INGREDIENTS: WHAT YOU SHOULD AND WHAT SHOULD NOT BE COMBINED?

It can feel like new products are constantly popping up with ingredients you've never heard of before. We, like most others with an interest in skin care, often purchase products we have heard about or been recommended by friends and family. But do we really know how to use them, whether they fit with your essence and serum or your other skin care routine?

Perhaps you have experienced that a new product you have been recommended has ended up worsening your skin condition? This can often lead you to think that the product was not as promised, and it is true that some products may not be suitable for your skin, but usually everything can be determined by the ingredients you use in layers on the skin.

When it comes to combining ingredients that shouldn't be mixed, this is a mistake that many people make and is especially common when you're putting together new skin care routines with new products. With so many different products out there, containing a variety of great ingredients, it can all end up a bit confusing. But we are here to help and on this page we tell you all about which ingredients work well together and which ones you should avoid combining.

RETINOL

Retinol took the skin care world by storm when new products started appearing with this ingredient, which is a type of retinoid. The goal of this ingredient is to help you get rid of dead skin cells and dark spots, improve skin texture and acne. The ingredient is also effective in tightening pores while reducing oil production in the skin.

Can be combined with:

1. Hyaluronic Acid – Retinol has a number of amazing functions, but can sometimes make dry skin worse. Therefore, it is best to combine it with ingredients that have a soothing and moisturizing effect. Here, hyaluronic acid can be the perfect choice because it has a calming effect on the skin without hindering the retinol's function. A thin layer of hyaluronic acid serum before retinol in your evening routine will be optimal.
2. SPF – The use of retinols can increase the sensitivity of your skin to sunlight, which is why it is only recommended to use the ingredient as part of your evening skin care routine. Also, make sure to always use SPF during the day when you include retinol in your skin care routine.
3. Peptides – Similar to hyaluronic acid, peptides also have moisturizing properties and help prevent dry skin. It also helps improve skin elasticity when combined with retinols. By applying a cream with peptides first, followed by retinol, you will see good results.

Avoid combining with:

1. AHA/BHA – AHAs and BHAs are active acids, such as salicylic acid, and should not be combined with retinols. Because these ingredients have an exfoliating effect on the skin, they can contribute to worsening skin dryness caused by the use of retinols.
2. Vitamin C – The use of vitamin C is generally a fantastic addition to your skin care routine, but it should be avoided in conjunction with retinols. These are two ingredients that do not work well together as they can counteract each other's effects. Retinol increases cell renewal, while vitamin C strengthens the skin's barrier. Here you can use vitamin C in your skin care routine during the day and retinol in the evening.
3. Benzoyl Peroxide – This is a combination you should always avoid. In addition to simply hindering each other's functions, this combination can cause skin irritation. If you must use both ingredients, they should be used separately by using benzoyl peroxide in the morning and retinol in the evening.

NIACINAMIDE

This is a form of vitamin B3 and is an antioxidant that offers a variety of benefits to your skin. It brightens the skin tone, has a soothing effect, prevents the breakout of pimples, evens out dark spots and rebuilds the skin. It is also an ingredient that is gentle on the skin and works well with almost any other ingredient.

Can be combined with:

1. Retinol – Retinol and niacinamide are a great combination as they can ensure you achieve faster results while also having a soothing effect and also treating any skin irritation and dry patches that may occur when using retinol.
2. Salicylic acid – This is the perfect combination for you with oily or acne-prone skin. By using niacinamide, you will reduce and control sebum production, while salicylic acid will work to exfoliate and remove dirt and impurities.
3. Centella asiatica – This soothing ingredient is the ultimate match with niacinamide when you're looking for a way to soothe irritated and sensitive skin. Centella asiatica has anti-inflammatory properties and will help you unclog your pores while niacinamide preserves moisture.

VITAMIN C

Vitamin C is the key to success when it comes to your morning skin care routine. Using a serum containing this ingredient will give you brighter skin and an even skin tone, with increased protection against the sun's harmful rays. It also helps prevent sagging skin and will lighten dark spots.

Can be combined with:

1. Ferulic Acid – Ferulic acid is an ingredient you don't hear about as much compared to other acids. This supports the functions of vitamin C, increases protection against free radicals and prevents damage to your skin.
2. Vitamin E – Vitamin C together with vitamin E is truly the ultimate duo in skin care. Both of these ingredients will prevent damage caused by free radicals and they will also protect you from various types of UV rays. By mixing both vitamin C, vitamin E and ferulic acid, you will achieve a very special protection against the sun.
3. SPF – Vitamin C and SPF are like devoted partners, these are two ingredients that simply go together in every way. They complement each other and give your skin an extra layer of protection needed against harmful UV rays.

Avoid combining with:

1. Benzoyl peroxide – This ingredient can inhibit the effect of vitamin C when combined. If you have received a prescription for benzoyl peroxide, these two ingredients should be used at different times of the day.

2. AHA – When vitamin C and AHA are combined, there are too many acid-based ingredients, which can lead to irritated skin. Here vitamin C should be used in the morning and AHA in the evening, or alternate between using these two acids every other night when you are not using retinol.
3. High pH cleaner – Although not an ingredient, this is handy information to note. A high pH facial cleanser used during the morning skin care routine, followed by vitamin C products, can result in vitamin C not being absorbed by the skin.

HYALURONIC ACID

There is nothing more important to the skin than proper hydration and when it comes to that, hyaluronic acid is the perfect choice. Most skin types can benefit from adding hyaluronic acid to their skin care routine, but it is especially recommended for those with dry and/or mature skin. Like niacinamide, hyaluronic acid is safe to combine with most ingredients!

Can be combined with:

1. Vitamin C – If the goal is to achieve healthier and fresher skin, vitamin C and hyaluronic acid will be the dream duo for you. They work incredibly well together and complement each other by increasing moisture, protection and at the same time calming down early aging of the skin. Hyaluronic acid can also help avoid dryness and tight skin.
2. Jojoba Oil – Hyaluronic acid combined with jojoba oil is a great combination for skincare newbies. This is because they work well on most skin types and have little risk of causing skin irritation, as they are light, moisturizing and non-greasy.
3. Salicylic Acid – This ingredient works deep into the pores to clear out dirt and impurities, which can lead to dry skin. Next, the hyaluronic acid will work to draw water into the skin and keep it hydrated to achieve dewy skin.

DON'T BE AFRAID TO EXPLORE NEW INGREDIENTS OR PRODUCTS

We understand that it can be overwhelming to keep track of all the new ingredients and products that are constantly appearing or launching. Now that you know which ingredients work great together and which you should avoid using together, you'll be able to easily avoid potential skin irritations or over-exfoliation, which can cause damage or affect the skin's natural barrier.

In the end, skin care is about what exactly your skin needs to become its best version. Everyone is unique, and that includes your skin. Some skin types will tolerate more strong acids and more frequent exfoliation with AHA, BHA and retinols or similar.

Here, don't be afraid to explore different products to get to know your skin better, and K-Beauty products will make it easy for you to do just that because you'll find gentle, gentle products formulated to be kinder to your skin. It's important to play it safe, do your own research, and make sure you're careful when introducing new products into your skin care routine.

AXIS-Y Dark Spot Correcting Glow Serum 50ml