Skincare: The Do’s and Don’ts of Mixing Skincare Products

Long post alert!
This month makes it a year of utmost dedication to my skincare routine; my sister is responsible for introducing me to skincare routines & products, and I have no regrets.

To celebrate this hobby, I’ll share details of my drugstore skincare products that contain Alpha-Hydroxy Acid (AHA), Beta-Hydroxy Acid (BHA) & Vitamins and how I combine them in a way that can be easily understood by those who want to have a skincare routine. It can be pretty daunting to understand the terms in the initial phase, especially what to look out for in the products you purchase. To know more about these terms, check it out HERE.

Disclaimer: Kindly note that I am not a dermatologist, this post is solely based on my one-year skincare experience and the advice I got from doctors.

I won’t shy away from letting you know some of the worse combinations that caused irritations, which made me think the products weren’t working for me until I realized where I went wrong.

Vitamin C.

Firstly, I love products that contain Vitamin C (also known as Ascorbic Acid) because they have numerous benefits- even skin tone, enhance dull skin, reduce the appearance of fine lines, reduce the appearance of dark spots, protect against pollution and UV damage.
I use Andalou Natural Face Cleanser, Boots Vitamin C Face Wash, Garnier Vitamin C Face Serum, and Boots Vitamin C Face Cream. Most of these products contain salicylic Acid and Niacinamide which helps fight blemishes, spots and reduce the appearance of pores.

However, I noticed that my skin was peeling and looked extremely dry when combining Vitamin C with Retinol. At first, I didn’t understand why this was happening, but when I did some research, I realized an improper combination was going on with my skincare products (caused by me). I asked a doctor who then recommended products that contain salicylic acid.

Retinol

This form of vitamin A acts as a peeling agent that gets rid of old cells, creating smooth-looking skin if used the right way. I noticed the positive effect on my skin a few weeks after using No.7 Advanced Retinol 1.5% Complex at night. I started by using it every other night and avoiding direct exposure to the sun as much as possible; however, it seems illogical to do so forever; therefore, sunscreen is my BFF. Due to the harsh effect on my skin when I realized I was mixing two active agents – Retinol and Vitamin C, I strictly use Retinol at night and the latter during the day. Sadly, I won’t repurchase this Retinol cream because of the strict rules. According to healthline.com, it is not suitable to use Retinol during pregnancy.

Salicylic Acid

I got the Sukin Blemish Control Face Wash when I needed to get rid of the dark patch on my face caused by the combination of Vitamin C and Retinol Cream. It contains some amount of Salicylic Acid in it and honey, this product worked perfectly on my skin. As soon as I marked this product a “must-have” on my list, I got the toner, gel spot, and face cream. I decided not to mix this product with other products to avoid issues. Although it is safe to combine Salicylic Acid with Vitamin C, my serum already contains this acid, so there’s no need to use them together. I use these products in the evenings, about thrice a week.

Niacinamide

Ha! I just had to fall in love with The Ordinary Niacinamide Serum when my sister told me about the goodness. Since I started using it, I have got the baby skin feel whenever I touch my face (not advisable to touch your face regularly). I love The Ordinary Niacinamide Serum because it absorbs quickly, minimizes my pores, and acts as the perfect makeup primer giving a matte finish to my makeup. I haven’t noticed any irritations when I use it before applying Retinol; however, that wasn’t the case when I used it before applying my Vitamin C cream. I broke out shamefully. Niacinamide is a form of Vitamin B3 that can be found in food. Unfortunately, I couldn’t upload a picture because the bottle broke a few weeks ago.

Hyaluronic Acid

This is responsible for keeping the skin hydrated and moisturized. I use the L’Oreal Hyalorunic Expert Face Wash, Eye Cream and Face Cream Day SPF 20 in the morning to keep my skin hydrated, then follow up with the Vitamin C treatment later.

Azelaic Acid

Like Retinol, Azelaic Acid helps enhance skin cell turnover rates so that new skin grows faster as dead skin cells are exfoliated away. It also treats acne, prevent future breakouts. However, this is more tolerable for me than Retinol, and I use The Ordinary Azelaic Acid Cream after using Vitamin C Serum.

Glycolic Acid.

This exfoliant works by shedding dead skin cells and revealing the newer, brighter layers underneath. Like any other exfoliant, I use it once or twice a week.

There you have it, that’s the little secret to my skincare products. Before I do my nighttime skincare routine, let me leave you with these tips:

• Know your skin type.
• Know the issues with your skin.
• Ask a dermatologist or a pharmacist.
• Don’t mix the wrong products.
• Whether your goal is to have/maintain healthy skin or find your inner peace during your skincare routines, I believe everyone should care about their skin.
• WEAR SUNSCREEN OFTEN.

If you want to know more about AHA, BHA, and Skincare Vitamins, read it up HERE.

If you love this blog, kindly share the posts with your friends and loved ones. It will mean a lot to me to know your thoughts in the comments. Love, Grace