The Perfect Pair: Pairing Active Ingredients in Skincare

Medical Grade Skin Care, Skin Care Services, Wellness
8 Min Read

At SKN BAR RX, we want to help our clients get the most out of their home skincare products and realize the benefits from a daily routine. Below, we have compiled a list of active ingredients that pair well together to achieve glowing skin, as well as ingredients that you should avoid in tandem to avoid irritation.

Not all active ingredients pair well together, and the wrong combination of these ingredients can lead to over-exfoliated, dry skin, or even completely diminish the benefits of these ingredients. With so many skincare products available on the market, it’s just as easy to create a daily routine that helps realize a goal as well as one that works against even the most noble of aspirations. A collection of products might sound like a dream to those who are passionate about skincare, and it may be tempting to want to use all of these products simultaneously to maximize the benefits, but doing so can reduce the effectiveness of an individual product ingredient and even damage the skin.

What are Active Ingredients?

Active ingredients in skincare products are the ingredients used to target and treat a specific problem with our skin. Common issues might include acne, discoloration, fine lines and wrinkles, or dehydration. We can maximize the benefits of our skincare routine by identifying the ingredients needed treat these common issues and incorporate them into our routines, whether it’s daily or regularly.

Common active ingredients breakdown:

Retinol (Vitamin A) is a powerful type of retinoid derived from vitamin A that reduces the effects of aging, treats acne, and targets pigmentation or discoloration on areas of the skin. Retinol is a photosensitive ingredient, and when exposed to the UV light of the sun it can be rendered useless. It is recommended to use retinol during your evening skincare routine. If your morning routine products include retinol, sunscreen will be necessary to protect your skin from the harmful effects that can occur. Retinol is a reactive ingredient, so proceed with caution when pairing it with other active ingredients as it can easily cause irritation.
Niacinamide (Vitamin B3) is a skincare powerhouse that helps repair damaged cells and promote healthier skincare growth. This anti-inflammatory ingredient helps calm & hydrate the skin as well as prevents premature aging. Niacinamide is non-reactive and generally safe to use with other active skincare ingredients.
Vitamin C is an antioxidant that protects the skin from free radical damage; it also evens skin tone and promotes collagen production. Use it in the morning for skin tightening and brightening. This active ingredient pairs well with Vitamin E and ferulic acid but should not be used with retinols or products that contain benzoyl peroxide.
Vitamin E is an antioxidant used to soften the skin and protect its natural moisture barrier. Vitamin E pairs well with other antioxidants.
Beta Hydroxy Acids (BHAs) are chemical skin exfoliants that act as an anti-inflammatory and are commonly used to treat acne and unclog pores. They help get deeper into the pores to remove dead excess dead skin cells and sebum, whose accumulation leads to whiteheads and blackheads. Salicylic acid is a popular type of BHA.
Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHAs) are skin exfoliants used to treat pigmentation, enlarged pores, fine lines and wrinkles and uneven skin tone. AHAs and BHAs are reactive; they can cause irritation when paired with other active ingredients. Because of the effects of the chemical peels which reveal new skin underneath, you will always need to use SPF as your skin will be highly sensitive afterwards.
Benzoyl Peroxide is a medication commonly found in acne fighting products but can often dry the skin and cause it to peel.
Ceramides are a collection of waxy or fatty lipids that are naturally found in the skin. They leave the skin hydrated and help prevent skin damage by binding skin cells together.
Peptides are short chains of amino acids that act as building blocks for proteins like collagen, elastin and keratin. They are used to smooth fine lines, add firmness to the skin, and soothe irritation as well as redness. Peptides can be combined with many other actives very easily without harmful effects.
Hyaluronic Acid is a natural substance found in the joints and eyes that is used to hydrate the skin, treat redness, and fine lines by increasing the skin’s elasticity.

PAIRINGS FOR YOUR SPECIFIC SKINCARE NEEDS

Salicylic Acid & Niacinamide | ACNE FIGHTING If you have ever struggled with acne, chances are that you have gravitated towards products that contain salicylic acid. It is highly effective at fighting acne-causing bacteria by breaking down excess oil and sebum, but it can often leave the skin feeling dry and irritated, especially with its continual use. A powerful way to treat acne and promote healthy, glowing skin is by combining niacinamide with your salicylic acid product. While salicylic acid will help treat the acne, the niacinamide helps to repair damage. It’s a win-win for you and your skin!
Vitamin C & Vitamin E | PROTECT Both of these antioxidants help protect against free radical damage, but when used in combination with each other, they are an antioxidant powerhouse. These can be used together in your morning routine to significantly help block damage from the sun’s UVA/UVB rays throughout the day and to add a brightening glow to your skin! A match made in heaven for those who always want healthy, glowing skin.
Retinols & Peptides | ANTI-AGING This pair of ingredients complement each other beautifully to help fight the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Retinols are used to restore cell turnover while peptides are used to boost collagen as well as hyaluronic acid production, which helps with the skin’s hydration. Retinols and peptides are both high potency ingredients, so it is suggested to slowly add this combination of products to your skin. You can either use these together during your nighttime routine or use your peptides in the morning and incorporate retinol at night

MEET US AT THE BAR!

We hope that this information helps guide you in the exploration of new products and the various ways in which to incorporate them into your skincare routine. If you find that navigating the nuances of active ingredients or skincare products in general is intimidating, please know that our team of skincare professionals at SKN BAR RX are here to guide and educate via complimentary consultations. Schedule your consultation today and take steps towards realizing the skin you want with the services and at-home skin routine that are perfect for you.

At SKN BAR Rx, our certified estheticians and nurses are highly trained and experienced, offering you safest and most effective skincare treatments and products. To learn more about how to incorporate active ingredients that are scientifically studied and effective, and how to safely use them in conjunction to meet your specific SKN goals, book your complimentary consultation today.