From Niacinamide To Vitamin C, Find Out All The Active Ingredients You Can Use Together

It's skincare'o time!

Do you want to know what active ingredients to use together? Well, you’ve come to the right place. As a skincare enthusiast, I’ve got all the tea on what works and what doesn’t when it comes to combining active ingredients in your routine. But let me tell you, it’s not just about throwing together a bunch of trendy products and hoping for the best. You’ve got to know what you’re doing, or you could end up doing some serious damage to your precious skin.

So, let’s start with the basics. Active ingredients are the powerhouse ingredients in your skincare products that do the heavy lifting when it comes to targeting specific skin concerns. These can include things like alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs), beta hydroxy acids (BHAs), retinoids, vitamin C, and more. Each active ingredient has its own set of benefits and potential drawbacks, so it’s important to understand how they work before you start layering them on your face.

1. First Up, Let’s Talk About AHAs And BHAs

These are both exfoliating acids that help to slough off dead skin cells and reveal brighter, smoother skin. AHAs are water-soluble and work on the surface of the skin, while BHAs are oil-soluble and can penetrate deeper into the pores. You can absolutely use these two types of acids together, but it’s important to start slowly and monitor how your skin reacts. Over-exfoliation can lead to dryness, redness, and even breakouts, so be gentle and listen to your skin.

Also Read: 7 K-Beauty Skincare Ingredients That Demand Your Attention

2. Next, Let’s Chat About Retinoids

These are a powerhouse ingredient when it comes to fighting fine lines, wrinkles, and other signs of ageing. However, they can also be quite harsh on the skin, so it’s important to use them correctly. Retinoids should generally be used at night, and it’s important to start with a low concentration and gradually work your way up. If you’re already using a retinoid, you can absolutely pair it with other active ingredients, but again, be mindful of how your skin is reacting.

3. Finally, Let’s Talk About Vitamin C

This powerful antioxidant can help to brighten the skin, reduce hyperpigmentation, and even out skin tone. It’s generally safe to use with other active ingredients, but there are a few things to keep in mind. First, make sure you’re using a stable form of vitamin C that won’t break down when exposed to light and air. Second, vitamin C can be quite acidic, so be mindful of how you’re layering it with other acids. You don’t want to overload your skin and cause irritation.

Now, Let’s Talk About What Not To Use Together

1. One of the biggest no-nos is combining vitamin C and retinoids. These two ingredients can cancel each other out, making them less effective when used together. It’s best to use them on different days or at different times of the day to get the most out of each ingredient.

2. Both Benzoyl Peroxide and AHAs are used to treat acne and other skin blemishes. However, when used together, they can cause excessive dryness, redness, and irritation. It’s best to use one product at a time and alternate their usage.

3. Retinol and AHAs/BHAs are potent ingredients used for anti-ageing and treating acne, respectively. However, using them together can be too harsh for the skin and can cause excessive dryness and irritation. It’s best to use them separately and at different times of the day.

Also Read: Is Hyaluronic Acid Drying Your Skin? 4 Alternative Skincare Ingredients You Can Try

So, what’s the bottom line? When it comes to combining active ingredients, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. It really depends on your skin type, concerns, and the specific products you’re using. However, as a general rule, it’s important to start slowly, pay attention to how your skin is reacting, and be careful not to overload your skin with too many products at once. If you’re unsure about what active ingredients to use together, consult with a skincare professional who can guide you in the right direction. 

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