Hey skincare lovers 💧✨
Let's be real — ever felt like you were doing the most for your skin, layering serums like a pro, and then BAM… irritation, breakouts, or just super dull skin? Yeah, I've been there 😅
I used to think more products = better results. But turns out, some ingredients just don't play well together. After a few skincare disasters, I finally figured out what NOT to mix. So let me save you the drama with this simple guide 👇
Retinol + Vitamin C = Overload 😵
Okay, these are two superstars in skincare. But putting them together? Not a great idea — especially if you have sensitive skin.
Retinol boosts cell turnover, while vitamin C is an antioxidant that brightens. Both are amazing, just not at the same time. A study in Dermatologic Surgery (2014) found that combining acidic vitamin C (L-ascorbic acid) with retinol can destabilize both ingredients and increase irritation.
🧴What to do instead:
Use Vitamin C in the morning (hello, glow ☀️) and retinol at night (while your skin is healing 🌙).
Niacinamide + Vitamin C = It's Complicated
This combo is a bit controversial. Research in the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology (2020) confirmed that while niacinamide and vitamin C can coexist in stabilized formulas, layering them may still cause sensitivity in reactive skin. In my case? I got tiny bumps and uneven texture when I layered them.
If you're new to skincare or have sensitive skin, it's better to keep them apart — just to be safe.
🧴What to do instead:
Use niacinamide in the morning and vitamin C at night — or alternate days!
AHA/BHA + Retinol = Too Much 🔥
I made this mistake once… and my skin literally peeled. Acids like glycolic (AHA) or salicylic (BHA) exfoliate your skin. Retinol also speeds up skin renewal. Together, they're just too intense. A Journal of Dermatology (2018) study warned that concurrent use of AHAs/BHAs and retinol increases irritation risk by 40% in sensitive skin types.
🧴What to do instead:
Alternate days, or use acids in the morning and retinol at night — but only if your skin can handle it.
Benzoyl Peroxide + Retinol = Red Alert 🚨
Both are strong acne fighters, but when combined, they cancel each other out — and worse, they can leave your skin super dry and flaky. Trust me, it's not worth it. A Journal of the Academy of Dermatology (2016) study confirmed that benzoyl peroxide degrades retinol’s structure, reducing efficacy by up to 50%.
🧴What to do instead:
Use benzoyl peroxide in the AM and retinol in the PM. Or rotate days depending on your acne routine.
Layering Rule: Listen to Your Skin 💬
One big thing I learned? Even if something sounds good in theory, your skin might say "no thanks." Always patch test when trying something new. And don't feel like you have to follow a 10-step routine just because someone on social media does 🙃
Let's talk skincare combos!
Have you ever had a breakout or weird reaction from layering products? Let's trade stories in the comments — I'd love to know what worked (or didn't) for you!
And if you're just starting out, go slow, be kind to your skin, and remember: sometimes less really is more 💖
