Which product do I use first?
When it comes to layering your skin care products, a quick and easy rule to follow is to go from light to heavy — or from watery to creamy.
First step is obviously to wash your face. After that, go with the rule above and you're probably going to get it right.
But here's a quick reference to get you started:
• Toner
• Exfoliator
• Essence
• Serums
• Eye cream
• Moisturizer
• Sunscreen (day time only)
Image via @naturiumskin
Which products shouldn't I use together?
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.
Which products should I use together?
Easy! niacinamide and everything else. Niacinamide is that holy grail ingredient that does it all: It helps reduce the look of enlarged pores, refines the appearance of uneven skin texture, helps balance excess oil, reduces redness, reduces the appearance of fine line and wrinkles, brightens... and so on and so forth.
Pair your niacinamide serum with these products to give them an extra boost:
Niacinamide and Vitamin C: Using these two ingredients together can lead to numerous skin benefits. The anti-aging capabilities of niacinamide mixed with the antioxidant properties of vitamin C addresses uneven skin tone, wrinkles, loss of firmness, and dullness all for radiant and noticeably younger-looking skin.
Niacinamide and Retinol: Retinol can be a tough ingredient for certain skin types — often leading to irritation and skin sensitivity. Retinol is the only proven anti-aging ingredient, so it's kind of worth it. But niacinamide can actually prevent potential skin issues that can come from retinol. How? Niacinamide on its own works to strengthen the skin barrier, thus making it more stronger against potential irritants.
Try this: Naturium Niacinamide Serum 12% Plus Zinc 2%, $16, for a fantastically-formulated niacinamide product that also has ingredients like hyaluronic acid and vitamin E.
