Combining active substances in care

In recent years, cosmetics have grown in popularity due to constant scientific advances and innovations in the industry. We watch as manufacturers continue to improve cosmetic formulations, introducing more and more advanced formulas containing a wealth of active ingredients. Trusted influencers and positive recommendations from friends mean that we often reach for more skin care products without thinking about whether the active ingredients they contain are compatible with each other. Unfortunately, few of us realize that some of these ingredients can be mutually exclusive or weaken their effects.

In the following article, we will take a closer look at this issue. We will focus on analyzing the various ingredients that are often used in cosmetics, and explore what interactions between them can occur. Knowledge of this topic is key to understanding which combinations of substances can bring us the greatest benefits in skin care, and which we should rather avoid.

Read on to learn more about the fascinating world of active ingredients in cosmetics and how we can use this knowledge for the benefit of our skin.

Unknowingly combining several cosmetics with different compositions can lead to harmful effects on our skin and prevent the active ingredients from working to their full potential. How we combine cosmetics can have a significant impact on the effectiveness of our skin care, so it is important to gain adequate knowledge of the active ingredients and possible interactions between them. Uninformed experimentation with different products can not only bring financial loss, but also worsen the condition of the skin.

There are substances whose improper combination can lead to undesirable skin reactions, such as redness, rashes or even allergic reactions. When we unknowingly combine active ingredients in skin care, it is difficult to determine which product caused a particular skin reaction. Every skin is unique, so it is important to be cautious and use new combinations under the care of an experienced professional who knows our skin.

The reason for this is the different pH at which the various active ingredients work best. For example, acids work effectively at pH 3-4, retinol at 5-6, niacinamide at 5-7, and vitamin C at 3.5-5. Manufacturers often lack the obligation to state the pH of their products, so we must follow certain rules when combining active ingredients.

By layering two products with different pH, there is a risk that a pH will form on our skin, which will cause an intensified effect of one of the products or prevent both from working properly. To avoid such problems, it is a good idea to learn about the pH of cosmetics and adjust them accordingly.

The conclusion is that inadvertently combining different cosmetics can lead to undesirable effects and wasted skin care efforts. It is worthwhile to gain the right knowledge, consult experts and carefully select products to enjoy healthy and beautiful skin. Conscious care is the key to achieving optimal results and ensuring that active ingredients can work effectively for the benefit of our skin.

Retinol and AHA acids

If you've never used retinol before, remember that you need to develop a tolerance to this powerful ingredient. Retinol has the ability to brighten the skin and smooth its texture, but its intensity can cause the skin to become softer and thinner after a few days of regular use. Therefore, it is recommended to avoid combining retinol with AHA acids at the same time, which also have an exfoliating effect.

On the day you use retinol, you should focus only on its application, avoiding other active ingredients such as AHA acid. The combination of these two active ingredients can cause undesirable effects, such as erythema, burning, itching and a rash of small pimples that resemble an allergic reaction.

Although the combination of retinol with AHA acids is not prohibited, it is advisable to be cautious and try this combination only under the supervision of an experienced professional during a cosmetic procedure. Especially people with sensitive skin should avoid this combination in their daily skin care. Remember that each person's skin is different, so it is important to choose cosmetics and active ingredients according to your individual needs.

Retinol and ascorbic acid

Retinol and ascorbic acid are a combination that can cause unwanted effects on the skin. The pure form of vitamin C, or ascorbic acid (ASCORBIC ACID), is not a suitable companion for retinol. When ascorbic acid serums and retinol cream are used simultaneously, severe flaking of the skin and extreme dryness are common. In such a situation, derivative forms of vitamin C, such as Ascorbyl Tetraisopalmitate (Ascorbyl Tetraisopalmitate), which have a less irritating effect on the skin, would be a better option. Remember that properly selected ingredients will help avoid adverse skin reactions and allow you to enjoy the benefits of skin care.

