Retinoids and Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHAs)

Retinoids and Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHAs) are both powerful skincare chemicals that work in distinct ways and provide various advantages. While both can give considerable skin benefits, combining the two can be potentially irritating for your skin. Retinoids and AHAs might be excessively harsh on the skin when applied in combination, causing redness, irritation, and even peeling. This is because both chemicals stimulate cell turnover, which when combined can create excessive dryness and sensitivity as your skin ruses to resurface. Moreover, AHAs might reduce the pH of the skin, making retinoids less effective. If you wish to utilize both retinoids and AHAs, use them on different nights or at different times of the day to reduce the chance of irritation. Also, you should begin with a lesser concentration of both components and progressively increase the frequency and strength as your skin begins tolerating it. Lastly, while applying retinoids and AHAs, it is critical to constantly wear sunscreen during the day, as these compounds can sensitize the skin and cause sunburn.

Retinoids and Vitamin C

When retinoids and vitamin C are combined, vitamin C's low pH can destabilize the retinoids, making them less effective. Furthermore, the combination of these two strong substances can produce irritation, redness, and dryness, which can be particularly bothersome for individuals with sensitive, dry, or dehydrated skin. To avoid irritation or skin damage, apply retinoids and vitamin C at separate times of the day. You might apply a vitamin C serum in the morning and a retinoid cream or serum in the evening, for example. While using either of these substances, it's also necessary to use sunscreen during the day because it might make the skin more sensitive to the sun. Retinoids are commonly prepared at a slightly acidic pH range of 5.5-6.0. Because of the low pH, retinoids can permeate the skin and operate efficiently. Vitamin C, on the other hand, functions best at pH levels of 3.5 or below, which is more acidic than the pH of retinoids.

Niacinamide and Vitamin C

When vitamin C and niacinamide are combined, they can generate a complex that lowers both substances' bioavailability and effectiveness. This can result in fewer skin advantages, such as less lightening or less efficiency in eliminating hyperpigmentation. Furthermore, because vitamin C is acidic and niacinamide is basic, when they are combined, the pH of the skin might become destabilized, resulting in irritation, redness, and dryness. To avoid any potential side effects, apply niacinamide and vitamin C at different times of the day. Use a vitamin C serum in the morning followed by an SPF to ensure that the vitamin C does not oxidize on your skin. Apply niacinamide serum or cream in the evening and continue to follow that pattern of skin cycling. This allows each element to function at its appropriate pH level, maximizing its advantages. Niacinamide, a key active ingredient in BiE's Plumped! Plumping Serum, has been scientifically and medically proved to radically revolutionise the skincare game. Brings vitality to your skin cells, hydrates and plumps the deepest layers of your skin, and aids in skin healing.

Benzoyl Peroxide and Retinoids

When benzoyl peroxide and retinoids are applied in combination, they might be excessively harsh on the skin, causing irritation, redness, swelling, and dryness. This is due to the fact that when used in high doses, these substances can induce extreme dryness and sensitivity. Moreover, benzoyl peroxide can oxidize retinoids, rendering them less effective. If you wish to use both benzoyl peroxide and retinoids, do so at separate times of the day or on different days to reduce the risk of irritation. It is also critical to begin with a lesser concentration of both components and gradually raise the intensity as your skin begins tolerating it. Lastly, when applying retinoids during the day, it is critical to apply sunscreen on top of them since they might increase UV sensitivity and the risk of sun damage.

Salicylic Acid and Retinoids

Salicylic acid and retinoids are both potent skincare ingredients with several skin advantages. They should not, however, be used simultaneously since they might cause irritation, dryness, and redness. Salicylic acid is a beta-hydroxy acid (BHA) that exfoliates the skin and unclogs pores, making it an excellent acne-fighting substance. Retinoids, on the other hand, are derived from vitamin A and act to promote cell turnover and decrease inflammation in the skin, which can aid in the unclogging of pores and the prevention of breakouts. Salicylic acid and retinoids might be too harsh on the skin when applied in combination, causing irritation and dryness. Moreover, when applied in conjunction with salicylic acid, retinoids can make the skin more susceptible to sun damage, increasing the risk of sunburn and other kinds of UV damage. To reduce the risk of irritation, it's recommended to apply salicylic acid and retinoids at different times of the day or on different days. You might use salicylic acid in the morning and a retinoid cream or serum in the evening, for example. When utilising retinoids, it is also critical to layer on adequate amounts of sunscreen during the day. If using retinoids during the night, use the sandwich method to apply. What this means is applying a layer of a hydrating cream, then your retinoid of choice, and then adding another layer of the hydrating cream on top. This ensures that even retinoid beginners can safely use this effective ingredient in their AM and PM skincare routines without compromising their skin barrier.

To avoid these side effects, apply these key skincare activities at different times of day or on separate days, as instructed by a dermatologist or skincare specialist. It's also critical to patch test new products and be mindful of potential ingredient interactions. In general, if you have any worries or questions about utilizing certain skin care products in conjunction, you should always contact a dermatologist to verify that you're using them safely and efficiently.