Did You Know You Can Mix These Skincare Ingredients?
A persistent skincare routine can give fabulous results, but before you buy different products, you must know which ingredients to use standalone and which can be used together.
A good skincare routine can give a wide range of benefits from diminished signs of ageing to reduced dark spots, fine lines, and wrinkles. But it all boils down to using the right products at the right time and the right combination, otherwise, more harm can be done than good.
In this guide, we tell you which ingredients can be safely mixed together to give you the best skin of your life!
What Skincare Ingredients Should be Mixed?
Can You Use AHA with BHA?
To answer this question, let us find out what AHA and BHA are.
What is AHA?
AHA or Alpha hydroxy acids are weak acids such as glycolic acid, lactic acid, and malic acid. They are beneficial in treating acne, age spots, melasma, etc.
What is BHA?
BHA or beta hydroxy acids include acids like salicylic acid and tropic acid. These are beneficial in reducing fine lines and wrinkles.
Are They Safe to Use together?
Yes. AHA and BHA both work as exfoliants but they have different mechanisms of operation. AHA works on the skin’s surface while BHA penetrates deeper.
According to experts, the benefit of combining both these exfoliants is that they yield fuller-looking skin by making the dermis and epidermis visibly plumper. This is mainly due to increased collagen production.
Can You Use Hyaluronic Acid with BHA’s & AHA’s?
What is Hyaluronic acid?
Hyaluronic acid (HA) is a natural component in human skin. This gel-like component is present in the dermal layers and surrounds the collagen and elastin layers. It has a moisture-binding property that helps keep the skin moisturised and flexible. Hyaluronic acid has the capability to hold almost 1000 times its own weight in water. So, your skin looks more supple, plump, and moisturised. It is one of the best skincare ingredients for hydrated skin.
As explained earlier, AHA and BHA are Alpha and Beta hydroxy acids and they exfoliate dry, dull skin cells to make the skin smoother.
AHA and BHA can be irritating on their own; after all, removing dead, dull, damaged, and dry skin cells is a rough job. So, these ingredients remove the top dead layer of the skin and prepare the underlying layers for the HA. Hyaluronic acid helps add back lost moisture.
Can You Use Vitamin C with SPF?
What is Vitamin C in skincare?
Vitamin C is an anti-ageing ingredient and a wrinkle fighter. It helps in collagen synthesis which is one of the protein building blocks of the skin.
Regular application of Vitamin C can help fade away brown spots. They also lighten acne scars and tanning lines caused by the sun. A broad-spectrum SPF (Sun Protection Factor) can help protect you against UVA and UVB rays of the sun.
According to aesthetician Kim Chang, the use of Vitamin C in the form of ascorbic acid can further protect the skin from the sun damage caused by UV rays. Many sunscreens (even those that promise broad spectrum sun protection) only neutralise 55% of the free radicals caused by sun exposure. But when combined with vitamin C, which neutralises these harmful free radicals, you can amplify your protection against sun exposure.
Can You Use Retinol with Hyaluronic Acid?
What is Retinol?
Retinol is a derivative of Vitamin A. Clinical trials show that the topical application of retinol stimulates collagen production in the skin. They also stimulate glycosaminoglycans or GAGs to make the skin appear plumper.
Hyaluronic acid, as explained earlier, retains the skin’s moisture and makes it appear plumper.
Some retinol products tend to dry the skin and may even lead to irritation. Hyaluronic acid helps retain moisture and reduces the dryness caused by retinoids.
Can You Use Retinol with Niacinamide?
What is Niacinamide?
Niacinamide is Vitamin B3 and a natural antioxidant that could reverse the signs of photo-ageing. Retinol, as mentioned earlier, stimulate collagen production to eliminate fine lines and wrinkles.
According to Sarah Perkins, MD combining retinol and niacinamide has several benefits. Niacinamide helps reduce the irritation and dryness that retinoids tend to cause. Furthermore, lab studies have shown that products containing both - niacinamide and retinol - can help protect the skin barrier without the side effects that come with retinol-based products alone.
Can You Use Niacinamide with Hyaluronic acid?
Yes, it is safe to combine niacinamide with hyaluronic acid.
To refresh your knowledge, Niacinamide is vitamin B3. It regulates oil production in the skin while creating a lipid barrier. Hyaluronic acid, on the other hand, is a naturally-occurring substance in the skin that, unfortunately, reduces as we age.
According to Dr.Akanksha Shah Sanghvi, MD in Clinical Dermatology, niacinamide with hyaluronic acid is a powerful combo. Both are hydrating agents that can help dull, dry, acne-prone skin. When used together, they can reduce hyperpigmentation and fine lines.
This brings us to CERM’s Advanced Brightening Concentrate. It contains shelf-stable Niacinamide, Vitamin C, and Hyaluronic acid. With regular use (at least 14 days), you’ll notice advanced moisturisation for plumper skin and after about 28 days, at least 50% reduction in wrinkles! The lightweight serum penetrates the skin to improve the lipid barrier and gives you smoother, softer, clearer, and brighter skin.
We also recommend CERM’s The Serum, which contains ceramides that hydrate, moisturise, and revitalise your skin. The Serum also contains carefully selected botanical extracts and plant oils. Together, these ingredients speed up cellular renewal without skin irritation and dryness. With regular use (up to 4 weeks), you will notice reduced skin roughness and a nearly 51% reduction in wrinkles and lines!
FAQs
Which skincare ingredients should you never mix?
The skincare ingredients to never mix together are:
- AHA and retinoids
- Retinoid and vitamin C
- Benzoyl Peroxide and retinoids
Read more about the ingredients you should never mix here!
Is it good to mix skincare products?
Yes, when done right, and under expert consultation, you can safely mix certain skincare products. Doing so can help you customise your skincare for your unique needs.