There are so many cosmetics and personal care products on store shelves that sometimes we pick up a bunch of everything without thinking which active beauty ingredients are in the products. And this is important, since some of them are incompatible with each other. But do not forget that there are myths that many believe in. Most questions usually arise about Vitamin A, Vitamin C, as well as ANA and BHA acids. These are active ingredients that require special attention. Today, we will help you figure out which ingredients can be combined in your daily care and which ones are better to use at different times.
Mix: Vitamin C and Niacinamide
It is believed if you use Vitamin C and Niacinamide together, redness may appear. This assumption arose after a study conducted in the early 1960s showing the incompatibility of Vitamin C and Niacinamide. In combination with Vitamin C, Niacinamide can form Niacin. This is precisely what causes such effects as irritation and redness. But there is no need to fear. It can firstly occur in combination with Niacinamide and any other acid. Secondly, Niacin is released only during its use at very high temperatures for a long time. Remember one simple rule: products with niacinamide should be in a dark and cool place. For your peace of mind, you can take a test on your hand and see if there is any reaction while using these ingredients together – this is especially true for owners of sensitive skin.
Do not mix: Vitamin C and ANA, BHA-acid
Vitamin C is generally a moody ingredient that is easy to destabilize. It needs to have a very low acidity environment, otherwise he just loses his antioxidant properties. Typically, the level of ascorbic acid in cosmetics is below 3.5 pH, because this is how it penetrates the skin. But ascorbyl sodium phosphate – the crystalline form of ascorbic acid – is stable at 7.0 pH. At the same time, the remaining components must maintain the level of acidity. And AHA and BHA are usually added at the level of 3-4 pH, and not all manufacturers indicate a specific figure. With a high probability, ANA and VNA will change the acidity of Vitamin C and it will cease to act. Therefore, do not use these ingredients at the same time.
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Mix: Retinol and Hyaluronic Acid
Retinol, a true Vitamin A, is often used in cosmetics. It helps in the fight against the signs of aging, but its disadvantage is that it dries the skin very much and can even cause irritation. Therefore, a humidifier such as Hyaluronic Acid will be very helpful. It attracts water molecules to itself and thereby helps to avoid dehydration. Moreover, it will not affect the penetration of Vitamin A into the deeper layers of the skin while moisturizing it.
Do not mix: Retinol and Benzoyl Peroxide
Benzoyl Peroxide products are known to anyone who has treated acne. This is a fairly active component in itself, which has an anti-inflammatory and comedonolytic effect. At the same time, Vitamin A is also very active. Moreover, both of these ingredients dry the skin, so the use of both can lead to negative consequences such as dryness and peeling. Usually they are used together by those who want to simultaneously combat the signs of aging and acne. It is best to use them at different times of the day – one in the morning and another in the evening. Or, first devote yourself to treating acne, and only then take care of wrinkles.
Do not mix: Retinol, ANA- and BHA-acids
Mixing retinol with ANA and BHA acids is best avoided. Firstly, it can cause severe skin irritation. Moreover, just like in the story with Vitamin C, you have to go a little deeper into chemistry. Retinol loves a neutral environment more , and its action weakens in an acidic environment. This means that when acids are applied to Vitamin A, the latter loses its properties. But acids like low pH . This means that if you use acid first and apply retinol on top, the pH will increase and acids will work worse. Therefore, if you want to use both ingredients in your care, you have to separate them. Use one of them in the morning and the other in the evening. Either apply each of them at night, but after a day – one on even, the other on odd days.
Mix: Vitamins B and E
Vitamin E is a powerful antioxidant that slows down the aging process and moisturizes the skin well. Together, these ingredients enhance each other’s action. They fight free radicals, helping the skin resist UV rays. This is a classic combination that is good for healthy skin. Niacinamide, (Vitamin B) is nothing short of a powerhouse, and particularly important to our body as we cannot produce the vitamin on our own. Vitamin B is water-soluble, which means that we must either eat it or wear it topically to reap its benefits. Niacinamide also goes by the names “Vitamin B3” and “nicotinamide’, a non-acid form of B3.
Sometimes it seems that in order to correctly combine different ingredients, you need to be a great chemist. In fact, it’s enough to remember these simple rules and apply them in your care. Always pay special attention to active ingredients that can easily injure the skin. Before using the funds on the face, be sure to do a test on the hand. And do not forget to use sunscreens, especially in the summer and after ingredients such as acids and Retinol.
