1. Retinol and AHA

• This combination can lead to increased irritation and dryness
• Retinol is known for anti-aging properties
• AHA is for chemical exfoliation
• Using both at the same time may diminish their individual benefits
• Best Practice: Use AHAs on one night and retinol on a different night

2. Retinol and Vitamin C

• Retinol and vitamin C require different pH levels to work effectively
• Vitamin C works best in an acidic environment
• Retinol needs a more neutral pH to be effective
• Combining them increases the risk of redness, dryness, sensitivity and damage your skin barrier
• Best Practice: Use vitamin C in the mornings and retinol at night

3. Vitamin C and AHA

• Both powerful ingredients
• When used together, they can cause pH instability, reducing efficiency
• Mixing can lead to over-exfoliation and a damaged skin barrier
• Best Practice: Use Vitamin C in the mornings and AHA at night

4. Retinol and Salicylic Acid

• These ingredients can irritate the skin when used together
• If mixed can lead to increased redness and sensitivity
• Best Practice: Use Retinol on one night and Salicylic Acid on a different night

Increased Skin Irritation

• Redness: If your skin becomes red after applying products, it could mean the ingredients are clashing
• Burning Sensation: A burning feeling is a clear sign that something isn’t right
• Dryness: If your skin feels dry or flaky, it might be reacting negatively to the mix

Redness

Dryness

Reduced Effectiveness

• No Visible Results: If you’re not seeing improvements, the ingredients may be canceling each other out
• Product Build-Up: Too many products can lead to a layer of residue that prevents absorption
• Dull Skin: If your skin looks lackluster, it might be due to ineffective combinations

Unexpected Breakouts

• Pimples: New breakouts can indicate that your skin is unhappy with the mix
• Clogged Pores: If you notice more blackheads or whiteheads, it could be a sign of incompatible ingredients
• Sensitivity: Increased sensitivity can lead to breakouts, especially if you’re using strong actives together

Pimples

Clogged Pores

Patch Testing

When trying out new skincare products, always start with a patch test. This means applying a small amount of the product on a discreet area of your skin, like your wrist or behind your ear. Wait 24 hours to see if any irritation occurs. If your skin looks fine, you can proceed to use it on your face.

Monitoring Skin Reactions

Pay close attention to how your skin feels after using new combinations. Look for signs like redness, itching and breakouts. If you notice any of these, it might be best to stop using the product.Remember, everyone's skin is different. What works for one person may not work for another. Always listen to your skin!

Gradual Introduction

Introduce new ingredients slowly. Instead of using multiple new products at once, try adding one at a time. This way, if your skin reacts negatively, you’ll know which product caused it.