A good skincare is an act of self-care. Your skin needs as much attention and your mind and the pleasure of mixing and matching products to create a personalized routine can be exciting. However, it’s crucial to approach DIY skincare with caution. It might seem harmless to combine your favorite products but mixing ingredients can lead to unexpected reactions and an increased risk of harming your skin or simply won’t be effective, hence you won’t see results.

This happens because certain skincare ingredients can react negatively when combined, leading to skin irritation, inflammation, or more serious issues. Additionally, different formulations may not blend well, resulting in product separation or reduced efficacy. Furthermore, mixing multiple active ingredients can overload the skin, making it more sensitive and prone to irritation.

So, if you use multiple formulations on your morning and evening routine, take a look on the labels of the products and check their ingredients to ensure that you combine them properly. Below, there is a list of ingredients that don’t work well together and it’s better for your skin’s sake to not mix them.

Retinol and Vitamin C

Both retinol and vitamin C are powerful antioxidants, but they can clash due to their pH levels. Vitamin C is most stable in an acidic environment, while retinol works best in a slightly alkaline one. If your skincare products contain either of those ingredients it’s better to use them at different times of day. For example, apply vitamin C in the morning and retinol at night. And never forget your SPF because they tend to turn the skin more photosensitive.

Niacinamide and Vitamin C

Niacinamide can interfere with the stability of vitamin C, reducing its effectiveness. While they are both powerful antioxidants, their interaction can be complex. According to some studies, niacinamide might interfere with vitamin C, reducing its stability. However, many experts believe that this effect is minimal, especially when both ingredients are formulated in stable products. If you are not sure about the products you are using, aim to use the products separately, or consult with a dermatologist to find a product that combines them safely and effectively.

AHAs/BHAs and Vitamin C

Both exfoliate the skin aka they can be irritating to the skin, especially when used together. This can lead to dryness, redness, and increased sensitivity. Use them on alternate days or at different times of day, for instance use vitamin C in the morning and incorporate AHAs/BHAs in your evening skincare routine.  

Retinol and AHAs/BHAs

Retinol as well as AHAs/BHAs exfoliate the skin, and combining them can lead to excessive dryness and irritation so it’s better to use them on alternate days or at different times of day. 

Benzoyl Peroxide and Retinol

Benzoyl peroxide is a powerful acne-fighting ingredient that works by killing bacteria and reducing inflammation. However, it can be irritating to the skin, especially when combined with other harsh ingredients such as retinol causing the skin to be dry, red and sometimes to peel. It’s better to use them separately, different days and times so that you avoid the unpleasant results.  

It’s important to establish a solid skincare routine with products that are suitable and effective for your skin. When you are trying a new product remember to always perform a patch test on a small area of skin before applying them to your entire face and pay close attention to your skin's response. Immediately discontinue use if you experience any irritation, redness, dryness, or other adverse reactions. 

It’s better to consult a dermatologist that can guide you accordingly and help your skin glow!