Many newcomers to the skincare world don’t take into account that different product combinations can have side effects. As such, we’ve gathered some common combos that can be harmful to your skin, so you can get an idea of which skincare products you shouldn’t mix.
What Skin Care Products Not to Mix
We all know how it starts — you begin by using one or two skincare products, and suddenly you find yourself adding more and more topicals into your routine. While stacking products can have a fantastic effect on your skin, not every combination is good.
Mixing skincare ingredients shouldn’t be taken lightly. Several combinations can cause side effects, such as staining, itching, and irritation. Here we’ve collected five of the most common bad skincare product combinations.
1. Vitamin C and retinol
Vitamin C and retinol are two of the most popular ingredients in skincare. The combination is known to be able to reverse the effects of both chronological aging and photoaging.1 Yet, not everyone knows that you shouldn’t stack them together.
Both products are known to cause skin irritation, so mixing them can cause severe discomfort on your skin. As such, it’s best not to apply them together. Experts recommend using vitamin C at the start of the day and saving retinol for nighttime.2
2. AHA/BHA acids and retinol
Some studies show that the combination of AHA/BHA acids and retinol can be an effective treatment for acne scars.3 However, it’s also a perfect example of how using multiple skincare products at the same time can have unexpected effects on your skin.
AHA/BHA acids are powerful exfoliants that temporarily strip your skin of vital oils and water.4 This leaves your skin vulnerable, so applying a product that’s known to cause irritation, such as retinol, might not be the best idea.5
3. SPF and moisturizers
While sunscreen is one of the most crucial aspects of your skincare routine, certain combinations can reduce its effectiveness. For example, applying moisturizers can dilute the amount of sunscreen on your skin.6 This is because moisturizers contain high amounts of either water or oil. Using makeup can also have the same effects.
4. Niacinamide and vitamin C
The combination of niacinamide and vitamin C can be very beneficial to your skin, but some research shows it can also cause side effects. A dermatologist warns that combining these two ingredients may result in skin irritation and flushing.7 It’s best to use one ingredient in the morning and one at night or alternate them every other day.
5. Hydroquinone and benzoyl peroxide
Benzoyl peroxide is a common acne treatment, and hydroquinone is popular for dealing with scars and stains. Many people try to mix them together to find the perfect anti-acne routine. Yet, experts point out that this combination can cause irritation and temporary staining.8
How Do I Find the Perfect Combination for Me?
While we know some combinations can be harmful, it ultimately depends on your skin. Age, skin color, and other factors can greatly influence how you react to different combinations.
Doing a small patch test before you mix and match skincare products is strongly advised. If you’re in doubt, make sure to check with a licensed dermatologist to get precise advice on what could and could not work.
Bottom Line
It’s crucial to be careful about mixing skincare products. And it helps to know which skincare products not to mix. Certain combinations — such as vitamin C and retinol, AHA/BHA acids and retinol, niacinamide and vitamin C, and hydroquinone and benzoyl peroxide — can cause side effects like irritation, staining, and itching. To avoid any potential harm, you should seek the advice of a licensed dermatologist and do a patch test before mixing skincare products.
SOURCES:
- Skin Pharmacology and Physiology: “Histological Evaluation of a Topically Applied Retinol-Vitamin C Combination.”
- Cleveland Clinic: “Retinol.”
- Indian Dermatology Online Journal: “Retinoic acid and glycolic acid combination in the treatment of acne scars.”
- Procoal London: “Can You Mix Retinol and AHA BHA?”
- Cleveland Clinic: “Retinol.”
- The Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology: “Sunscreening agents: a review.”
- CBC: “Everything you need to know about using niacinamide on your skin.”
- StatPearls: “Benzoyl Peroxide.”