A skincare noob or a skincare nerd, when it comes to mixing and layering our skincare products, we all must exercise some caution. Sure, it’s fun to slap the latest It product with wild abandonment thinking it’ll solve all your skin woes. But some ingredients work well when mixed together, while others don’t. Skincare ingredients that don’t complement each other will be ineffective, and you might not see the results you expected. Plus, you risk skin irritation, inflammation, or even over-exfoliation. And nobody needs that.
Hyaluronic acid with just about anything
Hyaluronic acid is a fab humectant and is normally well tolerated by all skin types. It draws moisture to the skin and can be found in a ton of product. When mixed with Alpha-hydroxy acids, Beta-Hydroxy acid, or Retinol, for example, it can counteract any dryness, soothe and strengthen the skin.
Try Hydro Magic Collagen Catalyst with any of our acid-based products or treatment serums.
Vitamin C and vitamin E
Both vitamin C and vitamin E are potent antioxidants. Vitamin C boosts collagen production, fades hyperpigmentation, and, most importantly, protects our skin against free radical damage. On the other hand, vitamin E is abundantly present in Stratum Corneum. But, as we age and our skin is exposed to sun damage, the levels of vitamin E will deplete. A topical product with vitamin E neutralises free radicals and decreases oxidative stress. Furthermore, the two work synergistically – vitamin E potentiates vitamin C activity by a massive 400%. Vitamin E is fat-soluble, while vitamin C is water-soluble. They penetrate the skin differently and offer an antioxidant boost.
Try our Perfect and Glow Vitamin C serum or our ProRepair facial oil.
Niacinamide and Salicylic acid
Niacinamide is an ingredient with plenty of benefits for the skin. It is a potent anti-inflammatory. It also treats acne, helps decrease hyperpigmentation, and regulates sebum production. Likewise, it reduces sensitivity and redness. It is a great ingredient for most skin types, including sensitive and rosacea-prone skin.
Salicylic acid is an oil-soluble Beta Hydroxy acid derived from willow bark. Because it can penetrate deeper into the skin, it is a treatment of choice for blemishes, spots, whiteheads, and blackheads. Likewise, it is a keratolytic agent, which means it sloughs off dead skin cells. The combination of these two ingredients together can be a great duo for sensitive skin prone to breakouts.
Try our Bi-Phase Shikimic Acid exfoliant or Trizyme Pore Refining treatment with Brighten Up Fluid.
Ceramides, Cholesterol and Squalane
Ceramides are lipids present in the uppermost layer of the skin (they make up 50% of the Stratum Corneum). Their primary function is to maintain the skin’s barrier and protect it against various environmental stressors and to protect against moisture loss. They also stimulate the skin to produce more lipids. In short – they keep our skin healthy. Ceramides work best when the formula contains other skin-identical ingredients (namely Cholesterol and fatty acids).
Meanwhile, Squalane is a saturated oil with a light texture that is well-tolerated by all skin types. It sinks into the skin quickly and leaves no greasy after-feel. It has natural antibacterial and antioxidant properties.
Again, when all of these ingredients are in a formula together, they strengthen the skin’s moisture barrier and prevent transepidermal water loss (TEWL).
Try our Multi-Ceramide Concentrate.
Antioxidants and sunscreen
Did you think we wouldn’t mention sunscreen? Ha, think again! Sunscreen is one product that prevents signs of aging (sun damage is responsible for roughly 80% of signs of aging). Likewise, it protects our skin from cancer.
For a powerful duo, combine an effective antioxidant serum with sunscreen in your daily routine. Antioxidants work by neutralizing free radical damage caused by environmental stressors. They also photoprotect the skin against the sun. Vitamin C is the gold standard because of its antioxidant properties, but also because it is an essential component of collagen synthesis. Likewise, it prevents and treats photodamage and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.
When combined together with sunscreen, this combo will maximise the photoprotection of the skin.
Try our Perfect and Glow Vitamin C serum with your favourite sunscreen.
