Beauty

Common Misconceptions About Skincare Product Combinations: What Not to Do for Healthy, Glowing Skin.

Skincare is an essential part of any beauty regimen, and using the right combination of skincare products can work wonders for your complexion. However, it's important to note that not all skincare products play nicely together. Some combinations can be downright detrimental to your skin.

Administrator

28 August, 2024

Combining different skincare products without understanding how each one works can lead to skin irritation and unforeseen consequences. Here are some common mistakes to avoid when using skincare products:

1. Retinol

Retinol, also known as vitamin A, is a powerful ingredient recommended by dermatologists for improving skin aging, wrinkles, brown spots, and promoting skin cell regeneration.

Retinol works best when combined with moisturizing products containing hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, and ceramides. This helps lock in moisture, protect the skin from sun damage, and reduce the risk of skin cancer and sunburn.

However, it is important to avoid combining retinol with vitamin C, benzoyl peroxide, or AHA and BHA. The exfoliating properties of AHA and BHA can cause dryness or irritation when used with retinol. Benzoyl peroxide, on the other hand, may neutralize the effects of retinol, reducing its effectiveness. Vitamin C and retinol are best used at different times of the day as they have different functions: vitamin C protects the skin, while retinol promotes cell turnover.

Do not combine retinol with vitamin C, benzoyl peroxide, AHA, or BHA

2. Vitamin C

According to Dr. Marchbein, vitamin C protects the skin from free radicals, brightens the complexion, reduces dark spots, and smoothes the skin. Combining vitamin C with antioxidants like niacinamide and SPF enhances the skin’s defense against environmental and internal aggressors while nourishing the deeper layers of the epidermis.

However, it is important not to mix vitamin C with retinol as it may diminish their individual benefits when applied together.

Do not combine vitamin C with retinol

3. AHA or BHA

AHA (alpha-hydroxy acids) include glycolic acid, lactic acid, malic acid, and citric acid. They hydrate the skin, protect and improve the thickness of the epidermis, and increase skin elasticity. BHA (beta-hydroxy acid), specifically salicylic acid, controls excess oil, unclogs pores, reduces inflammation, and fades acne scars.

AHA or BHA work well with moisturizing ingredients such as ceramides, hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, and SPF. This combination helps unclog pores, soothe the skin, exfoliate, and enhance sun protection.

However, it is important to avoid using retinol with AHA or BHA, especially for acne treatment or anti-aging purposes, as it may cause skin redness or irritation. Additionally, do not use AHA or BHA with retinol or other exfoliating acids on the same day to prevent skin irritation or sensitivity.

Do not use AHA or BHA with retinol

4. Benzoyl Peroxide

Benzoyl peroxide is particularly effective in treating acne and inflamed blemishes. It delivers oxygen to the pores and kills acne-causing bacteria.

Benzoyl peroxide can be combined with moisturizing ingredients, the antibiotic clindamycin, and SPF to enhance the treatment of acne, deeply hydrate the skin, and improve sun protection.

However, it should not be used with retinol or tretinoin. Benzoyl peroxide and retinol may neutralize each other’s effects, reducing their acne-fighting capabilities. It is recommended to use tretinoin and benzoyl peroxide at different times of the day, such as tretinoin in the evening and benzoyl peroxide in the morning.

Do not use benzoyl peroxide with retinol and tretinoin

5. Niacinamide

Niacinamide, a form of vitamin B3, is a non-irritating ingredient found in many skincare products today. It strengthens the skin barrier, repairs sun damage, provides long-lasting hydration, combats aging, and prevents bacterial and dirt buildup on the skin.

However, niacinamide should not be combined with vitamin C as they may cancel out each other’s effectiveness. It is recommended to use them at least 10 minutes apart to ensure the optimal benefits of each skincare product.

Do not combine niacinamide with vitamin C

6. Sunscreen with SPF

Many skincare products now include SPF, which enhances sun protection and shields the skin from UVB rays that can cause skin cancer.

However, it is important not to use SPF-containing skincare products or sunscreen with your moisturizer and makeup as this may lead to product overlap and reduce their individual effectiveness. Instead, apply a single layer of sunscreen to seal in your previous skincare steps.

Do not use SPF-containing skincare or sunscreen with moisturizer and makeup

These are some common mistakes to avoid when combining skincare products. Knowing how to properly combine skincare products will help improve your skin’s condition and promote a healthier, more radiant complexion.

Frequently asked questions

One common misconception is that using multiple products with different active ingredients will lead to better results. In reality, combining certain ingredients can render them ineffective or even cause irritation. Another misconception is that using a higher concentration of a particular ingredient will yield faster or better results, when in fact, this can lead to skin sensitization and adverse reactions.

No, it is not advisable to use retinol and vitamin C together. Retinol is a derivative of vitamin A and is highly effective in promoting cell turnover and collagen production. However, it is sensitive to oxidation and can break down when exposed to vitamin C (ascorbic acid), rendering both ingredients ineffective. It is recommended to use retinol at night and vitamin C in the morning, or alternate days or times when using them.

Yes, combining niacinamide with vitamin C may lead to a decrease in the effectiveness of both ingredients. Niacinamide has a higher pH level, which can cause vitamin C to turn into skin-irritating acid. It is best to use these ingredients at different times of the day or on alternate days to reap their individual benefits.

Hyaluronic acid is generally well-tolerated and can be combined with most ingredients. However, it is important to avoid using hyaluronic acid with alcohol or exfoliants, as they can reduce its hydrating effects. Alcohol can dry out the skin, and exfoliants can compromise the skin’s barrier, leading to moisture loss.

When combining acids, it is crucial to introduce them gradually into your routine and always perform a patch test to ensure your skin can tolerate them. Start by using the acids on alternate days or nights, and gradually increase the frequency as your skin adjusts. Additionally, opt for formulas that contain a balanced pH level to minimize potential irritation.