Nowadays everyone is a skincare scientist creating concoctions by mixing and matching different skincare ingredients in their bathrooms. Some ingredients complement each other and boost their effectiveness when layered, however the wrong combinations can be a recipe for disaster.
Vitamin C is an amazing antioxidant which neutralises free radicals, stimulates collagen production, brightens dull skin, lightens pigmentation while repairing and regenerating damaged skin cells. Although it has many benefits, it is an unstable acid, thus its pH balance is easily destabilised making it easy to render it useless. It is a must in everyone’s skincare routine, but do not pair it with the following
Vitamin C + Benzoyl Peroxide
Benzoyl Peroxide helps to treat and prevent breadouts by destroying acne-causing bacteria. Benzoyl Peroxide will oxidise Vitamin C, leading to them cancelling out each other’s effects, rendering them both useless. If you need both ingredients, try alternating products or choosing just one which best suits your needs!
Vitamin C + Retinol
Retinol is an anti-ageing powerhouse which increases skin cell renewal and collagen production. This combination is too harsh on the skin, no matter your tolerance to retinoids and not only increases your risk of UV damage but also leads to peeling, redness and irritation. Use Vitamin C in the morning and Retinol at night.
Vitamin C + AHAs/BHAs
AHAs and BHAs are chemical exfoliants which help to clear away dead skin cells, improving your skin’s texture. Combining all of these acids is the worst thing for your skin as it will irritate it to no end! Mixing these can cause dryness and damage your skin’s barrier due to the low pH of all ingredients. Instead, use Vitamin C in the morning and AHA/BHA at night.
Vitamin C + Niacinamide
Niacinamide helps with oil control, hydrates and reduces breakouts. Even though both have similar benefits, using both together counteracts the effects of the other, making them both ineffective. Niacinamide when mixed with Vitamin C may also cause a chemical reaction that triggers breakouts and redness. If you want to use both, leave at least 15 minutes in between application.
The best ingredients to mix with Vitamin C are Vitamin E, Hyaluronic Acid, antioxidants and peptides!
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