Retinol and benzoyl peroxide

Benzoyl peroxide is an ingredient used mainly in products designed to treat acne. It has anti-inflammatory and antibacterial effects, helping to fight the Propionibacterium acnes bacteria responsible for the formation of pimples. Benzoyl peroxide is often found in gels, creams, toners and soaps for acne skin care.

Combining retinol with benzoyl peroxide is not recommended due to their mutual irritating effects. Both of these ingredients have the potential to irritate the skin, and combining them can enhance this effect, which can lead to excessive irritation, redness and dry skin. In such a situation, it's a good idea to use these ingredients separately, for example, retinol in one part of the day and benzoyl peroxide in another, to avoid adverse reactions and get optimal benefits from their use.

Retinol and essential oils

Combining retinol with essential oils can result in an over-stimulation of our immune system for several reasons.

First, essential oils contain a variety of bioactive compounds, such as aldehydes, ketones, terpenes and phenols, which have strong aromatic and therapeutic properties. These substances can act on our skin in an irritating way, especially when combined with retinol.

Secondly, retinol is an active ingredient that has the ability to stimulate collagen production and accelerate skin renewal processes. However, the skin can become more sensitive and susceptible to irritants such as essential oils when it is weakened by the action of retinol.

In combination, the effects of retinol and essential oils can potentiate each other, which can lead to excessive irritation, redness, burning, dryness and skin rash. The skin may appear more irritated and reactive, which can be uncomfortable and make it difficult to continue using these products.

It is worth remembering that everyone's skin is different, so reactions to the combination of retinol and essential oils may vary depending on individual skin predispositions. Therefore, it is always advisable to conduct a test on a small area of skin before using these ingredients in combination to ensure that they will not cause excessive reactions and are suitable for our skin.

Retinol and photosensitizing drugs

Photosensitizing drugs are substances that can cause hypersensitivity of the skin to UV radiation. These drugs contain chemical compounds that react with sunlight to cause various skin reactions. Photosensitizing drugs include some antibiotics (such as tetracyclines), drugs used for hormonal contraception (such as oral contraceptives), and herbal preparations such as herbal teas with St. John's wort.

Combining photosensitizing drugs with retinol can lead to increased skin susceptibility to sunlight. Retinol acts on the skin to make it more sensitive to UV light, and combining it with photosensitizing drugs can exacerbate this effect. This in turn can lead to excessive irritation, redness and dryness of the skin, as well as an increased risk of sunburn. Therefore, it is very important to avoid the simultaneous use of these substances and be cautious during sun exposure when using retinol and photosensitizing drugs. It is also worth remembering to use adequate sun protection to minimize the risk of adverse skin reactions.

AHA acids with ascorbic acid (vitamin C)

AHA (alpha hydroxy acid) acids are a group of organic acids, such as glycolic, lactic, citric and malic acids, which have an exfoliating effect on the skin. AHA acids work by dissolving the bonds between dead skin cells, which leads to the exfoliation of keratinized epidermis. This makes the skin smoother, more radiant and cleansed of dead cells.

Ascorbic acid, known as pure vitamin C, is a powerful antioxidant with skin brightening and tone-enhancing abilities. It is an effective anti-aging ingredient that promotes collagen production, wrinkle reduction and hyperpigmentation. Ascorbic acid also works at the skin's surface level to protect the skin from harmful free radicals and UV radiation.

AHAs and ascorbic acid work best at low pH. Combining these two ingredients on the skin can lead to a lower pH, which exacerbates skin irritation. Both of these ingredients can be irritating, especially on sensitive skin. Using them simultaneously can increase the risk of skin reactions such as redness, burning and dryness. Therefore, it is recommended to avoid combining AHA acids with ascorbic acid to avoid unwanted effects and maintain healthy-looking skin.

Peptides with AHA acids

Peptides are small chains of amino acids that are the basic building blocks of proteins in our skin. Peptides play a key role in the skin's repair and rebuilding processes, supporting the production of collagen and elastin. They act as antioxidants, helping to protect the skin from free radical damage. Peptides also have the ability to improve skin elasticity and firmness, so they are often used in anti-aging products designed to reduce the appearance of wrinkles and lines.

