Using several strong and effective ingredients on the skin at the same time may lead to annoying side effects

SadaNews - Skincare products work to meet the skin's demands and improve its condition, but it's essential to be aware that some ingredients in these products cannot be mixed with each other, including two components that dermatologists emphasize should not be used simultaneously. Learn about them below.

It is commonly believed that using several cosmetic ingredients together yields better results for the skin, but this belief can be incorrect in some cases, as dermatologists indicate that combining several effective ingredients might pose a risk to the skin. Furthermore, using multiple strong and effective ingredients at the same time can lead to annoying side effects such as redness, dryness, and skin sensitivity. One specific combination in this regard raises concerns among experts: the mixture of retinol and alpha hydroxy acids, also known as fruit acids.

Two components that do not coexist

Retinol is considered a commonly used effective ingredient due to its numerous benefits in combating aging, eliminating impurities, and improving skin texture. It can enhance cell turnover, but it may also cause irritation and disrupt the function of the skin barrier, which serves as the first line of defense against the external environment.

Alpha hydroxy acids, including glycolic acid, lactic acid, and mandelic acid, weaken the links between keratinocytes that form the skin barrier, leading to their shedding and the appearance of smoother skin. These products are often used at concentrations higher than 10 percent and can cause damage to the skin surface if misused. But why do experts recommend against using retinol and alpha hydroxy acids together, despite the numerous benefits of these ingredients for the skin? The answer lies in the fact that the combination of these two substances can have a negative impact on the skin surface and cause dryness and irritation.

How to use them

Dermatologists agree that retinoids are the most effective in treating many skin issues, but products containing these ingredients should be used in the evening as they lose their effectiveness when exposed to sunlight. They should also be gradually incorporated into the skincare routine to ensure that the skin can tolerate them. Experts do not exclude the possibility of using alpha hydroxy acids on the skin either, but they warn against using them simultaneously with retinol. They recommend using retinol for four or five nights only and using fruit acids on the remaining nights of the week. If you notice any signs of dryness, peeling, or discomfort on the skin, you should stop using these ingredients immediately until the skin recovers.

Other mixtures to avoid

Among the ingredients that experts advise against mixing, we also mention:

• Vitamin C and acids:

Vitamin C is noted for its effectiveness in treating dark spots and dull skin. It is ideal for restoring skin radiance, but be careful not to mix it with other potent ingredients such as alpha hydroxy acids or salicylic acid to avoid skin irritation. Vitamin C can be used in conjunction with retinol, as these two ingredients form an ideal combination for combating aging.

• Exfoliating products and dark spot treatment serums:

It's essential to avoid using exfoliating lotions or products containing granules alongside dark spot treatment serums, as both work to remove dead skin cells. Using them together may lead to skin irritation and increased dryness.

• Retinol and acne treatment creams:

Retinol penetrates deeply into the skin and works to unify and eliminate its impurities, while acne treatments operate on the same principle. They remove dead cells and prevent the appearance of blemishes; however, their simultaneous use can lead to increased skin dryness and cause irritation and redness.