At The Klog, we frequently get requested concerning the do’s and dont’s of blending substances. In terms of robust substances like vitamin C, retinol, and acids, we normally recommend erring on the facet of warning since they are often sensitizing on their very own, not to mention collectively. Nevertheless, skincare isn’t at all times black and white. For some, like longtime customers of sure lively substances or these with particular pores and skin varieties, mixing actives can’t solely be protected however useful (we nonetheless advocate patch testing first!). Right here, a scientist at a serious magnificence firm (take a look at her Instagram account dedicated to skincare schooling right here!) discusses three varieties of vitamin C cocktails.
Vitamin C a.ok.a. L-ascorbic acid is without doubt one of the hottest skincare substances of the second and it’s not shocking! The advantages of L-ascorbic acid are loads. It’s backed by a long time of analysis and has proved to be probably the most efficient antioxidants that may shield pores and skin in opposition to free radical injury and numerous environmental stressors. The results of utilizing vitamin C on a constant foundation is a brighter, general extra radiant pores and skin tone.
Nevertheless, one main confusion amongst shoppers with reference to incorporating this ingredient into their skincare routines is what different actives they will combine it with. To clear issues up, understanding the chemistry behind vitamin C is essential.
Vitamin C + Niacinamide
Niacinamide is a base and vitamin C is an acid. So in an ideal world of chemistry, an acid and a base ought to neutralize in answer and cancel one another out proper? Not at all times! It relies on the kind of answer, the pH, temperature, and different elements.
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The fact is that niacinamide is extraordinarily steady. It takes A LOT of vitality (known as activation vitality) for it to react with something. This implies it gained’t react with vitamin C, so there isn’t any danger of neutralization. To not point out, in a beauty formulation there are numerous different substances which are at play. The probabilities of niacinamide and vitamin C interacting with one another and forming a bond that cancels one another out are fairly slim. This implies you should utilize niacinamide and vitamin C collectively with none drawback.
Every of those substances on their very own will help handle darkish spots and uneven pores and skin tone, and when used collectively, they are going to nonetheless work simply as successfully and typically even higher.
Vitamin C + Alpha and Beta Hydroxy Acids
Alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) like glycolic acid or beta hydroxy acids (BHAs) like salicylic acid can be utilized first to “prep” the pores and skin. This may be in a toner or serum kind. Since alpha and beta hydroxy acids are normally acidic, the appliance creates the proper atmosphere in your pores and skin for vitamin C.
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Naturally, the following step could be utilizing vitamin C, normally in a serum kind. Each alpha hydroxy acids and vitamin C work nicely in a low pH so the consequences of every ingredient can be additive. The truth is, research have proven that chemical exfoliation with glycolic acid or lactic acid permits for higher penetration of topical vitamin C. And utilizing each substances in the identical routine will help obtain a extra even pores and skin tone and texture.
Vitamin C + Retinol
Retinols normally work greatest in an acidic atmosphere. This implies in the event you use vitamin C, which is normally low pH and acidic, previous to utilizing retinol, retinol will work very successfully. Each assist with exfoliation and to enhance general pores and skin texture. Research have proven that utilizing a product with 5% vitamin C (just like the Klairs Freshly Juiced Vitamin C Serum) elevated elastic fibers and confirmed a extra uniform distribution of sort I collagen bundles. This works properly with retinol as a result of it additionally stimulates collagen manufacturing! Collectively, one can anticipate to see a smoother, brighter and even pores and skin texture.
Backside Line
Simply since you can combine two substances collectively doesn’t imply you must. An important factor to recollect is to make use of sufficient sunscreen and to hearken to your pores and skin. Delicate pores and skin varieties could discover that mixing two lively substances can improve pores and skin irritation. Nevertheless, oily and mixture pores and skin varieties could expertise no issues. It’s necessary to hearken to your pores and skin and to grasp that skincare is a person journey!
In case you’re new to any of the substances talked about above, click on right here to learn to safely ease them into your routine.
