Serums are winning hearts in the skincare world. These ultra-light skincare formulations are made for the targeted delivery of active ingredients such as Vitamin C, Niacinamide, Retinol, etc. Serums are also easy to use as they come in mini easy to handle bottles. However, these mini skincare formulations can get difficult to layer if you do not know much about active ingredients. If you are someone curious about layering different active ingredients together, we will help you figure it out!
Why is Correct Serum Layering Important?
Skincare experts claim that if you do not apply active ingredients in the correct order, they may become ineffective. Further, some active ingredients like Retinol are highly reactive, and using another serum with it can be harmful to your skin.
People are not aware of these small scientific details and end up buying face serums that can cost them in the long term. Let’s take a look at which serums can be paired and which should be avoided.
1. Best Face Serum Pairing
Some active ingredients go very well with each other, and using them together can give you more effective skin care. Let's take a look at some of the right serum pairings.
- Hyaluronic Acid + Retinol
This combination is perfect for anti-aging. Hyaluronic acid increases skin hydration to make your skin plumper, while retinoids are known for the treatment of skin aging. Both these go well together and can give your skin a youthful glow when used in optimal quantities.
- Vitamin C + Hyaluronic Acid
Vitamin C is known for delivering skin brightening, while hyaluronic acid is a hydration-boosting Ingredient. Together, these ingredients can help you get clearer, softer, and glowing skin if used properly over a sustained period.
- Retinol and Niacinamide
Also known as Vitamin b3, niacinamide soothes sensitive, irritated skin and is known to work against premature skin aging. In combination with retinol, it can fade away your wrinkles and fine lines to give you younger-looking skin.
- Vitamin C and Niacinamide
Vitamin C and niacinamide work together to heal your skin barrier and brighten up dull-looking skin. Known for its dark spot reduction property, Vitamin C can give you clearer skin, while niacinamide can soothe irritated skin to heal your skin barrier.
2. Wrong Serum Pairings
The below-mentioned serum pairings are not wrong, but they should not be used together since they cause allergic reactions when different molecules present in these formulations interact with each other. However, you can use these serums at different times (for example, AM-PM).
- Vitamin C and Salicylic Acid
Salicylic acid is the most common beta-hydroxy acid and is famous in anti-acne treatments. Vitamin C, on the other hand, can treat your blemishes and fade acne scars. They are the perfect anti-acne combo. However, you cannot use them together at the same time!
Both of them, if used together, can have a drying effect on your skin. Acne-prone skin can get more irritated due to dryness. It is better to use them separately, during the day or night, or use them on different days.
- Vitamin C and Retinol
Vitamin C is an antioxidant. You can apply it during the day to save your skin from the harmful effects of pollution and UV rays. Retinol is an anti-aging solution that works best when used during the night since it supports skin healing and collagen formation.
Your skin requires lower pH to absorb Vitamin C while it requires a higher pH to absorb Retinol. When both of these are used together, they render each other ineffective since one acts on acidic pH, and the other works on alkaline pH.
- Retinol and Acids (AHAs, LHA, etc.)
Make sure not to use retinoids with acids on the same day. You can use them in your skincare routine on different days. Using them together increases the sensitivity of the skin and also causes skin irritation.
Tips to Use Face Serums
Consider layering serums that have similar pH values. Do not layer active ingredients that have totally different pH values as they will cancel the effect of each other and become ineffective.
If you want to use 2 active ingredients that are not compatible with each other (have different pH values), use them on alternate days or at different times (AM-PM).
Damp skin is most effective for using serums like hyaluronic acid, while dry skin is suitable for retinol serums.
Do not apply serums on wounded skin as active ingredients can make your skin more irritated.
To Sum It Up
Since serums are meant for targeted delivery, it is essential that you layer different serums properly for maximum benefit. Feed your skin with the correct nutritive serum to get a natural glow.
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