While skincare can work wonders for your skin, certain ingredient combinations can do more harm than good. Here are nine pairings to avoid for healthier skin:
1. Retinol and Vitamin C
Both are powerful anti-aging ingredients, but they work at different pH levels. Retinol needs a higher pH, while Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) requires a low one. Using them together can diminish their effectiveness and irritate them.
Better Pairing: Use Vitamin C in the morning for its antioxidant protection, and Retinol at night to stimulate collagen production.
2. Benzoyl Peroxide and Retinol
Benzoyl Peroxide, commonly used for acne, and Retinol can cause excessive dryness and irritation when used together. These two ingredients are highly potent and can lead to skin sensitivity, peeling, and redness.
Better Pairing: Alternate nights between Retinol and Benzoyl Peroxide to avoid overwhelming the skin.
3. AHAs/BHAs with Retinol
Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHAs) and Beta Hydroxy Acids (BHAs) exfoliate dead skin cells, while Retinol speeds up cell turnover. Using them together can lead to over-exfoliation, causing dryness, irritation, and sometimes even a compromised skin barrier.
Better Pairing: Stick to AHAs/BHAs in your morning routine and Retinol at night. This will help exfoliate and rejuvenate skin without irritation.
4. Niacinamide and Vitamin C
Niacinamide is great for calming inflammation and brightening skin, but it can neutralize the potency of Vitamin C. The result? You may lose out on Vitamin C’s brightening benefits if these two are used together.
Better Pairing: Use them at different times of the day—Vitamin C in the morning, Niacinamide at night.
5. Benzoyl Peroxide and Vitamin C
Both strong active ingredients, Benzoyl Peroxide can oxidize Vitamin C, rendering it ineffective. This combination not only diminishes Vitamin C’s efficacy but also can irritate the skin.
Better Pairing: Use Benzoyl Peroxide as part of your nighttime acne routine and Vitamin C during your daytime regimen for brightening and protecting the skin from free radicals.
6. Salicylic Acid and Glycolic Acid
Both are excellent exfoliants, but pairing Salicylic Acid (a BHA) with Glycolic Acid (an AHA) can over-exfoliate your skin, causing redness, dryness, and increased sensitivity.
Better Pairing: Use one exfoliant at a time or alternate days for a gentler exfoliation experience.
7. Retinol and AHAs/BHAs with Vitamin C
Both Retinol and Vitamin C can boost your anti-aging regimen, but using them together can be too harsh, especially when combined with exfoliating acids. This triple combination can lead to excessive peeling and irritation.
Better Pairing: Use Retinol or AHAs/BHAs at night and Vitamin C in the morning.
8. Hydroquinone and Benzoyl Peroxide
Hydroquinone is used to lighten hyperpigmentation, while Benzoyl Peroxide targets acne. However, these two ingredients together can cause staining and increased irritation, especially for sensitive skin types.
Better Pairing: Use Hydroquinone in your morning routine and Benzoyl Peroxide at night, or alternate their use every few days.
9. Retinoids and Physical Scrubs
Retinoids accelerate cell turnover, and using them alongside harsh physical scrubs can damage the skin barrier, causing redness and sensitivity. The combination may lead to over-exfoliation, resulting in irritation or even microtears in the skin.
Better Pairing: Opt for a gentle, non-abrasive cleanser when using Retinoids and avoid physical exfoliants altogether.
Conclusion
Layering skincare ingredients can be beneficial when done correctly, but mixing the wrong ones can lead to irritation, inflammation, or reduced efficacy. Always be cautious and consult a dermatologist before combining potent actives, ensuring that your skincare routine supports your goals without risking your skin’s health.