Although you may prefer to apply all your favorite skincare products on your skin at the same time, not all ingredients are suitable for mixing. But which ingredients are better kept apart during your skincare routine? We have selected and listed it for you!
Vitamin C + niacinamide
The popular vitamin C is amazing, but unfortunately cannot be combined with all ingredients. For example, you should be careful in combination with niacinamide, also known as vitamin B3. The combo vitamin C and niacinamide is included in our Vitamin C Serum, but this is exactly the right ratio of both ingredients. Therefore this is not a problem and they only reinforce each other. If you mix a product containing niacinamide with the serum, the ratio will become unbalanced and you run the risk of an adverse result, such as pimples. If two (or more) separate products from your skincare routine contain these ingredients, then wait at least 10 minutes between applying the products.
Vitamin C + AHAs and BHAs
Vitamin C is a difficult diva, because it also does not go well with AHAs and BHAs. You should especially think of acids, such as salicylic acid and lactic acid, which should never be mixed with a vitamin C. By mixing these ingredients together, the pH balance of the skin will be disturbed. This can cause your skin to be more sensitive or your skin concerns becoming even worse, which is absolutely not what we want. What you could do for example, is using the Vitamin C Serum in the morning and a product with AHAs in the evening. This way, you can take advantage of both ingredients without mixing them.
Vitamin C + retinol
The combination of vitamin C and retinol, it is also better left behind. These are both active ingredients. As a result, mixing these two ingredients can actually cause more irritation. Vitamin C is a skin protective ingredient, so it is best to use it in the morning. Retinol, on the other hand, is activated by sunlight. It is therefore most convenient to use this product before going to sleep.
Retinol + AHAs and BHAs
We already talked about these ingredients combined with vitamin C, but retinol and AHAs & BHAs should not be used together. Both ingredients thoroughly exfoliate the skin and that's great when used individually, but together it becomes too much. This can make your skin dry and irritated. Make sure you combine both (individually of course) with an SPF when you use them during the day. It is important to protect your skin against, among other things, the sun and blue light when you have used an exfoliant.
Niacinamide + AHAs and BHAs
The use of niacinamide in combination with AHAs and BHAs is one that we prefer to avoid. This reduces the effectiveness of both ingredients and can even cause redness of the skin. This has everything to do with the pH values of the products, which clash with each other. The pH of niacinamide is around 5-7 and that of acids such as AHAs and BHAs is around 3-4. As a result, the effectiveness of the ingredient with lower pH values is lost. Separately, these products are very nice for acne-prone or aging skin. So you can certainly continue to use them, but not at the same time.
Oil + water
Finally, one that most of us know, namely; combining oil and water on your skin is not a good idea. We all know what happens when you put oil in a cup of water: it floats. The same process basically takes place on the skin. So it's best to choose between using either oil-based products or water-based products. If just two of your faves are an oil and a water product, it is best to use the water-based product first and then apply the oil-based product over it. This way you prevent an oily layer remaining on your skin after applying your products.
Did you already know? Or are you on your way to check the ingredients in your skincare routine right now?
