Get Your Skin Care Routine In Order: How to Mix Your Products

Now, here's where it gets a little more complicated: When it comes to skin care products, what we're really after is that active ingredient — aka that one special thing that attacks our skin concerns. There's vitamin C, niacinamide and retinol to name a few.

But sometimes these products don't mix well and can cause skin sensitivity. For example vitamin C, retinol and glycolic (AHA) or salicylic (BHA) acids are all exfoliants. Using all of them together can be a little overbearing.

So the best way to use these together is to alternate! Try these tips:

• Assign yourself exfoliating days where you use your AHA or BHA products and skip your vitamin C and retinol.

• Use your vitamin C in the daytime! This frees up a space in your nighttime routine for a great anti-aging retinol or exfoliant. And since vitamin C is an antioxidant it helps protect your skin from damaging free radicals caused by UV exposure so it's the perfect way to start your day (just remember your sunblock!).

Try this: Naturium Vitamin C Super Serum Plus, $25, formulated with vitamin C, retinol, hyaluronic acid, niacinamide and salicylic acid, for a fantastic all-in-one product that takes all the guesswork out of it and just delivers results.

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