What Skincare Ingredients Counteract Each Other?
Retinol, L-Ascorbic Acid, Resveratrol, Glycolic… The list of ingredients that we are told are good for our skin is never ending. Of course, separately each ingredient has its own benefits, but what we don’t often hear is what happens when we bring these ingredients together. Are there any ingredients that we shouldn’t be using together?
Vitamin C and Benzoyl Peroxide
Benzoyl Peroxide, used in lots of strong acne treatments, is an oxidizing agent that kills spot-causing bacteria on the skin surface. Vitamin C, on the other hand, loses its potency once it is oxidized, which is why you will often find it in light and air tight packaging. Using them together can mean you’re not getting the full effectiveness of each product.
Salicylic Acid and Glycolic Acid
Or any other exfoliating, acid based products for that matter. Salicylic Acid is often used by those with oily and acne-prone skins to unclog pores, while Glycolic Acid is popular in anti-ageing regimes for its resurfacing properties.
It seems the world has gone crazy for exfoliation, but the over use of both chemical and physical exfoliators can actually have a negative effect on the skin. Over exfoliation damages the skin’s acid mantle and causes skin to become hypersensitive. It can also cause skin to react in a rash-like manner, becoming red, very dry, flakey and irritated. Limit exfoliation and only ever use one of these acids at a time.
Vitamin C and Copper Peptides
As I’m sure you’re aware, vitamin C has a whole host of benefits, including antioxidant protection, skin brightening and stimulating collagen production. Copper Peptides, although not as well known, also have anti-ageing properties. They encourage the production of collagen and elastin, as well as assisting in wound healing. So, you’d think that together they would create a great anti-ageing cocktail. Well, not quite. Vitamin C can easily become unstable and when layered with Copper Peptides, it is left almost useless. Use one in a morning and the other on an evening to get the full benefit.
When it comes to skincare, the most important thing to do is to listen to your skin; just because skin is tingling, red or peeling, it doesn’t necessarily mean it’s working. Know your skin and what it can tolerate.
To get some help putting together a routine of products that will work synergistically to help your skin, speak to one of our skincare experts on 0113 282 7744.
