The active ingredients in beauty are responsible for ensuring that the cosmetics we apply have the desired effect. To name a few examples, if you want to say goodbye to spots and show off an even tone, you will embrace the benefits of niacinamide; while if you have acne or clogged pores, your essential will be salicylic acid. Mature skin reveres retinol and vitamin C is the best ally for luminosity.
However, more does not always mean better. And while some active ingredients combined with others result in a very favorable synergy, there are some active ingredients that should never be combined with each other. Some are very irritating and will result in allergic reactions, rashes, dermatitis or breakouts if you mix them, while other combinations will simply nullify their effects, making you waste time, money and effort without seeing results.
For a truly effective facial care routine, you should not only know which active ingredients are best for you. It is also important to know how to use them correctly and which ones should not be mixed together in the same application.
Both retinol – also called vitamin A – and alpha hydroxy acids (AHA) are very irritating. AHAs exfoliate the skin, leaving it particularly sensitive, while retinol acts aggressively to increase collagen synthesis and cell renewal of the dermis. Avoid combining them together if you don't want to end up with burned skin. Better to alternate them and, preferably, use them only at night, always applying sun protection during the day.
Again, both components are very powerful for your skin separately, so it is not a good idea to combine them. Also, minimize their effects on each other. This is because vitamin C is only effective when the skin's pH is between 3 and 4, but acids modify these parameters, neutralizing the action of vitamin C.
Benzoyl peroxide is frequently used to combat acne, thanks to its antibacterial action and its antiseborrheic, anti-inflammatory and comedolytic effect (which eliminates comedones). But it doesn't mix well with vitamin C, retinol and exfoliating acids.
Exfoliating the skin excessively is a mistake that you should avoid, since this would damage its protective barrier, making it sensitive and irritated. Do not use various chemical exfoliants, both alpha-hydroxy acids (AHA) and beta-hydroxy acids (BHA), such as glycolic acid or lactic acid in the first case and salicylic acid in the second. Better opt for just one, the one that best suits the needs of your skin, and do not abuse its use.
