Combinations of active ingredients: what are the right mixes to make for a top routine?

Who hasn’t found themselves doing unlikely skin tests to see what works best in terms of beauty routines? And if this method of try and learn it can have beneficial aspects (because ultimately each skin has very different needs)the risk is to create mixtures that will attack the skin rather than help it. Fortunately, there are winning combinations of resources. You want to know them, here they are.

Vitamin C and SPF

Vitamin C is ideal for they give brightness, smooth skin texture and increase the production of collagen and elastin. It is also able to protect the epidermis from external aggressions. To complete its effects, it is recommended to apply over the serum or cream of vitamin C, an SPF 50+ who it will act as a protective supplement against the aggressions related to sun exposure.

Doctor Steven Mandrea, a dermatologist, explains the phenomenon to the journal Really simple :

“The combination of vitamin C serum and broad spectrum sunscreens that protect well against UVA rays has been shown to be more effective in neutralizing free radical damage caused by sun exposure than simple sunscreen.”

Hyaluronic acid and niacinamide

Niacinamide is a water-soluble compound derived from vitamin B3. Its peculiarity? It is one of the cosmetic ingredients which can be suitable for all skin types (and clearly, there are few of them). At the same time, it could almost be considered the perfect resource as it answers a lot of problems. First of all, it limits the oxidation of cells, it also helps to soothe skin inflammations, to fight the phenomenon of dehydration and limits redness.

Coupled with hyaluronic acid, active that is capable of holding more than 1000 times its weight in watershe allows rebuild the hydrolipidic film of the epidermis more quickly to create a physical barrier against daily skin aggressions.

Tea tree and witch hazel

If you need to rebalance your combination to oily skin, you have most likely already used it tea tree. The latter has multiple virtues. It is antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and antifungal. It is therefore appropriate to purify and control sebum production without being too astringent for the epidermis (if used well). But did you know that when combined with witch hazel, it is known to work wonders? Witch hazel tones the skin by shrinking pores and eliminating excess sebum. Dr. Dagmara Chudzik, specialist in aesthetic medicine for Refinery29 USA also says that she “It retains moisture to prevent water loss which can lead to skin dryness, so it has astringent properties without the usual drying side effect. ”

But when mixed together, these two assets have the ability to do so keep skin clear for a long time. They can also embody the perfect combo for balancing sebum production at the scalp and get rid of dandruff. The very practical multipurpose mix.

Retinol and niacinamide

Retinol is a resurfacing active derived from vitamin A. It is useful for smooth the skin texture, activate collagen production by stimulating the elastic tissues, increase the compactness of the epidermis, but also fight acne. How ? By repairing cellular structures and reducing sebum production. But retinol has one major flaw: it’s irritating. But with the use of hyaluronic acid and / or niacinamide, the astringent effects of retinol are reduced. because the skin is more hydrated.

Dr Sivanie Sewell, consultant dermatologist and spokesperson for the British Skin Foundation interviewed by Refinery 21 France explains:

“Applying hyaluronic acid and a moisturizer (especially a moisturizer that includes ceramides and glycerin or niacinamide) 15 minutes after using retinol can also help counteract unwanted side effects.”

AHA / BHA and hyaluronic acid

AHA and BHA are ideal to exfoliate the skin without having to use a mechanical scrub which could damage the skin’s protective film. Acting by detachment of dead cells and other elements that would clog the pores, these active ingredients improves skin texture, tightens pores and can even add radiance. To avoid dry skin, it is recommended to combine them with a moisturizer and a serum containing, for example, hyaluronic acid. A theory advocated by Dr. Marchbein in InStyle :

“Hydration after applying AHAs and BHAs is extremely important to limit irritation. Look for ceramides, petrolatum, hyaluronic acid and glycerin to hydrate and soothe the skin.”

An image credit: @AneteLusina.