It is not recommended to combine peptides with AHA acids due to their action at acidic pH. Acidic pH can alter the structural makeup of peptides, which can lower their effectiveness and reduce their benefits. In addition, peptides are ingredients in cosmetics, which are often more costly. By applying them to a product with AHA acids, there is a risk that the expensive cosmetic will not work to its full potential, as the peptides will be weakened by the action of the acids. Therefore, it is important to avoid this combination and use the peptides separately to maximize their beneficial properties and achieve the best skin care results.

Niacinamide 

Niacinamide, also known as vitamin B3, is a versatile ingredient used in cosmetics that has many benefits for the skin. It is effective in reducing hyperpigmentation, regulating sebum production and smoothing skin texture. Niacinamide also has an anti-inflammatory effect, which helps soothe skin irritation and redness. It is a popular ingredient in anti-acne and anti-aging products for its skin-regenerating and smoothing properties.

It is not recommended to combine niacinamide with AHAs (alpha hydroxy acids) and pure vitamin C (ascorbic acid) due to their low pH action. Niacinamide works best at neutral or slightly alkaline pH, while AHA acid and pure vitamin C work effectively at acidic pH. Combining these ingredients can cause niacinamide to lose its effect or be weakened by the acidic pH of the other ingredients. Therefore, it is important to avoid using these substances at the same time and choose products that are formulated in such a way that each ingredient works at the correct pH to achieve optimal skin care results.

Peptides and vitamin C

Peptides and vitamin C are effective ingredients in skin care, but it is worth understanding how their combination can affect their effectiveness. The pure form of vitamin C, ascorbic acid, is a powerful antioxidant and helps brighten skin and reduce signs of aging. However, when high concentrations of vitamin C are used, especially at an acidic pH, the structure and effectiveness of the peptides can be affected.

Peptides, as small chains of amino acids, are key building blocks of skin proteins, promoting the production of collagen and elastin. Their action counteracts the formation of wrinkles and improves skin elasticity. Unfortunately, in an acidic pH, which is required for the stability and effectiveness of vitamin C, peptides can lose their regenerative properties.

So it's worth applying peptides and vitamin C at different times of the day, or using products in which these ingredients are properly adjusted to different pH levels. In this way, we will ensure maximum benefit from their action, without weakening the effectiveness of either ingredient. Let's remember to choose cosmetics individually and follow the manufacturer's recommendations to enjoy healthy and radiant skin, taking advantage of the potential of peptides and vitamin C.

Hyaluronic acid with oils

Combining hyaluronic acid with oils can be beneficial to the skin, but requires following the correct order of application. Hyaluronic acid will not penetrate oily skin, so always apply a serum with hyaluronic acid before oil products. This will allow the hyaluronic acid to be absorbed as much as possible and benefit from its moisturizing properties.

The same goes for the makeup removal process. If you plan to use a hyaluronic acid serum on any given day, it is recommended to perform makeup removal with oil-free products. This will allow the hyaluronic acid to penetrate properly and ensure its moisturizing effect on the skin.

Ultimately, the combination of hyaluronic acid and oils is safe for the skin, provided that the correct order of application is followed. Such a treatment allows for optimal benefits from both ingredients and ensures that the skin is properly moisturized and cared for.

To offset mistakes in combining skin care products, it is worth consulting a cosmetologist who knows our skin and which ingredients are best suited to our needs. If we choose products on our own, we start by getting to know each active ingredient separately for a few days. Then, we use one substance on one day and the other ingredient on another day, or we use substance A in the morning and B in the evening. We avoid applying two ingredients that are mutually exclusive.

There are combinations that are completely forbidden, because one ingredient excludes the effect of the other. There are also combinations that can be dangerous because they intensify each other's effects, leading to irritation. However, they are not forbidden and can give positive therapeutic effects. In this case, we need to know our skin well.

In conclusion, to avoid mistakes in combining skin care products, it is advisable to consult a professional or carefully study the effects of each ingredient. By choosing products appropriately, we will get skin care benefits without unwanted effects.