In a world where we try to “hack” life, it is no surprise that a new trend in the beauty community aimed at creating unique blends of skincare ingredients is on the rise. These are known as skincare hacks or cocktailing and, much like it sounds, you simply mix together two or more premium skin care ingredients to yield a concoction that can address multiple skin concerns in one fell swoop. While the possibilities are endless, it is still highly advised to review the do’s and don’t of mixing skincare ingredients. To help you get started, we’ve outlined a few of our favorite combinations. Read on for our top tips on skincare!
Niacinamide + Retinol
Retinol is revered for its anti-aging capabilities, but it can cause frustrating skin irritation. But many women push through the (sometimes literal) pain and continue using it because it helps improve the skin’s ability to retain moisture [1]. Though it is available in a wide variety of over-the-counter products such as retinol moisturizers or night serums at varying concentrations, pairing it with niacinamide can help mitigate a majority of the unpleasant side effects as it is a soothing ingredient.
Hydration + Spot Treatments
If you have acne-prone skin, you have probably tried a spot treatment at some point in your life. While they can help even out your skin tone and banish pimples as soon as they arise, they can also cause irritation depending on your skin type. Using an acne spot treatment can have a seemingly immediate impact on the appearance of your blemishes. These products are designed using powerful acne fighting ingredients such as benzoyl peroxide or sulfur to dry out pores, leaving them clear of debris and dead skin cells. Unfortunately, this can leave you with an unsightly, although small, patch of dry skin where the product was applied. However, applying an oil-free moisturizer to your entire face before spot treatment can help give the surrounding skin a boost of hydration. Your pimples are eradicated, your healthy skin is not.
Antioxidants + SPF
Whether you have dry skin, oily skin, or a combination of the two, everyone should be layering on sunscreen if they want to maintain their skin’s natural health and glow. Wearing sunscreen, more formally known as sun protectant factor (SPF), is a crucial step in a daily skincare regimen, rain or shine and regardless of where you are. It helps protect your skin from the sun’s damaging and harmful UV rays which can result in inflammation, discoloration, and signs of premature aging. But you can amp up your sun protection by adding antioxidant ingredients to your skincare routine. Skin care products that use ingredients like vitamin C, vitamin E, or even green tea can help neutralize the effects of harmful free radicals which your skin is exposed to every day through pollution, cigarette smoke, and - you guessed it - the sun!
Peptides + Silicones
One of our favorite skincare tips is combining peptides and silicones. Skin-softening and firming peptides, help to soften and minimize the appearance of lines for flawless skin. Layer on a silicone-based primer for a blurring effect and your skin will look smoother than ever with no wrinkles in sight. Plus this duo also helps moisturize and provides a satin-like, dewy finish.
Ceramides + Omegas
The skin has a natural barrier that helps it retain moisture while protecting the deeper, more delicate layers from a variety of environmental stressors [2]. Ceramides are the lipids that naturally form this barrier, but when they are imbalanced, this protective barrier becomes compromised and ineffective resulting in dryness, itching, and inflammation. Unfortunately, ceramides begin to diminish as we age and can be further decreased when the skin is exposed to hot water, soaps, certain chemicals, and other environmental factors. Topically applying ceramide products, however, can help enhance the skin’s protective barrier and prevent further damage. Similarly, omegas aid in the defense of the barrier and supports skin function like absorption.
While these skin care tips seem simple enough, beauty hacks for skin are actually quite complex and require in-depth knowledge of ingredients to be done safely. In reality, many skincare ingredients do not react well when mixed together and could cause further damage to your skin rather than help correct your skin issues. Find out more about the benefits of combining skincare ingredients and how to do it safely.
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