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If you’re a skincare junkie (just like me), you’re probably turning your bathroom into a laboratory by storing a collection of various skincare ingredients *phew*. While layering skincare products might be your favourite thing to do, it’s important to know what ingredients don’t work well together.
One skincare ingredient that works like magic for everyone is Vitamin C. This potent antioxidant neutralizes free radicals, repairs damaged cells, aids in the skin’s regeneration process, brightens pigmented areas, stimulates collagen production and protects the skin against harmful pollutants. The vitamin C benefits for skin are immense, from improving skin texture to reducing the appearance of fine lines. But, you need to pay extra attention when it comes to layering or combining Vitamin C with other skin-loving ingredients. Though individually they do wonders, combining them together can prove to be a recipe for skin disaster. Here are all the ingredients you should NOT mix with Vitamin C for skin.should NOT mix with Vitamin C.
What not to Use with Vitamin C? Ingredients You Should Avoid
Below are the top skincare ingredients not to mix with Vitamin C:
01. Vitamin C + Benzoyl peroxide
What should not be used with Vitamin C? Benzoyl peroxide is used as a treatment for mild to moderate acne. This ingredient not only reduces acne-causing bacteria but also prevents your skin from becoming dry and flaky. However, combining benzoyl peroxide with Vitamin C may not do any good for your skin. Treating your skin to benzoyl peroxide topically will, in fact, oxidize the Vitamin C, counteracting each other’s effects.
02. Vitamin C + Retinol
Retinoids contain anti-ageing compounds that help reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles and boost collagen production. Combining retinol with Vitamin C is a recipe for peeling, redness and irritation, in short, a total disaster for the health of your skin. And that’s not all! When you use these two ingredients together, you are at a much higher risk of UV damage. It is, therefore, ideal to use Vitamin C in your morning skincare routine and retinol in your night-time skincare routine.
03. Vitamin C + AHAs/BHAs
What not to combine with Vitamin C? Alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) and beta hydroxy acids (BHAs) are chemical exfoliants that can totally transform your skin game. While AHA helps renew the skin’s surface, BHA gets deeper into the pores to remove dead cells and excess sebum. Alpha hydroxy, beta hydroxy and Vitamin C are all acidic ingredients. Therefore, when you layer AHA/BHA with Vitamin C, you will experience irritation on your skin. What you could instead do is use Vitamin C in the morning and AHA/BHA in the night or alternate between AHA/BHA and Vitamin C every night.
04. Vitamin C + Niacinamide
Niacinamide, also known as Vitamin B3, is an essential nutrient that helps build proteins in the skin, treats uneven skin tone, reduces the size of enlarged pores, prevents fine lines and wrinkles, and adds a healthy glow. However, when you combine niacinamide with Vitamin C, they’ll cancel each other out chemically, making both formulas ineffective on your skin. Niacinamide takes out all the good properties of Vitamin C and makes it into a substance that can cause redness and trigger breakouts.
What Happens When You Mix Vitamin C with the Wrong Ingredients?
Mixing Vitamin C with the wrong skincare ingredients can lead to a variety of skin issues. While Vitamin C is a powerhouse for your skin, combining it with certain ingredients can reduce its effectiveness or even cause irritation. Here’s what can happen when you mix Vitamin C with the wrong ingredients:
- Irritation and Redness
Vitamin C is already an acidic ingredient, and when combined with other acidic ingredients like AHAs (Alpha Hydroxy Acids) or BHAs (Beta Hydroxy Acids), it can lead to irritation and redness, especially for sensitive skin types.
- Breakouts and Skin Sensitivity
Mixing Vitamin C with retinol or other strong exfoliants can increase skin sensitivity, leading to breakouts or increased dryness. Over-exfoliation can disrupt the skin’s natural barrier, resulting in flare-ups and irritation.
- Reduced Effectiveness
Vitamin C works best when it is stable and able to penetrate the skin effectively. Combining it with ingredients like niacinamide or benzoyl peroxide can compromise its ability to work effectively. In some cases, the active properties of Vitamin C may be neutralized, reducing its brightening and collagen-boosting effects.
When introducing new skincare products such as Vitamin C in your daily routine, always do a patch test. Additionally, if you get an adverse reaction from using a product, discontinue use immediately and consult a dermatologist. A healthcare professional will help you answer any questions or concerns you have on adding Vitamin C to your skincare regimen. Vitamin C, when used correctly, provides a plethora of benefits to your complexion. Follow this guide to achieve radiant skin using Vitamin C. Bookmark this curation and your skin will thank you later!
FAQs on Adding Vitamin C to Your Skincare Routine
01: What ingredients pair well with Vitamin C?
Answer: Vitamin E, hyaluronic acid and ferulic acid are skincare ingredients that work well with Vitamin C. Vitamin E works in tandem with Vitamin C, boosting each other's protective effects. Hyaluronic acid is a moisturising ingredient that complements Vitamin C by hydrating the skin, minimising potential dryness. Lastly, ferulic acid is an antioxidant that helps to stabilise Vitamin C, and improve its effectiveness.
02: Should I use Vitamin C in the morning or at night?
Answer: Morning is typically preferred. Vitamin C's antioxidant properties shield your complexion from harsh environmental conditions like UV rays and pollution throughout the day. However, Vitamin C could also be used at night.
03: Can I use Vitamin C if I have sensitive skin?
Answer: Yes, but use it cautiously. Begin with a low dose and slowly increase it as your complexion tolerates it. Opt for milder forms of Vitamin C, such as magnesium ascorbyl phosphate. Thus, if you have sensitive skin, you need to be extra cautious while using Vitamin C for skincare.
04: Why does my Vitamin C serum tingle?
Answer: Some Vitamin C serums, particularly those with L-ascorbic acid, cause tingling sensation due to their low pH. However, if the tingling is excessive or causes irritation, discontinue use and consult a dermatologist.
05: Can I mix Vitamin C directly with other skincare products?
Answer: It's usually not recommended. Apply Vitamin C serum to clean, dry skin and let it absorb before applying other skincare products. Always be patient while doing your skincare regimen. Don’t ever do it in a hurry.
06: Can I use vitamin C on sunburned skin?
Answer: No. Avoid applying vitamin C on sunburned skin, as it can cause further irritation. You should aim to soothe and heal the skin first before using Vitamin C. Once the sunburn has been healed, you can begin using Vitamin C.
07: Do I have to wear sunscreen when using vitamin C?
Answer: Yes, definitely! Wearing sunscreen is important, particularly when using Vitamin C. While Vitamin C offers some protection against the harsh rays of the sun, it does not replace the need for sunscreen. It’s crucial to remember to always wear sunscreen, even on cloudy days.
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