Power Couples: How to Pair Skincare Ingredients To Boost Benefits
Pairing skincare ingredients can be very confusing, especially if you’re a beginner. There are some ingredients when combined supercharge the results, however, others when used in the same routine could damage the skin barrier.
Let's delve into some powerful skincare duos that can take your skincare game to the next level:
1. Retinol + Panthenol:
- Retinol, a derivative of vitamin A, is renowned for its anti-ageing properties, promoting cell turnover and collagen production. However, retinol is an alcohol and it can lead to dryness, irritation and inflammation of the skin. With skin of colour, we need to minimise this irritation to avoid any kind of future pigmentation.
- When paired with panthenol (vitamin B5), it works well to mitigate potential irritation caused by retinol. Panthenol is an anti-inflammatory and has moisturising and soothing properties.
- If you really want to supercharge this duo, add in glycerin. Glycerin is a water magnet which helps with dryness and flakiness caused by retinol.
2. Vitamin A+ C+ E:
- Vitamin A, C and E are antioxidants and together they stabilise each other.
- Vitamin C is a tyrosinase inhibitor, which brightens the skin, mobs up free radicals to prevent damage to collagen and stimulates collagen, especially if it is fat-soluble vitamin C (Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate).
- Vitamin A increases cell turnovers which make skin pump and young.
- Vitamin E, an anti-inflammatory, nourishes and protects the skin barrier.
- If you want to supercharge this trio, you can combine it with coenzyme Q10 or resveratrol and ferulic acid.
3. Vitamin C and Lactic Acid:
- Lactic acid, a hydrating AHA (alpha hydroxy acid), exfoliates the top layer of the skin to enhance the penetration of other skincare ingredients. It brightens the skin instantly.
- When topped up with vitamin C, a tyrosinase inhibitor, the skin becomes brighter and radiant.
4. Ceramides and Squalene:
- Squalene, a natural moisturiser found in the skin's sebum, replenishes moisture and improves skin elasticity.
- Ceramides act as an emollient, which prevents transepidermal water loss.
- Both ceramides and squalene strengthen the skin barrier and reduce transepidermal water loss. It is great for colder days, eczema, dry skin as well as damaged skin barrier. They lock in hydration and restore suppleness into the skin
5. Salicylic Acid and Niacinamide:
- Salicylic acid, a beta hydroxy acid (BHA), penetrates deep into pores, exfoliating and unclogging them, making it ideal for acne-prone skin.
- Niacinamide (vitamin B3) regulates sebum production, reduces inflammation, and strengthens the skin's protective barrier.
- Together, they combat acne and minimise the appearance of pores while improving overall skin texture and tone.
6. Vitamin C and SPF 50:
- Vitamin C derivatives such as tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate (THD) and sodium ascorbyl phosphate are good to use rather than Ascorbic Acid during the day for skin of colour. This is because ascorbic acid is an exfoliant and has a low ph.
- SPF 50 provides broad-spectrum protection against UVA and UVB rays, preventing sunburn, premature ageing, and skin cancer.
- Many researches have shown that long term pigmentation is reduced when you combine vitamin C and SPF together.
7. AHA and BHA:
- AHAs, like mandelic and lactic acid, exfoliate the skin's surface, revealing smoother, brighter skin.
- BHAs, such as salicylic acid, penetrate deeper into pores, dissolving sebum and unclogging pores, making them effective for acne-prone skin.
- Incorporating both AHAs and BHAs into your skincare routine can address multiple concerns, including bumpy skin or keratosis pilaris.
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