Combining Skincare Ingredients:

Get Results, Not Reactions

One of the most asked questions is what can I use together and what can I not? Navigating skincare can feel like trying to solve a puzzle, especially when it comes to figuring out which ingredients work well together. With so many options available, it's easy to feel overwhelmed. But don't worry - I'm here to help simplify it for you. Understanding how different ingredients interact is the key to getting the best results from your skincare routine, without accidentally causing irritation or wasting your products.

In this post we'll break down some ingredient parings that can make a big difference for your skin, as well as some combinations that could cause more harm than good. Quick Note: When I say some ingredients shouldn't be mixed, it's not because they are "bad". It's usually because they can be irritating when used together. or one might cancel out the benefits of the other. You can use these products but split them up use one in the AM while you use the other at night or on separate days.

Let's dive into what benefits each other, what doesn't, and how to find that balance for your skin!

Why Does It Matter Which Ingredients You Combine?

Before we get into the specifics of what to pair and what to avoid, let's talk about why this even matters. Ingredients in skincare can interact with each other in ways that either boost their effectiveness or lead to irritation. For example, when you combine vitamin C with ferulic acid, it stabilizes the vitamin c, making it last longer and work harder to protect your skin. But if you pair retinol with benzol peroxide, they can cancel each other out or even cause more irritation.

knowing what works well together can help you maximize results while avoiding skin drama.

Here Are Some Combinations That Benefit Each other:

• Antioxidants and Sunscreen: This is one of my favorite pairings, for I am a huge fan of antioxidants and SPF! Pairing antioxidants with sunscreen is a great way to supercharge your sun protection. Antioxidants like vitamin C or E neutralize free radicals that sneak through even the best sunscreens, giving your skin extra defense against sun damage and aging.

  To do this apply an antioxidant-rich serum (like a vitamin C serum) before your sunscreen in the AM. This combination will not only shield your skin from from the sun but also helps repair damage that might have already occurred.

• Vitamin C and Ferulic Acid: This is a classic combination for good reasons. Ferulic acid is known to stabilize vitamin C and enhance its ability to protect the skin from environmental stressors. Together, they reduce fine lines, fight hyperpigmentation, and keep your skin looking youthful. You can layer these or find products that already combine them.

• Hyaluronic Acid and Vitamin C: Vitamin C brightens the skin and boosts collagen, while hyaluronic acid keeps your skin hydrated by holding onto moisture. When used together, Hyaluronic acid enhances the effectiveness of vitamin C, helping your skin look plump and radiant. For this I recommend using a vitamin C serum and then using a moisturizer that contains hyaluronic acid.

• Niacinamide and Retinol: Niacinamide is such a great and versatile ingredient. And that's why it pairs well with many others. One ingredient I love pairing with niacinamide is retinol. Niacinamide helps calm the skin and supports the skin barrier, while retinol works its magic on fine lines, wrinkles, and texture. Together, they create a powerful duo that minimizes irritation and helps you get all the benefits of retinol without the usual dryness or sensitivity. You can find a moisturizer that contains niacinamide to layer on after you've applied your retinol serum.

• Retinol and Peptides: These two ingredients work beautifully together. Together they boost the anti-aging benefits while helping minimize any irritation from retinoids. Peptides are little chains of amino acids that encourage your skin to produce more collagen, which means firmer, plumper skin. They're also super hydrating and calming, helping to reduce redness and strengthen your skin barrier. When paired together, peptides help smooth and firm up your skin, while keeping things balanced and hydrated. Using a peptide rich moisturizer over your retinoid serum is a great combination.

Here Are Some Combinations That Don't Work So Well ( or Should Be Used Carefully):

• AHAs/ BHAs and Retinoids: Combining these exfoliants with retinoids can be to much for the skin to handle for most skin types. yes, both of these accelerate skin turnover, but using them together can lead to over-exfoliation, which leads to a weakened skin barrier and causes irritation and redness and even peeling. You can use both of these ingredients, I would just recommend alternating the nights you use them. You only need to use AHA/BHAs a couple nights a week and on those nights skip your retinoid so as not to overwhelm your skin.

• Retinol and Vitamin C: I am a huge fan of both of these and use them in my own routine. They don't always play nice together though when used at the same time. Both can be pottant, and when combined, they increase irritation, especially for those with sensitive skin. These two ingredients can be used everyday, just not at the same time. To keep things simple, and avoid irritation, use vitamin C in the AM and retinoids at night.

• Benzol Peroxide and retinoids or vitamin C: Benzol peroxide can decrease the effectiveness of both vitamin C and retinoids. It also increases the risk of irritation, especially for those with acne-prone skin. To use both of these products and avoid potential irritation, use Benzol peroxide in the Am and retinoids at night. You can also alternate days when you use them.

• Two products with the same actives: When it comes to skincare, more isn't always better. Sometimes people don't realize that using multiple products with the same active ingredient can overwhelm your skin, leading to irritation, dryness, flaking, or making your skin more sensitive to sun and environmental damage. It's good to be aware of the products your choosing and when introducing a new product, take it slow. Gradually increasing your usage. Sometimes, less is more.

Why Some Combinations Aren't "Bad", But Tricky

A lot of the time, when we say not to combine certain ingredients, it's because they can irritate the skin, not because the ingredients are harmful. For example, combining vitamin c/retinoids with benzol peroxide might not harm your skin, but will reduce their effectiveness. Similarly, using multiple exfoliating ingredients at once can over whelm your skin, even if each one is great on its own.

The goal is to maximize the benefits of your skincare routine without causing irritation or reducing the power of your products. It's all about finding balance and what works best for your skin.

At the end of the day, knowing how to combine your skincare ingredients and listening to your skin can make all the difference. By layering products thoughtfully, you can get the most out of your routine while keeping your skin happy and healthy!

when it comes to combing ingredients you don't need to over think it just know a few key combinations and listen to your skin! If you have any questions, remember I'm always here to help! So don't hesitate to reach out and ask away!

-Becca xx