GET FREE SAMPLES

sign up for our newsletter to get free sample alerts

7 Skin Care Ingredients You Should Never Mix, According to Derms

Read this before building your own skin care routine
Photo 6/8
Vitamin C and Niacinamide

Vitamin C and niacinamide are great ingredients when it comes to pigmentation issues, according to board-certified dermatologist Dr. Jason H. Miller, MD. But... don't mix them: "Both vitamin C and niacinamide are great for correcting redness and uneven skin tone," he explains. "However, they can cancel each other out if applied together."

Buy now



Photo 7/8
Vitamin C and AHA/BHA

Yes, a supercharged vitamin C serum and AHA/BHA mask may seem like the dream team duo you need to achieve that #nofilter glow... however, Dr. Pierre and Dr. Miller both caution that they generally shouldn't be mixed.

"Aside from potential tolerability issues and the potential of causing a lot of irritation, these acids can destabilize vitamin C, and significantly decrease its effectiveness," he explains. "It's best to use vitamin C products in the morning, and then relegate your AHA/BHA product in the evening." Dr. Miller agrees, adding "Vitamin C acts as an antioxidant, and AHA acts to exfoliate, but they can also deactivate each other."

Buy now



Photo 8/8
Retinol and Salicylic Acid

Retinol and salicylic acid are two anti-aging, exfoliating superstars within the skin care space. However, Dr. Miller strongly advises against pairing those overnight creams and at-home facial peels together. "Both retinol and salicylic acid can be dry or irritating," he tells TotalBeauty. "Using them together can lead to increased flaking or discomfort."

Buy now



BY COURTNEY LEIVA | MAR 16, 2020 | SHARES
VIEW COMMENTS
Full Site | Terms & Conditions | Privacy Policy
TotalBeauty is a property of Evolve Media Holdings, LLC. © 2024 All Rights Reserved. | Affiliate Disclosure: Evolve Media Holdings, LLC, and its owned and operated subsidiaries may receive a small commission from the proceeds of any product(s) sold through affiliate and direct partner links.