active ingredient combinations should be totally avoided! Here’s what you need to know about some of the most potent skincare ingredient pairings.
skincare ingredients that work better together
niacinamide and salicylic acid
Vitamin B3 (also known as niacinamide) when combined with Salicylic acid, the pair work together as a super source of nourishment. Niacinamide, works to treat hyperpigmentation and is an anti-ageing agent, while Salicylic acid is a powerful exfoliant. Together, they solve a wide range of skin problems, such as reducing skin pore size, fights the signs of ageing and prevents acne breakouts. The pair are also hydrating and soothing for the skin.
vitamin c and vitamin e
Vitamin C is an essential nutrient for growth and development, it helps to build your skin’s collagen layer and is a powerful antioxidant. Vitamin E is a fat-soluble antioxidant and is found in the outer layer of your skin.
Vitamin C increases skin brightness and delivers stable antioxidant activity, while vitamin E is a hydrating and skin-comforting antioxidant. When it comes to teaming Vitamin C & E up, you can expect the duo to have anti-aging benefits, as well protecting your skin against free radicals.
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retinol & hyaluronic acid
A common power pair, but one that can’t be forgotten, as these two ingredients are commonly used together for healthy skin. Retinol speeds up the cellular turnover of your skin and stimulates collagen production, while Hyaluronic acid works as a hydrating agent to plump the skin.
which skincare ingredient combinations to avoid?
Welcome to skincare mixology 101. Second to picking products and formulas for your skin type and issues, it’s important that all the products in your routine complement one another and best support the skin. Below are two ingredient pairs to avoid.
retinoids with aha and bha acids
This combination may result in over-exfoliation of the skin if you suffer from overly sensitive or inflamed skin. It can lead to skin irritation, sensitivity, and redness if your skincare routine already includes retinol, and you suffer from sensitive or inflamed skin.
glycolic acid, salicylic acid & lactic acid
Using too many acids together could strip off the natural facial oil and make your skin dry, it can also damage the skin barrier.
tips and precautions
A patch test is mandatory while experimenting with active ingredients, Dr. Alek Nikolic recommends that you introduce new active products slowly into your skin care regime. Knowing your skin type before you buy any active ingredient products, is helpful as your skin may not find every combination of ingredients comforting. Lastly, always remember to apply an SPF of 30 or higher during the day.